EPI question, anyone feed raw pankreas? - Page 1

 Hi Calvin,

You can use either beef or pork, but you want to be sure your butcher knows what the pancreas is, and has an adequate supply and has a healthy supply. I have never been able to find a consistent or healthy supply, even from butcher shops in my area. In fact, normally, they did not even know what it was!

Usually one starts with about 1/4 lb of tissue per meal. It should be fresh for best results.

I have a dog here that I must give enzymes too as well and I use the Butler product, the PancreaticPlus powder. It works very well. Tablets are normally not as effective simply because of the form. I get it at cost, but it is still expensive. The human supplements found in health food stores are also the same and sometimes are cheaper, but you have to experiment a bit with the right amount and when I have time to do so, I may try that. There is also a listserve devoted to EPI and last I knew, someone was buying supplement in bulk and re-selling. I don't know if that is true or still happening.

I am always surprised that by now the costs have not come down as this can be done by recombinant DNA work. Of course, if you have a sympathetic vet that does not double the cost of the replacement, that too helps. Finally, and I am sure we have already discussed this, the diet you feed is VERY important. Low fat is the main thing to remember. I don't do raw for a variety of reasons, so I look for very low fat content in kibble. Then one must find out what the dog needs in terms of fiber content. I have some friends who have tried raw for this condition without much better results and just found it more convenient to stay with an appropriate kibble. You might have better luck. I also give the dog here a metronidazole with each meal, lowest possible dose, and that helps a lot too.

Good luck and feel free to email me privately if I can provide more help.

Sharyn