Cats suffering for irritable bowel disease are often prescribed a special diet by their veterinarian. Because the new diet is a change from their normal eating habits, many cats resist eating for a period of time. Here at Dr Carol’s Pets, we recommendation a healthy diet that is also appetizing for cats with IBD.

We use a home-made diet that consists of equal parts of lean protein, long-acting carbohydrates, and vegetables. Foods such as chicken breast, lamb, salmon, veal, turkey, and duck are all great sources of proteins that cats typically love. Long acting carbohydrate choices for cats with irritable bowel disease include potatoes (such as sweet potatoes), rice, pasta, and oatmeal. Broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, peas, and carrots are great vegetable choices, but any vegetable that your cat enjoys can be included.

After cooking the chosen ingredients, mix together and add about ½ teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil. The oil serves to enhance the smell and taste of the meal while also being a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. Next, flavor the food according to your pet’s palate! If your finicky feline adores barbecue sauce, pasta sauce, or tamari sauce, by all means, indulge him! Flavor the food so that your cat will enjoy his new diet!

With irritable bowel disease, feeding smaller portions more often seems to work best in our practice. Smaller meals are easier for the body to digest. Also, if you wait to season each portion with sauce before feeding, you will know right away if your finicky eater prefers one sauce over another and there will be less chance that he will refuse his meal.

Holistic veterinarian and pet health researcher,  Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM., is available for pet health questions and pet health consultations for dogs and/ or cats.
Contact Dr. Carol’s veterinary office toll free at 1-866-372-2765 to make an appointment for your dog and/or cat today.

Pancreatitis is severe inflammation of the pancreas that often occurs due to eating too much rich, fatty food or getting into the garbage. Minature Schnauzers and obese dogs have the highest incidence of this disease. Dogs allowed to sample the feast at holiday celebrations often end up with indigestion and pancreatitis. With repeated episodes of inflammation, the pancreas loses its ability to function properly which can lead to diabetes.

SIGNS of Pancreatitis
* Vomiting.
* Diarrhea.
* Abdominal pain.
* Depression and lethargy.

WHAT YOU AND YOUR VET CAN DO
* Diagnosis is based on history, signs, and blood work if necessary. Treatment is geared to allow the intestinal tract to rest by withholding all food and water for up to 24 hours. Fluids may be given under the skin (subcutaneously), or in cases with vomiting fluids are replaced intravenously. Most dogs and cats respond to treatment and in a few days are gradually put back onto food, starting with a bland diet given in small portions several times daily.
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