Beyond Fat: Exploring the Many Possible Causes of Pancreatitis in Dogs

Most dog owners have heard that pancreatitis is linked to fatty foods, the bacon scrap, the roast lamb fat, the hot chip stolen off a plate. And yes, dietary fat is one of the best-established triggers of pancreatic inflammation.

But it’s not the whole story.

In holistic pet care we’re learning more and more that pancreatitis is multifactorial. Meaning several pathways can lead to the same inflammatory outcome.

Some causes are well-documented.

Others are emerging theories supported by physiology and clinical observation, and a few are still debated but worth understanding, especially for dogs with recurrent, unexplained, or idiopathic pancreatitis.

Let’s explore them.

1. The Classic Trigger: High-Fat Foods

High fat intake is the most widely supported cause.

Fat entering the small intestine triggers a strong hormonal response (cholecystokinin, CCK), which stimulates the pancreas to release large amounts of digestive enzymes. In sensitive dogs, this can lead to premature enzyme activation inside the pancreas, resulting in inflammation, pain, and autodigestion.

But fats are only one piece of a much bigger puzzle.

Dietary fats are one of the most widely known triggers for pancreatitis flare ups

2. Carbohydrate Overload: The Metabolic Theory

High-carbohydrate diets, particularly processed kibble heavy in starch may increase pancreatic vulnerability.

Possible mechanisms:

• High carb intake → increased insulin demand → pancreatic strain

• Processed starch → blood sugar spikes → oxidative stress

• Excess glucose converted into triglycerides → hyperlipidaemia, a known pancreatitis risk

• Dogs produce limited amylase, so high-starch diets require more pancreatic enzyme output

Carbs alone don’t “cause” pancreatitis, but they can create the metabolic environment that makes a dog more susceptible.

3. Parasites: An Overlooked Contributor

Certain parasites can irritate or obstruct the bile and pancreatic ducts, triggering inflammation.

Examples include:

• Roundworm (Toxocara canis)

• Tapeworm hydatid cysts (rare but serious)

• Strongyloides

• Spirocerca

• Liver flukes (in specific regions)

These parasites can:

• block the pancreatic ducts

• migrate through nearby tissues

• cause systemic inflammation

Dogs with unexplained recurring pancreatitis, especially those who scavenge, hunt, or eat raw prey should always have parasite testing included in their assessment.

4. Genetic & Breed Sensitivities

Some breeds have well-documented predispositions:

• Miniature Schnauzers → hyperlipidaemia

• Yorkshire Terriers → endocrine-related pancreatitis

• Cocker Spaniels → immune-mediated conditions

But emerging research suggests subtle genetic differences in:

• trypsin activation

• trypsin inhibitor expression

• autophagy pathways

• acinar cell resilience

These underlying susceptibilities may explain why some dogs flare from a single sausage, while others eat questionable things daily with no issue.

Cocker spaniels have a genetic predisposition to pancreatitis.

5. Gut Dysbiosis & “Leaky Gut” Theory

This is one of the most discussed emerging theories. In the Naturopathic world we have been going on about leaky gut for decades. The conventional world, and current research has caught up, with an increase of understanding and research into this process. Gut first aid is one of the first line defences we take when they start to show symptoms.

Chronic gut inflammation can:

• increase intestinal permeability (leaky gut)

• allow endotoxins (like LPS) into circulation

• drive systemic inflammation

• irritate the duodenum → the area surrounding the pancreatic and bile ducts

This inflammatory load may prime the pancreas for injury, making it more reactive to dietary or metabolic triggers.

Signs of gut dysbiosis can include:

• intermittent diarrhoea

• gurgly tummy

• food sensitivities

• stool inconsistency

• chronic skin flare-ups

6. Oxidative Stress & Low Antioxidant Status

The pancreas is highly sensitive to oxidative damage.

Dogs with:

• chronic inflammation

• toxin exposure

• poor diets

• low vitamin E or selenium

• high polyunsaturated fatty Acid (PUFA) intake

• metabolic disease

• Medication use

  
  

These dogs may have reduced antioxidant reserves.

Oxidative stress can damage the acinar cells, disrupt digestive enzyme storage, and promote premature enzyme activation, all of which contribute to pancreatitis risk.

This theory is well-supported in human pancreatic research and aligns strongly with what we see clinically in dogs.

7. Duct Obstruction or Inflammation Around the Duodenum

Pancreatic flares can be triggered when:

• the pancreatic duct becomes inflamed

• the sphincter of Oddi spasms

• the small intestine wall around the duct becomes swollen

• inflammatory bowel disease is present

• foreign bodies irritate local tissues

Even without a physical stone (dogs rarely form gallstones), functional obstruction can occur.

This mechanism is recognised in human medicine and likely under-diagnosed in dogs.

8. Medications & Toxins

Several Medications are known or suspected to contribute to pancreatitis:

Well-supported:

• Potassium bromide

• Azathioprine

• L-asparaginase

• Certain chemotherapy drugs

Suspected:

• Corticosteroids

• Phenobarbital

• Tetracyclines

• Doxycycline

• Opioids (by raising sphincter of Oddi pressure)

Toxins such as organophosphates, and certain moulds may also impact pancreatic tissue.

9. Low Digestibility Diets & High Protein Meals

Another theory suggests that high-protein but poorly digestible diets may stimulate excessive pancreatic enzyme secretion.

This may occur when feeding:

• raw meats with a lot of connective tissue (common in low quality and very fibrous cuts. Most meats that traditionally are used in stews, or long slow, moist cooking.

• heavily dehydrated meats

• meals with inadequate moisture

• “all protein, no fibre” feeding styles

Again, not a sole cause, but a potential contributing load.

Whale eye, or showing the whites of their eye can be a stress sign

10. Stress & Cortisol Dysregulation

Chronic stress raises:

• cortisol

• triglycerides

• inflammatory cytokines

• insulin resistance

All of which can increase the metabolic pressure placed on the pancreas.

Anxious dogs, especially those with gut issues are often more prone to “mysterious” digestive flares, and this may be part of the reason.

Why Understanding All These Theories Matters

Pancreatitis isn’t always as simple as:

“They ate something fatty.”

Many dogs with recurrent pancreatitis have:

• a gut health vulnerability

• a metabolic vulnerability

• a genetic sensitivity

• an inflammatory environment

• or a combination of subtle factors

Exploring these lesser-known causes allows us to:

• reduce recurrence

• create more personalised nutrition plans

• support the whole dog

• reduce inflammation at its roots

This is where a naturopathic, holistic approach truly shines.

With pancreatitis, the right plan can change everything. I design personalised, NRC-balanced diet plans and naturopathic protocols that address inflammation, gut health, metabolic vulnerabilities, and long-term prevention. Incorporating all potential triggers for your individual dog.

If your dog needs a plan built specifically for them, let’s work together.

Click here to book your individualised consultation.

Give your dog a pat for me

Kerrie