Carbohydrates and Pancreatitis in Dogs: Is It Really About the Fat or Something Deeper?

Pancreatitis in dogs is commonly blamed on high-fat food, however some experts suggest that diets high in processed carbohydrates may also predispose some dogs to pancreatic inflammation.

So which is it? Do fats or carbohydrates trigger pancreatitis, or do carbohydrates just set the stage for it?

We have discussed the mechanism of how fat in the diet can trigger pancreatitis.

Let’s explore the other side, and the physiological mechanisms behind this idea.

Do Carbohydrates Trigger Pancreatitis? The Theory Explained

Some animal nutritionists argue that chronic high-carbohydrate feeding may burden the pancreas more than most people realise.

Here’s why this argument exists:

Lets look at the Link Between Carbohydrates and Pancreatitis in Dogs

1. Carbohydrates increase insulin demand

When a dog eats carbohydrates, especially highly processed ones like kibble, blood glucose rises.

That spike triggers the pancreas to release insulin.

Chronic high-carb feeding → chronic insulin release → pancreatic stress.

For dogs with:

• metabolic syndrome

• insulin resistance

• obesity

• early diabetes

• low-grade pancreatic inflammation

This increased insulin demand may contribute to pancreatic fatigue and inflammation.

Kibble is typically high in processed carbohydrates, which can create metabolic stress for dogs prone to pancreatitis.

2. High-carb diets stimulate amylase production

Carbohydrates require amylase for digestion. Yes dogs do produce amalase. however they naturally produce far less amylase than omnivores or humans. Their ancestral diet was extremely low in starch.

When the diet is heavily starch-based (like most kibble diets), the pancreas must produce more amylase to compensate.

Over time, this extra workload may contribute to pancreatic strain, especially in sensitive dogs.

3. Processed carbohydrates cause sharp post-prandial spikes

Not all carbohydrates are equal. Whole foods behave differently to ultra-processed, extruded kibble.

Extruded kibble starches are:

• rapidly digested

• highly glycaemic

• low in natural fibre

• prone to rapid blood glucose spikes

This leads to:

• rapid insulin release

• increased digestive enzyme demand

• increased oxidative stress

• low-grade pancreatic stimulation

In a dog with a borderline or subclinical pancreatic weakness, this may tip them into inflammatory territory.

4. High carbohydrate intake promotes hyperlipidaemia

This part often surprises people.

High carbohydrate intake, especially from processed starch can increase blood triglycerides, because excess glucose is converted into fat (via lipogenesis- fat production in the liver).

So although fat gets the blame

High carbohydrates can also raise fat levels in the bloodstream, and elevated triglycerides are a well-documented risk factor for pancreatitis.

This is particularly relevant in:

• overweight dogs

• Schnauzers with genetic hyperlipidaemia

• insulin-resistant dogs

• dogs on high-starch kibble diets

So does this mean carbs cause pancreatitis?

Not directly. Not in the same acute way that eating bacon fat can.

Carbohydrates create metabolic conditions that make the pancreas more vulnerable,while Fats create the acute trigger that sets off the inflammatory cascade.

Think of it this way:

• Carbohydrates = long-term metabolic load

• Fats = the acute tipping point

The most realistic model?

Pancreatitis results from a combination of factors, including:

• overall diet composition

• nutrient balance

• metabolic health

• obesity

• endocrine disease

• genetic predisposition

• inflammatory load

• the “trigger meal”

It’s almost never just one thing.

Yorkshire Terriers are one of the breeds more prone to pancreatitis and sometimes react strongly to carbohydrate-heavy or highly processed diets.

So what does an ideal pancreatitis-prevention diet actually look like?

It depends on the dog, their history, metabolism, body condition, and triggers.

However, for most dogs prone to pancreatitis, the safest nutritional middle-ground is:

Moderate, not excessive, carbohydrates

Focusing on:

• pumpkin

• sweet potato

• rolled oats

• quinoa

• vegetables

Avoiding ultra-processed starches

Especially bakery-style treats, highly extruded kibble, and high-glycaemic ingredients.

Low to moderate fat

To avoid enzyme surges.

Lean, digestible proteins

Chicken breast, turkey, white fish, kangaroo.

Small, frequent meals

To avoid CCK-triggered pancreatic overstimulation.

Antioxidant + liver support

To modulate inflammation and oxidative stress.

Balanced nutrients (NRC compliant)

Because deficiencies like choline, selenium, B-vitamins affect fat metabolism and pancreatic resilience.

The Bottom Line: It’s Not “Fat vs Carbs” It’s Metabolic Load coupled with Acute Triggers

Some pancreatitis-prone dogs flare after fatty foods.

Some flare on high-starch kibble diets.

Some flare when both combine.

The emerging consensus is:

Carbohydrates can increase underlying metabolic vulnerability,and Fatty foods act as the acute trigger.

Both matter. Both should be considered. And every dog needs an individualised approach.

Need help designing a safe diet for a pancreatitis-prone dog?

I create NRC-balanced, low-fat, gentle-on-the-pancreas meal plans tailored to your dog’s health history, preferences, and metabolic needs without relying on extremes or deprivation. I can also create a holistic protocol to address your dogs specific needs and sensitivities.

Book a naturopathic consultation here.

Give your dog a pat from me

Kerrie