reasonably priced low fat dog food

Question
We have two Bishons both on a low fat diet.  They both have been hospitalized Bishons pancreatic issues. The vet suggested we put them on Hills Prescription Diet.  We did so and have not have had any other problems.  The problem is that it is very expensive and we can hardly afford it.  I just purchased 4 12 can cases for just under $100.  Do you have any suggestions as to something else we can use?  We are not adverse to cooking our own. Thanks, chuck

Answer
Hello Chuck!
I know about pancreatic issues and having to feed low fat. There are home-cooked diets out there that are very low fat and of course this is the main issue with pancreatitis. Stick with the Hill's for a while longer but be aware that, long term, they are not complete foods. How old are your dogs? Has your vet spoken to you about home cooking? I'll bet not because he/she has a product to SELL. However, if money is an issue, the kind of homecooking and supplementing you will need to do will not be cheap at all--but it would be complete. First, ask your vet but do not be surprised if he/she 'poo poo's" homecooking because this would mean he would not be making $$$ off his food. This is something you should consider when you ask him about home cooking.

If you like, I will give you the email address of the woman I met two years ago who saved my Yorkies digestive life. My vet had a fit (a fit is shaking her head in total disagreement lol)but I couldn't keep him on the prescription diet forever and I knew it. He was only five years old and not getting "nutrition-ized" and I knew it. HOWEVER, the prescription food does serve an intial purpose...it ALLOWS THE PANCREAS TO CALM DOWN AND THIS IS CRITICAL. I don't know how long your dog has been on this food but you should use it at least 6-8 weeks.

This woman does not charge to help folks with dogs that need special diets. She is masterful and brilliant even though she never got her degree in nutrition. She does work for a wonderful company out West that specializes in supplements from Lake Klamath and are loaded with the wonderful blue/green algae. She can help you set up a homecooked diet along with supplementation SPECIFICALLY GEARED FOR PANCREATITIS. To this day, I contact her with dog issues and she is always there for me. I have all three of my dogs on what Donia suggested--a very, very simple, highly digestible ORGANIC diet of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, light steamed and ORGANIC VEGGIES (squash, cukes, seakelp (hard to find but kale is good)).

I hope you write again. If you do, I will give you her email address and you will never look back. YOu see the problem with all commercial and prescription diets is SYNTHETICS...THEY ARE ALL LOADED WITH FAKE INGREDIENTS. In all dog foods, EVerything from about the first six ingredients ONWARD in ALL DOG FOODS SOLD OR PRESCRIBED, is synthetic. When I learned this, I was horrified. YOu need to feed a dog with pancreatitis as purely low fat as possible as I am sure you know.

Please let me know if you would be interested in contacting this gal. YOu will never be sorry and she will map out a diet or two for you. YOu can then discuss with your vet and go from there. Sue