EPI * Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency

Wadda all think of the "one day of rest" as far as feeding withour dogs?  I have heard that you can actually extend a dog’s life by fasting (your dog) one day per week.   For most of us Americans it probably wouldn't be a bad idea either.  This schedule gives the dog’s digestive system one day of rest per week, and this fasting routine is much like you have to do when your dog has the runs.   Wolves and dogs in the wild don't get fed 2X daily and most of the lucky ones get to eat 2-3X per week.   The occasional fast more duplicates natural canine feeding much like feeding a raw unprocessed diet. 

I know, I know most of our EPI dogs need to eat to gain weight but taking this approach to feeding may actually help long term.

My dog has gotten very spoiled knowing that food would be ready at her beck and call.   If she has to wait to be fed she may be a little more appreciative of what she gets.   I have found that if I let the Pom out while Ruby's eating that she will NOT leave food in her bowl 'cause the"garbage truck" (the Pom) will be by to finish up.  

Hi Ron,

I have heard of it, most frequently from people who feed raw. So no expert advice here, just my opinion. I would be concerned about blood sugar levels. As far as Ruby being spoiled knowing that food is at her back and call - I don't consider that spoiled. It isn't as if she is able to go off on her own and hunt her daily meal and has slacked off. I don't see anything wrong with a dog expecting to be fed. Just my thoughts....

Hi Ron~

I don't know if i would or wouldn't do this with an EPI dog... but personally i have "skipped" a feeding (i feed twice a day) with my other (non-EPI dog) Lulu.... with good results.  Lulu sometimes doesn't want to eat.... we used to have constant major eating issues with her ... but once i started giving her B12... that changed and her appetite greatly improved.... actually she eats with real gusto now... BUT.... every once in a while, she will not  want to eat a meal.... so i will remove her food and next meal time..... she eats great and continues to do so for weeks.

Not sure if i am just feeding her too much for her system, although she is not overweight, or what, but in her case, going without a meal (when she is not interested) has not harmed anything...

Oh no, I could never not feed my dogs for a whole day.  We are in Australia & I'm sure you would hear Megg whining from here if I missed one of her meals (lol).  She has a built in alarm clock & tells ME when it's her dinner time.;)   No, could never do it.  My girls love their food too much. 

Personally I'd avoid this for a number of reasons; dogs aren't wolves and don't need to duplicate their feeding patterns in the wild as the've evolved their own domestic needs; once stable their digestive systems don't need a 'rest' as such; a dog won't associate being fed with being 'spolied' or 'appreciative' as these are fundamentally human concepts etc

The main reason I'd not do this is the break in routine. Domestic dogs crave routine and food is highly prized. Withdrawing food for one day may be both for confusing for the animal and inconsistent behaviour which may unnecessarily stress the dog.    

For the average human I agree, probably not a bad idea.

Craig

Hi Ron,

You raise an interesting point.  I have heard this mentioned before, however I must concur with Craig, Kathy and Lynn. I think perhaps having an EPI dog and wanting desperately for her to eat and feed her body I couldn't have even have considered it:o

With some EPI dogs they can suffer from acid/bile reflux and not being fed for a period of time may cause them some discomfort.  I couldn't have done this with my dog due to this.  It wouldn't be something I would feel comfortable doing to a fairly newly diagnosed EPI dog who remain hungry and eager for their food as they try to build up their strength etc for some time until they're stable.  With pickie eaters etc I can understand doing what Olesia does.

Certainly food for thought Ron (sorry about the pun):D Thanks for bringing it to the table...........SORRY..................I've got a lot on my plate at the minute.... SORRY SORRY am going now!!!

Hi Ron

I have the vet on speed dial and I'm sure if I tried this Ulric would ring him up and report me to the authorities for neglect or abuse.  

I have heard of this but have never tried it. Ulric has never had trouble eating and is a foodie. I could never stand the sad eyes watching me. 

But let us know if you try it and how it works. 

Thankls all for your comments.  Based on the yea, nay vote I'll wait until her weight stabilizes and revist the idea.

Hi Ron~

I think you are making a wise decision for Ruby.....my Lulu doesn't have EPI (far from it!) so i am comfortable with her, as is she, for skipping a meal here and there.... and i do think it is "over-feeding" on my part (probably my anal-ness from dealing with my EPI dog, Izzy!)

But since Ruby is or is displaying EPI tendencies....i'd be hesitant to skip an entire day of meals at this point in your management of her...