Firstly, we are very grateful this forum exists. EPI can be overwhelming with the vast amount of information, and this forum has been a valuable resource for us.
Remi’s Info:
Breed: Long-Haired German Shepherd
Age: 2 years
Current Weight: 25kg (was 30kg on her initial raw diet)
Background:
Remi's stools were never great, even on a raw diet, which we initially attributed to the breed. We were careful about her diet, including pre- and probiotics with her meals. However, she became ravenous despite losing weight, her energy dropped, and her stools worsened. After many vet visits, stool samples, antibiotics, and blood tests, we received the EPI diagnosis.
Blood Test Results:
TLI: 1.2 µg/L (confirmed EPI)
B12: 157 ng/L (low, currently supplementing with oral B12)
Folate: 10.1 µg/L (normal)
At the time of diagnosis, she had dropped to 25kg.
Treatments Tried:
1. Enzyme Therapy:
Initially prescribed Protexin Pro-Enzorb capsules (1 with each meal), which we opened and sprinkled on her food. After reading advice here, we sourced and switched to Chemeyes Pancreatic Enzyme Powder (from a UK supplyer).
Chemeyes Enzyme Breakdown (per gram):
Lipase: 37,200 USP units
Amylase: 28,700 USP units
Protease: 2,500 USP units
We give her 1g per 100g of food (incubating the enzyme with warm water for 20 minutes).
2. Food Trials:
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary EN Gastrointestinal Wet Food: Helped initially with bad poops, possibly due to SID rather than EPI.
Royal Canin Veterinary Gastrointestinal Dry Food: Didn’t work well for her.
Current Kibble: Purina Pro Plan Veterinary EN Gastrointestinal Dry Kibble.
We are feeding her the amount for a 30kg dog, as advised from our Vet! (around 400g/day, split over 4 meals with 1g of enzyme per meal). After a week, she gained 0.1kg, so my plan is to now increase her intake to 150% of a 30kg dog’s requirement and adjust the enzyme dosage accordingly.
3. Supplements:
B12 (Protexin Cobalaplex): 2 capsules a day (opened and sprinkled on her food), given during her first and last meals.
Considering switching to Chemeyes B12 once we stabilize her weight.
4. Prebiotics and Probiotics:
I currently give 4g of probiotics, split between her four meals. Considering consolidating the dose into her morning meal, but I’m concerned it might overload the meal with the enzyme, B12, and probiotics.
Exercise:
I have reduced her exercise to about 1 hour a day plus playtime in the garden to avoid burning too many calories. We’ve replaced some of her longer walks with car rides and mental stimulation games, which she loves. I’m curious to know if others have adjusted their dog’s exercise during recovery.
Incubation Process:
I currently add tepid water to the kibble, mix in the enzyme powder, and let it sit for 20 minutes before adding supplements (B12, prebiotics, and probiotics). Is it fine to add the supplements before incubation, or is it better to add them right before serving?
Questions:
01. Thoughts on the Current Kibble: We are using Purina Pro Plan Veterinary EN Gastrointestinal (Dry Kibble). It’s moderate in fat, and I’m hesitant to change too much at once (I noticed pea protein is the third ingredient). Any feedback on this kibble for EPI dogs? I also have Hill's PRESCRIPTION DIET i/d Digestive Care Low Fat Dry Dog Food with Chicken, which I’ve been thinking about switching to, but I don’t want to change too many variables too quickly.
02. Should I Increase Food Intake?: I’m planning to up her intake to 150% of what a 30kg dog should be eating to help with weight gain. Does this sound like a good approach? Our vet advised us to feed for her target weight of 30kg, and I split this over 4 meals for digestion. Would it be better to feed her 4 smaller meals rather than 3?
03. Probiotics & Timing: Should I continue splitting the probiotics across meals or is it ok to consolidate them into her morning meal (also curious if the Probiotics and B12 can go in with the Enzyme powder and incubate with it? Just means these could all be prepared in advanced).
04. Exercise: Have others reduced their dog’s exercise during weight recovery? Is there a balance between calorie burn and keeping them active?
- - -
We have in addition started keeping a daily log, which has helped track Remi’s progress.
Any advice or experiences shared would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you all for your support
Take Care Rivers & Remi
Remi’s EPI Journey – Seeking Guidance
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Olesia711
- Founder & Research Director
- Posts: 4517
- Location: North Carolina
- Country: United States
- State: North Carolina
- Pet name: Izzy
- My name: olesia
Re: Remi’s EPI Journey – Seeking Guidance
Thank you so much for writing in... sounds like you are already quite well versed in EPI 
First, if you can either post of picture of the REmi's poos or let us know how the are... normal or sloppy, brown or light colored....and frequency....
this will help us further help you.
Next to answer your questions:
Pre & Probiotics.... first follow the instructions on the package whether to give with food or otherwise.
Regarding splitting up or giving all at once..... i think most of us give it all at once.... however.... when first starting to give probiotics... ALWAYS give less than what is recommended and work your way up to a full dose over the course of a week or two.
Yes, unless otherwise stated... you can mix right in with the food. and yes... you can give B12 in the food at the same time.
Regarding "incubating" supplements. I personally never did. However some do and some don't incubate the supplements.
Diet... this is a minefield with EPI dogs. We give "suggestions, like the peas- -not too much! as too many peas most often does not agree with EPI dogs... but some dogs are okay with it.... SOOOOOOooo... if the poos are decent... then that usually means the food is agreeing. if the poos are continuously sloppy, then most of the time, once you find the right balance of everything else.... it's the food not optimally agreeing. In general though, many EPI dogs simply don't do so well on prescription/vet foods....this is not to say that it doesn't work for any EPI dog, it does for some, but not all.... An easy test is to increase the enzymes by 25% per 100 grams of food... watch the poos for about 3 days and if the poos have dramatically improved..... then that is usually a good indication that the food that you are feeding just isn't the best for Remi's EPI condition. BUt very smart of you to make only 1 change at a time.... and because finding the right diet is the last piece of the puzzle... try to get everything else in the right balance ... and THEN tackle the food.. (it's just simpler to do this way)
Feeding 150%.... YES!!!! especially since is sounds like REmi is not really gaining much... and YES do feed in 4 small meals. never overload the amount of food ... always better to feed smaller meals multiple times through out the day.
Exercise.... If REmi has lost so much weight that she simply doesn't have the stamina anymore to do what she used to do, then yes temporarily limit her exercise until her strength has returned somewhat..... HOWEVER.... if she still has stamina, and wants to....and she just has lost weight.... then let her have normal amounts of exercise, just don't over-do it.
Supplements.... i used to just toss in all the supplements just prior to feeding, i did not incubate any supplements... however... i do know some people incubated "some" supplements. So in the end, it is up to you, what you read and what you are most comfortable doing.
I hope this helps!!!
First, if you can either post of picture of the REmi's poos or let us know how the are... normal or sloppy, brown or light colored....and frequency....
this will help us further help you.
Next to answer your questions:
Pre & Probiotics.... first follow the instructions on the package whether to give with food or otherwise.
Regarding splitting up or giving all at once..... i think most of us give it all at once.... however.... when first starting to give probiotics... ALWAYS give less than what is recommended and work your way up to a full dose over the course of a week or two.
Yes, unless otherwise stated... you can mix right in with the food. and yes... you can give B12 in the food at the same time.
Regarding "incubating" supplements. I personally never did. However some do and some don't incubate the supplements.
Diet... this is a minefield with EPI dogs. We give "suggestions, like the peas- -not too much! as too many peas most often does not agree with EPI dogs... but some dogs are okay with it.... SOOOOOOooo... if the poos are decent... then that usually means the food is agreeing. if the poos are continuously sloppy, then most of the time, once you find the right balance of everything else.... it's the food not optimally agreeing. In general though, many EPI dogs simply don't do so well on prescription/vet foods....this is not to say that it doesn't work for any EPI dog, it does for some, but not all.... An easy test is to increase the enzymes by 25% per 100 grams of food... watch the poos for about 3 days and if the poos have dramatically improved..... then that is usually a good indication that the food that you are feeding just isn't the best for Remi's EPI condition. BUt very smart of you to make only 1 change at a time.... and because finding the right diet is the last piece of the puzzle... try to get everything else in the right balance ... and THEN tackle the food..
(it's just simpler to do this way)Feeding 150%.... YES!!!! especially since is sounds like REmi is not really gaining much... and YES do feed in 4 small meals. never overload the amount of food ... always better to feed smaller meals multiple times through out the day.
Exercise.... If REmi has lost so much weight that she simply doesn't have the stamina anymore to do what she used to do, then yes temporarily limit her exercise until her strength has returned somewhat..... HOWEVER.... if she still has stamina, and wants to....and she just has lost weight.... then let her have normal amounts of exercise, just don't over-do it.
Supplements.... i used to just toss in all the supplements just prior to feeding, i did not incubate any supplements... however... i do know some people incubated "some" supplements. So in the end, it is up to you, what you read and what you are most comfortable doing.
I hope this helps!!!
Olesia, was owned by Izzy, a 35lb Spanish Water Dog (SWD), Diagnosed at 1.5 years old - TLI results 1.. Izzy passed away on February 13, 2020 at 15 years old. She lived with EPI for 13+1/2 years. It was because of Izzy that Epi4Dogs was started... she was the inspiration. May her legacy of helping others with EPI continue for as long as needed.........
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Tuckaboo Pam
- Member
- Posts: 1620
- Country: United States
- State: Florida
- Pet name: Tucker
- My name: Pam H.
Re: Remi’s EPI Journey – Seeking Guidance
Rivers---Welcome to you and Remi.
Sorry you are going through this. It can be so discouraging at first, but with the right diet & supplements, you can get her back on track.
I just wanted to be super clear about the amount you are feeding her. Since she weighed 30 kg at her best, you should now be feeding her 150% of the amount that is recommended for a 30 kg dog. Your instincts about increasing what you currently give her were right on. Increase the amount by up to 50%, and that should make her happy.
Please keep us posted, and good luck.---Pam
Sorry you are going through this. It can be so discouraging at first, but with the right diet & supplements, you can get her back on track.
I just wanted to be super clear about the amount you are feeding her. Since she weighed 30 kg at her best, you should now be feeding her 150% of the amount that is recommended for a 30 kg dog. Your instincts about increasing what you currently give her were right on. Increase the amount by up to 50%, and that should make her happy.
Please keep us posted, and good luck.---Pam
Tucker was a shepherd mix--- TLI 1.3, Folate 9.7, Cobalamin 666, Lipase 38. Diane's Enzymes 4 t/day, B12 1 capsule/day, and Tylan 1/16 teaspoon/day. Taste of the Wild High Prairie, 4 c/day. 60 to 85 pounds! Tucker succumbed to hemangiosarcoma Nov. 2023. I will always, always miss my sweet big boy.
Now there's Nina. 5 year old GSD. TLI 1.0 B12 323. We are still tweaking her routine, and getting lots of help from the forum. She is klutzy and goofy, and we love her dearly, too.
Now there's Nina. 5 year old GSD. TLI 1.0 B12 323. We are still tweaking her routine, and getting lots of help from the forum. She is klutzy and goofy, and we love her dearly, too.
Re: Remi’s EPI Journey – Seeking Guidance
Hello from Yorkshire, so glad you’ve found this site, which I assure you gives accurate , up to date advice. ….apart from a difference in enzyme formulation in the U.K. As described on Chemeyes website, there is no need to incubate for 20 minutes. Leaving them that long will reduce the efficacy down the digestive tract. On kibble I would dampen it and if necessary disguise taste, eg with a sprinkle of tinned fish or a little yogurt.
All brands of enzyme are caustic and can cause mouth sores, so it is an idea to encourage a drink of water after eating. Otherwise powder can be packed into capsules or bought as such. My dog refused enzyme powder on food, so I always used capsules. Also powder is nasty to accidentally inhale.
You are doing well with pacing your changes. When you get to trying more flavourful food, you won’t need such low fat because you are now replacing the lipase enzyme to digest it. There are lower fat options with Millies Wolfheart kibble, and also Eden , with wide choices of meat/game/fish. Most cheaper brands include peas and grains which my dog couldn’t cope with. You may even find a suitable raw food to go back to. In the U.K. it is easy to get pre packed frozen pigs pancreas from Durham Animal Feeds once you are confident that weight gain is improved. Many UK owners use it instead of powders.
Epi seems complicated at first, but really it will come down to always taking food and enzymes out with you in case of unforeseen circumstance! It’s not always plain sailing, but once your pet is up to weight, you know they aren’t in danger, and can relax in your new- normal regime.
As for B12, get it up to 600 . Are you using pills that include necessary intrinsic Factor.? Good old Chemeyes sell them . You may have found out the owners started the company to cater for their epi GSD ad are happy to answer any queries.
Do let us know how she gets on.
All brands of enzyme are caustic and can cause mouth sores, so it is an idea to encourage a drink of water after eating. Otherwise powder can be packed into capsules or bought as such. My dog refused enzyme powder on food, so I always used capsules. Also powder is nasty to accidentally inhale.
You are doing well with pacing your changes. When you get to trying more flavourful food, you won’t need such low fat because you are now replacing the lipase enzyme to digest it. There are lower fat options with Millies Wolfheart kibble, and also Eden , with wide choices of meat/game/fish. Most cheaper brands include peas and grains which my dog couldn’t cope with. You may even find a suitable raw food to go back to. In the U.K. it is easy to get pre packed frozen pigs pancreas from Durham Animal Feeds once you are confident that weight gain is improved. Many UK owners use it instead of powders.
Epi seems complicated at first, but really it will come down to always taking food and enzymes out with you in case of unforeseen circumstance! It’s not always plain sailing, but once your pet is up to weight, you know they aren’t in danger, and can relax in your new- normal regime.
As for B12, get it up to 600 . Are you using pills that include necessary intrinsic Factor.? Good old Chemeyes sell them . You may have found out the owners started the company to cater for their epi GSD ad are happy to answer any queries.
Do let us know how she gets on.
Springer spaniel Marti had Epi, PLE , MMM just to confuse me. She lived till 12yrs, chubby and happy despite eight years of epi.
Capsule enzymes suited her best. B12 supplements made her into a new dog!
After a cocker with PLN kidney disease, I now have two healthy rescues, a lively, suicidal , small ginger terrier, adopted with pneumonia, and gum disease needing nearly all his teeth out, and a fluffy grey toy poodle/terrier from Greece.
Capsule enzymes suited her best. B12 supplements made her into a new dog!
After a cocker with PLN kidney disease, I now have two healthy rescues, a lively, suicidal , small ginger terrier, adopted with pneumonia, and gum disease needing nearly all his teeth out, and a fluffy grey toy poodle/terrier from Greece.
Re: Remi’s EPI Journey – Seeking Guidance
I think it's trial and error with food. If it's *only* EPI, AND enzyme dose is good, your main concern would probably be fiber content. Most need a low fiber content. Other than that, you should be able to feed what you want.
I feed raw, and have no issues with it. I'm pretty lucky in that mine can tolerate pretty much any type of meat.
I did have to feed extra in the beginning. Rylee was eating about 2.5 lbs of raw meat a day (she was about 40 lbs at the time). Now she eats about 1.5 lbs per day, just over 60 lbs. If you increase food, you might need to tweak enzymes accordingly.
As for monitoring activity level, that's not at all possible for a 6 month old maniac that hasn't grown a brain yet! There was no slowing her down. Zoomies would happen at the end of a leash lol. She needs a lot of exercise! Now she's almost a year old, but still crazy
I feed raw, and have no issues with it. I'm pretty lucky in that mine can tolerate pretty much any type of meat.
I did have to feed extra in the beginning. Rylee was eating about 2.5 lbs of raw meat a day (she was about 40 lbs at the time). Now she eats about 1.5 lbs per day, just over 60 lbs. If you increase food, you might need to tweak enzymes accordingly.
As for monitoring activity level, that's not at all possible for a 6 month old maniac that hasn't grown a brain yet! There was no slowing her down. Zoomies would happen at the end of a leash lol. She needs a lot of exercise! Now she's almost a year old, but still crazy
Chance was my 4 legged soul mate. My mobility assist service dog. Pure yellow Lab, 75 lbs. After struggling with weight all his life, finally dx with EPI. cTLI < 1, folate and B12 very low. Fed Raw. Maintained with Creon, Garden of Life probiotic and intermittent calcium bentonite clay. (Tylosin was a big nightmare for him)!
Rylee is Chance's successor; also pure Yellow/Fox red Lab. Started with symptoms at 8 weeks. At 6 months of age, also prescribed Creon due to suspected EPI (due to passing large amounts of undigested food). Currently suspected of blockages in pancreatic ducts. She is maintained VERY nicely on Creon and probiotics. Also raw fed.
Rylee is Chance's successor; also pure Yellow/Fox red Lab. Started with symptoms at 8 weeks. At 6 months of age, also prescribed Creon due to suspected EPI (due to passing large amounts of undigested food). Currently suspected of blockages in pancreatic ducts. She is maintained VERY nicely on Creon and probiotics. Also raw fed.
Re: Remi’s EPI Journey – Seeking Guidance
Thank you so much, everyone, for all the support and replies. It’s lovely to see such a global, active, and caring community!
Poops:
We saw a great improvement when we first started the enzymes (initially using capsules from the vet). This tailed off, but we saw another improvement when we switched to the enzyme powder. Currently, I notice the first poop of the day scores a solid 3 on the chart, but as the day progresses, her stools become more like 4s, getting lighter, yellower, and softer (sometimes leaving traces in the grass that are harder to clean up). She averages around 3-4 poops a day.
After reading more about SID, I suspect that this might be the issue we’re dealing with, so I've increased her prebiotics and probiotics to 8g/day (from Chemeyes), which I’m splitting across her four meals. I’m hoping this adjustment will help:
https://chemeyes.co.uk/product/probiotics-for-dogs/
Enzymes:
Thank you so much for sharing your UK experience! I was a little confused about the incubation period, so it’s great to know it’s not necessary with the Chemeyes enzymes. This change will definitely make feeding easier—Remi was never happy waiting the 20 minutes, so this is great news all around!
Remi loves ice cubes so I think this could be a good trick to avoice mouth sores after eating:)
B12:
We are currently using Protexin Cobalaplex capsules from the vets:
https://www.petdrugsonline.co.uk/protex ... -cats-dogs
Based on your advice, I’ll be switching to the Chemeyes B12 product with intrinsic factor to better support her:
https://chemeyes.co.uk/product/vitamin-b12-capsules/
Food:
We’re currently feeding her Purina Pro Plan Veterinary EN Gastrointestinal Dry Kibble:
https://www.petdrugsonline.co.uk/purina ... y-dog-food
I was gonna change her to this:
https://www.petdrugsonline.co.uk/hills- ... t-dog-food
Making sure its not the low fat version (which looks the same and nearly ordered before) as I under stand low fat is not needed.
But reading the ingreidients and doing research the Purina is still lower in Fibre, so will stick to that for now (until we get the weight up, then we can continue to experiment with food, Remi back up to 30kg is my first goal:)
Thank you all again for the encouragement and advice. It’s been a huge help! We’ll keep you posted on Remi’s progress.
Poops:
We saw a great improvement when we first started the enzymes (initially using capsules from the vet). This tailed off, but we saw another improvement when we switched to the enzyme powder. Currently, I notice the first poop of the day scores a solid 3 on the chart, but as the day progresses, her stools become more like 4s, getting lighter, yellower, and softer (sometimes leaving traces in the grass that are harder to clean up). She averages around 3-4 poops a day.
After reading more about SID, I suspect that this might be the issue we’re dealing with, so I've increased her prebiotics and probiotics to 8g/day (from Chemeyes), which I’m splitting across her four meals. I’m hoping this adjustment will help:
https://chemeyes.co.uk/product/probiotics-for-dogs/
Enzymes:
Thank you so much for sharing your UK experience! I was a little confused about the incubation period, so it’s great to know it’s not necessary with the Chemeyes enzymes. This change will definitely make feeding easier—Remi was never happy waiting the 20 minutes, so this is great news all around!
Remi loves ice cubes so I think this could be a good trick to avoice mouth sores after eating:)
B12:
We are currently using Protexin Cobalaplex capsules from the vets:
https://www.petdrugsonline.co.uk/protex ... -cats-dogs
Based on your advice, I’ll be switching to the Chemeyes B12 product with intrinsic factor to better support her:
https://chemeyes.co.uk/product/vitamin-b12-capsules/
Food:
We’re currently feeding her Purina Pro Plan Veterinary EN Gastrointestinal Dry Kibble:
https://www.petdrugsonline.co.uk/purina ... y-dog-food
I was gonna change her to this:
https://www.petdrugsonline.co.uk/hills- ... t-dog-food
Making sure its not the low fat version (which looks the same and nearly ordered before) as I under stand low fat is not needed.
But reading the ingreidients and doing research the Purina is still lower in Fibre, so will stick to that for now (until we get the weight up, then we can continue to experiment with food, Remi back up to 30kg is my first goal:)
Thank you all again for the encouragement and advice. It’s been a huge help! We’ll keep you posted on Remi’s progress.
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Tuckaboo Pam
- Member
- Posts: 1620
- Country: United States
- State: Florida
- Pet name: Tucker
- My name: Pam H.
Re: Remi’s EPI Journey – Seeking Guidance
Better morning poops, followed by softer ones later in the day, is a common complaint. We don't know why!---Pam
Tucker was a shepherd mix--- TLI 1.3, Folate 9.7, Cobalamin 666, Lipase 38. Diane's Enzymes 4 t/day, B12 1 capsule/day, and Tylan 1/16 teaspoon/day. Taste of the Wild High Prairie, 4 c/day. 60 to 85 pounds! Tucker succumbed to hemangiosarcoma Nov. 2023. I will always, always miss my sweet big boy.
Now there's Nina. 5 year old GSD. TLI 1.0 B12 323. We are still tweaking her routine, and getting lots of help from the forum. She is klutzy and goofy, and we love her dearly, too.
Now there's Nina. 5 year old GSD. TLI 1.0 B12 323. We are still tweaking her routine, and getting lots of help from the forum. She is klutzy and goofy, and we love her dearly, too.
Re: Remi’s EPI Journey – Seeking Guidance
Thanks Pam, yeah this has been consistently like this, this week.
Although I think I am starting to see some improvement in the majority of stools coming out, better formed darker colour, just last one thats a bit softer and lighter.
Going for a weigh in tomorrow where I hope she has now started to put on some weight Keep you posted
I am curious what Kibble (Especially UK Brands) people have had success with, wont change until I have her weight back up to circa 30kg, but when I do I would like to get her off the Perscription food and on to something a bit more special and tasty if possible.
Also what people do for training as I cant train with treats now, being only two years old, its really put a hold on our training (which is obvs no my priority now but I would like to get back onto it (Trying to remind everyone No Enzyme No Food Inc Treats), have to stop alot of people trying to feed her treats when we are out (Might have to write it on the Harness).
Although I think I am starting to see some improvement in the majority of stools coming out, better formed darker colour, just last one thats a bit softer and lighter.
Going for a weigh in tomorrow where I hope she has now started to put on some weight
Keep you postedI am curious what Kibble (Especially UK Brands) people have had success with, wont change until I have her weight back up to circa 30kg, but when I do I would like to get her off the Perscription food and on to something a bit more special and tasty if possible.
Also what people do for training as I cant train with treats now, being only two years old, its really put a hold on our training (which is obvs no my priority now but I would like to get back onto it (Trying to remind everyone No Enzyme No Food Inc Treats), have to stop alot of people trying to feed her treats when we are out (Might have to write it on the Harness).
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Tuckaboo Pam
- Member
- Posts: 1620
- Country: United States
- State: Florida
- Pet name: Tucker
- My name: Pam H.
Re: Remi’s EPI Journey – Seeking Guidance
https://epi4dogs.com/treats/
I did the enzyme/cornstarch/water icing technique, and I iced some small storebought treats. Worked well, but used a LOT of enzymes. Now that I know Nina better, and she is stable, I just give her a treat a few times a day. No enzymes, The treats are about the size of one bite for a human.
---Pam
I did the enzyme/cornstarch/water icing technique, and I iced some small storebought treats. Worked well, but used a LOT of enzymes. Now that I know Nina better, and she is stable, I just give her a treat a few times a day. No enzymes, The treats are about the size of one bite for a human.
---Pam
Tucker was a shepherd mix--- TLI 1.3, Folate 9.7, Cobalamin 666, Lipase 38. Diane's Enzymes 4 t/day, B12 1 capsule/day, and Tylan 1/16 teaspoon/day. Taste of the Wild High Prairie, 4 c/day. 60 to 85 pounds! Tucker succumbed to hemangiosarcoma Nov. 2023. I will always, always miss my sweet big boy.
Now there's Nina. 5 year old GSD. TLI 1.0 B12 323. We are still tweaking her routine, and getting lots of help from the forum. She is klutzy and goofy, and we love her dearly, too.
Now there's Nina. 5 year old GSD. TLI 1.0 B12 323. We are still tweaking her routine, and getting lots of help from the forum. She is klutzy and goofy, and we love her dearly, too.
Re: Remi’s EPI Journey – Seeking Guidance
Oh, this treat link is an awesome resource! I've always had this in the back of my mind as something we can do to help with training and just give her something tasty once in a while. I might need to invest in a dehydrator so I can prepare some really tasty enzyme-infused treats, but I’ll hold off on these experiments until Remi is back at her best weight.
Success with Weight Gain!
I’m thrilled to share that Remi has put on a whole kilogram in just over a week (8 days)! She’s now 26kg and on her way back up to 30kg (or a little more for contingency).
I want to give a huge thanks to this community for all the input and support. Keeping a detailed log, setting up what feels like a mini-laboratory at home, and carefully monitoring her food and enzymes has made all the difference.
Food:
While I’m tempted to switch her to Millie’s Wolfheart Riverside Mix, given the feedback I’ve received about EPI dogs not always thriving on prescription diets (she’s currently on PURINA PRO PLAN VETERINARY Gastrointestinal Dry Dog Food), I’m hesitant to make any changes while we’re seeing such good results. My gut tells me to wait until she’s closer to her target weight of 30kg before experimenting with a new food or reducing meals from four to three. What do others think?
Pre- & Probiotics:
She’s currently on Chemeyes Probiotics, at 8g per day. I’ll keep her at this dose until her stools are more consistently solid and then plan to taper off slightly. Curious if people agree with this amount if they have used it
(Link for reference: https://chemeyes.co.uk/product/probiotics-for-dogs/
B12:
She’s currently taking two B12 capsules daily (one with her morning meal and one with her last meal). Is this the norm for others? I’m considering simplifying her routine as I get more family members involved in feeding—wondering if consolidating the supplements into one dose might make sense, especially since her energy levels have significantly improved.
Poop & Consistency:
Attached is a pic of Remi (to sweeten the following morning poop pic, although poop pics are our new normal, right?
). It’s a solid 3 on the scale, but her poops do tend to get softer and lighter as the day goes on. I'm hoping the prolonged use of of the pre- and probiotics will help stabilize things.
Training & Positive Reinforcement:
I’ve been holding off on training due to her dietary needs and the fact that “no enzyme, no food” is the current rule. For those of you with younger dogs, what’s worked best in terms of training without food rewards? I was thinking about incorporating a clicker or using a specific toy for positive reinforcement.
As mentioned, when Remi is more stable, I plan to use the enzymed treats method and possibly enzyme-infused dehydrated treats for training. It sounds like a great way to reintroduce treats safely.
Thank you again for all the advice and support. Wishing everyone the best with their EPI journeys!
Take care,
Rivers & Remi
![Image]()
Success with Weight Gain!
I’m thrilled to share that Remi has put on a whole kilogram in just over a week (8 days)! She’s now 26kg and on her way back up to 30kg (or a little more for contingency).
I want to give a huge thanks to this community for all the input and support. Keeping a detailed log, setting up what feels like a mini-laboratory at home, and carefully monitoring her food and enzymes has made all the difference.
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Food:
While I’m tempted to switch her to Millie’s Wolfheart Riverside Mix, given the feedback I’ve received about EPI dogs not always thriving on prescription diets (she’s currently on PURINA PRO PLAN VETERINARY Gastrointestinal Dry Dog Food), I’m hesitant to make any changes while we’re seeing such good results. My gut tells me to wait until she’s closer to her target weight of 30kg before experimenting with a new food or reducing meals from four to three. What do others think?
Pre- & Probiotics:
She’s currently on Chemeyes Probiotics, at 8g per day. I’ll keep her at this dose until her stools are more consistently solid and then plan to taper off slightly. Curious if people agree with this amount if they have used it
(Link for reference: https://chemeyes.co.uk/product/probiotics-for-dogs/
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She’s currently taking two B12 capsules daily (one with her morning meal and one with her last meal). Is this the norm for others? I’m considering simplifying her routine as I get more family members involved in feeding—wondering if consolidating the supplements into one dose might make sense, especially since her energy levels have significantly improved.
Poop & Consistency:
Attached is a pic of Remi (to sweeten the following morning poop pic, although poop pics are our new normal, right?
). It’s a solid 3 on the scale, but her poops do tend to get softer and lighter as the day goes on. I'm hoping the prolonged use of of the pre- and probiotics will help stabilize things.
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I’ve been holding off on training due to her dietary needs and the fact that “no enzyme, no food” is the current rule. For those of you with younger dogs, what’s worked best in terms of training without food rewards? I was thinking about incorporating a clicker or using a specific toy for positive reinforcement.
As mentioned, when Remi is more stable, I plan to use the enzymed treats method and possibly enzyme-infused dehydrated treats for training. It sounds like a great way to reintroduce treats safely.
Thank you again for all the advice and support. Wishing everyone the best with their EPI journeys!
Take care,
Rivers & Remi
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