Hello my 3yr male GSD has been diagnosed with EPI he lost a lot of weight but is gradually starting to put weight back on now around 2kg in 2weeks.My vet has put him on Lypex capusules and Hills i/d,which is working out quite expensive around £90 a month.Is there an alternative food I could feed him thats low in fat and easily digestable I realise that I will have to keep him on the Lypex capusule for life now.

Hi Speedbird,

Glad to hear your boy is improving - I've been wondering how he was getting on since his diagnosis :)  I know prescription food is very expensive but if I were you I'd stick with it until you have his weight back to as near normal as possible.  I've met several people with dogs suffering this condition and not all are as fortunate to have such a quick response so well done to you so far and long may improvement continue ;)  In time you may well find that you can adjust his diet to one which is substantially less expensive, but don't rock the boat yet - when your vet is happy with his overall condition then discuss the possibility of changing to a commercial diet.  I know of two EPI dogs who are fed from the hypoallergenic Wafcol complete range and another on Nature Diet Gold (moist complete).  Obviously, the enzymes still have to be added as will be the case for life but their dogs had reached healthy weights before they were transferred away from the prescription route and of course they are regularly monitored.

Very best wishes to you both & good luck, Teri :) 

Hi S[eedbird...hillsmake a food called''sensitive stomach// that is similar to ID perhaps you could eventually transition to that

Try this site, you will find lots of useful and comforting advice, I found it a godsend when my girl was diagnosed a few months ago.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/k9-EPIGLOBAL

Dee