Dogs
Enzymes are organic catalysts that initiate or increase chemical reactions in the body, including digestion, tissue repair, energy generations, etc. For digestion, commonly two types of enzymes are used - the digestive enzymes that come from the food eaten and the enzymes that are produced internally by digestive organs like pancreas. Natural digestive enzymes are essential for good dog health and longevity. These enzymes break down the food so that our body can effectively utilize the nutrients required to perform bodily activities. Unlike human digestive system in which the digestion starts as soon as the saliva comes in contact with the food, dogs do not have the same digestive enzymes in their saliva, and so have to rely on the enzymes available in their food and produced by the body.
How do Digestive Enzymes Works?
Digestive enzymes are excessively found in dog foods that have not been cooked over 118 F. Therefore, food especially in its natural uncooked state, contains a high level of digestive enzymes that can greatly aid in the digestion process. When raw, uncooked food is eaten, chewing ruptures the cell membranes of the food and releases necessary digestive enzymes present in the food cells. At the same time, pancreas also secretes the right quantities and concentrations of digestive enzymes that help in digestion. These enzymes include:
Along with aiding in healthy food digestion and nutrient absorption, digestive enzymes for dogs also help in:
If there are inadequate digestive enzymes present in the food, the entire digestive burden gets transferred to the dog's body, which forces the body to produce more digestive enzymes. As a result, there is an over-stressed digestive system which eventually causes improper food digestion and nutrient malabsorption. Further it may lead to undigested proteins, fats and carbohydrates that promote the growth of unwanted bacteria which eventually disturbs the delicate balance of intestinal microbes. This leads to:
Research shows that supplements for digestive enzymes for dogs are extremely safe and cause no side effects. Since these supplements increase the dog's ability to break down the food into nutritious components which keep their intestinal microflora in balance, providing digestive enzymes supplements to the dogs will help them attain a healthier lifestyle.
- Is Yogurt Good For Dogs?
Yogurt has always been valued as a healthy food since time immemorial. It is rich in various nutrients and beneficial bacteria and is considered to be good for health in many different ways. This is the case with humans, but what about dogs? While...
- Acidophilus For Dogs
Probiotic supplements are a boon for dogs suffering from problems associated with intestine such as diarrhea, dehydration, smelly stools, foul gas, gum diseases and foul breath. These health problems are usually the result of stress, illness or certain...
- Canine Pancreatitis: Symptoms Of Pancreatitis In Dogs
The pancreas is a small glandular organ that is located near the stomach. Its main function is to produce enzymes that help digest food. Canine pancreatitis is a painful condition which results in inflammation (swelling) of the pancreas. As a result,...
- Digestive Problems In Dogs
Diarrhea and vomiting are among the most common symptoms of digestive problems in dogs. Occasional vomiting or diarrhea is considered normal in dogs, but persistent or severe symptoms may be an indication of some serious dog health problem. In such...
- Elevated Liver Enzymes In Dogs
It is often hard to diagnose liver damage in dogs, unless specifically tested for. The liver being a vital organ performs several crucial functions. It metabolizes fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in the body, and plays an important role in the...
Dogs
Digestive Enzymes for Dogs
Enzymes are organic catalysts that initiate or increase chemical reactions in the body, including digestion, tissue repair, energy generations, etc. For digestion, commonly two types of enzymes are used - the digestive enzymes that come from the food eaten and the enzymes that are produced internally by digestive organs like pancreas. Natural digestive enzymes are essential for good dog health and longevity. These enzymes break down the food so that our body can effectively utilize the nutrients required to perform bodily activities. Unlike human digestive system in which the digestion starts as soon as the saliva comes in contact with the food, dogs do not have the same digestive enzymes in their saliva, and so have to rely on the enzymes available in their food and produced by the body.
How do Digestive Enzymes Works?
Digestive enzymes are excessively found in dog foods that have not been cooked over 118 F. Therefore, food especially in its natural uncooked state, contains a high level of digestive enzymes that can greatly aid in the digestion process. When raw, uncooked food is eaten, chewing ruptures the cell membranes of the food and releases necessary digestive enzymes present in the food cells. At the same time, pancreas also secretes the right quantities and concentrations of digestive enzymes that help in digestion. These enzymes include:
- Protease: Enzymes responsible for breaking down polypeptides (proteins) into amino acids.
- Lipase: Enzymes that help breaking down fats into fatty acids and glycerol.
- Amylase: Enzymes responsible for decomposing carbohydrates (starches and other polysaccharides) to sucrose, lactose, and maltose.
- Cellulase: Enzymes capable of decomposing fiber.
Along with aiding in healthy food digestion and nutrient absorption, digestive enzymes for dogs also help in:
- Improving immune system
- Eliminating or reducing the habit of eating stool, called coprophagia
- Minimizing the risks of developing various degenerating disease like osteoarthritis, and toxin build-up
- Enhancing T-cell production, cells that help fighting cancer
- Promoting weight loss
If there are inadequate digestive enzymes present in the food, the entire digestive burden gets transferred to the dog's body, which forces the body to produce more digestive enzymes. As a result, there is an over-stressed digestive system which eventually causes improper food digestion and nutrient malabsorption. Further it may lead to undigested proteins, fats and carbohydrates that promote the growth of unwanted bacteria which eventually disturbs the delicate balance of intestinal microbes. This leads to:
- Bloating and gas accumulation in the stomach
- Canine diarrhea
- Bad breath and body odor
- Lethargy and sluggishness
- Weak immune system
- Arthritis like osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, etc.
- Skin problems like hot spots
- Cancer and premature aging
Research shows that supplements for digestive enzymes for dogs are extremely safe and cause no side effects. Since these supplements increase the dog's ability to break down the food into nutritious components which keep their intestinal microflora in balance, providing digestive enzymes supplements to the dogs will help them attain a healthier lifestyle.
- Is Yogurt Good For Dogs?
Yogurt has always been valued as a healthy food since time immemorial. It is rich in various nutrients and beneficial bacteria and is considered to be good for health in many different ways. This is the case with humans, but what about dogs? While...
- Acidophilus For Dogs
Probiotic supplements are a boon for dogs suffering from problems associated with intestine such as diarrhea, dehydration, smelly stools, foul gas, gum diseases and foul breath. These health problems are usually the result of stress, illness or certain...
- Canine Pancreatitis: Symptoms Of Pancreatitis In Dogs
The pancreas is a small glandular organ that is located near the stomach. Its main function is to produce enzymes that help digest food. Canine pancreatitis is a painful condition which results in inflammation (swelling) of the pancreas. As a result,...
- Digestive Problems In Dogs
Diarrhea and vomiting are among the most common symptoms of digestive problems in dogs. Occasional vomiting or diarrhea is considered normal in dogs, but persistent or severe symptoms may be an indication of some serious dog health problem. In such...
- Elevated Liver Enzymes In Dogs
It is often hard to diagnose liver damage in dogs, unless specifically tested for. The liver being a vital organ performs several crucial functions. It metabolizes fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in the body, and plays an important role in the...