Digestive Enzymes
Does My Dog Need Digestive Enzymes
The short answer is yes for almost every body that eats food. That includes you dog mama, pet parent :-)
Kibble Fed & Canned Fed Dogs (any enzymes in food will have been killed off in processing)
When you want your dog to maximize the nutritional benefits of fruits and vegetables or any cooked meats you may be adding.
Seniors (a slowing digestive system)
Dogs Diagnosed or at Risk of Pancreatitis
Dogs with Anxiety
Dogs With Allergies,
Dogs with Digestive Issues, Nutritional Deficiencies, and Malnutrition Conditions
Dogs with Joint Health Issues & Inflammatory Conditions
Recovering Dogs
Transitioning from kibble to whole food dogs
Yeasty Dogs
Regularly Vaccinated, Frequently Medicated
Bottom Line — we can all benefit from Digestive Enzyme Support. In a fresh food diet, some enzymes will enter with the food, and the dog’s pancreas will make enzymes to help digest food. If there are any health concerns — it’s worth considering supplementing your dog’s digestive enzymes.
Digestive Enzymes help the digestive system break down food for better absorption. They may protect your dog from nutrition issues especially as they age,
If are focused on optimal nutritional value and longevity — Digestive Enzymes are worth consideration.
Kibble fed & Canned Fed dogs need added help to absorb nutrients from processed food, to help digest fats, to help digest sugars, and to give the pancreas a little extra support.
For the dogs who are transitioning to whole, fresh real foods, including raw diets, they need digestive enzymes to help their bodies effectively utilize these unfamiliar foods. Digestive Enzymes help the digestive system break down food into usable nutrients. It eases the job on the liver and pancreas too.
Whole real natural “live” food provided natural enzymes.
You see, as a kibble fed dog, the dog’s body stopped producing the digestive enzymes needed to digest “real” food. That can be turned back on, but it will take time for the gut to catch up.
In highly processed, over cooked food “dead food” - there will be no natural enzymes
When the digestive system cannot break down food into nutrient parts, we may start to see stomach upset, loose stools, diarrhea, even lethargy, and bloating If the body can’t break it down, the liver has to do something with it and it’s usually stored somewhere in the tissues. This may lead to complications in the kidneys, urinary system, pancreas having to work extra hard, or other health concerns.
As your dog ages, he will need to increase digestive enzyme support. The digestive system of the senior aging pet simply does NOT function as effectively as it did in its youth. If the digestive system is compromised with health concerns, we will need additional support, at least until it gets back on track. Feeding The Senior Dog
Digestive Enzymes have also been shown to help reduce generalized anxiety. Ok, I know that may sound odd to you, but try it. Have you ever heard the phrase, “I just can’t stomach that”? Or you are so anxious you actually feel that stress in your gut or have difficulty eating?. That’s anxiety in your digestive system. Your dog has the same issues. We all do. Getting our gut health improved helps with our immunity and our emotions! Read: The Relationship of Gut Health to Anxiety and how Digestive Enzymes help
Dogs with pancreatic concerns should include supplemental digestive enzymes for life put less burden on the pancreas for enzyme production. Dogs who have had a pancreatic flair-up or who have been diagnosed with pancreatitis should use Digestive Enzymes Daily — for life. See Blog Post For More Information on Dogs With Pancreatitis And my Guide on Supporting Dogs With Pancreatitis Naturally
When to give Digestive Enzymes:
It’s suggested to give them approximately an hour before feeding. That is not always easy to do, especially to give without food! My theory is dogs don’t complicate things that much! They would eat food WITH digestive enzymes in nature, so try adding them directly to your food. Just don’t add it during cooking or warming. Make it the last thing you add to the bowl and stir. If for some reason, your dog continues to struggle, it may be necessary to increase the amount or change the timing.
My recommendations are Volhard Dog Nutrition Digestive Enzymes or one of 4 excellent choices from Young Living. There are 4 options because each has its own benefits to the type of food one eats and targeted needs. Call me I’ll be happy to review the differences between them and help you choose based on your dog’s diet & unique nutritional needs.
My Recommended Brands:
Volhard: https://bit.ly/36tyjbN