Enzymes in Fresh Foods For Dogs
Enzymes play a crucial role in the digestive system. They break down the food we eat into smaller molecules that can be absorbed and used by the body. The stomach produces enzymes such as pepsin, which breaks down proteins, and hydrochloric acid, which creates an acidic environment that helps to break down food. The small intestine then secretes enzymes such as lactase, which breaks down lactose, and lipases, which break down fats.
Enzymes can be found in a variety of foods, including raw meat, vegetables, and fruit.
When Does Your Dog Need Digestive Enzymes Supplements
A dog may need digestive enzyme supplements if they are experiencing digestive issues such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation. These issues can be caused by a lack of enzymes in the gut, which can be due to a variety of factors, including:
Age: As dogs age, their ability to produce enzymes naturally may decrease.
Diet: Processed or cooked food may not have the same enzyme content as raw food, leading to a lack of enzymes in the gut.
Pancreatic insufficiency: Some dogs may have a condition where their pancreas is not producing enough enzymes.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): IBD is a chronic condition that can lead to inflammation in the gut and a decrease in enzyme production.
Antibiotic use: Antibiotics can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut and lead to a decrease in enzyme production.
Enzymes In Raw Meat
First, let's take a look at the enzymes found in raw meat. Raw meat contains enzymes such as cathepsins, which help to break down the proteins in the meat. These enzymes are present in the meat from the animal's own digestive system. However, when meat is cooked, the enzymes are denatured, meaning that they are no longer able to function correctly. This is why it is harder for the body to digest cooked meat than raw meat.
Enzymes in Vegetables
Next, let's discuss the enzymes found in vegetables. Vegetables contain a variety of enzymes, including amylases and cellulases. Amylases break down carbohydrates, while cellulases break down cellulose, which is a type of fiber found in plants. When vegetables are cooked, these enzymes are also denatured, making it more difficult for the body to digest them.
Enzymes in Fruit
Yes, your dog can eat fruits. Fruits also contain enzymes, such as pectinases and cellulases, which aid in the breakdown of pectin and cellulose, respectively. However, fruits also contain a high amount of natural sugar, and when they are cooked, it can cause the natural sugar to caramelize, changing the taste and texture of the fruit.
Cooking Depletes Enyzmes
Cooking food is one of the primary ways that enzymes are depleted. The high temperatures used in cooking can denature enzymes, rendering them ineffective. This is why eating a diet that includes raw or gently cooked foods is often recommended, as fresh foods contain higher levels of enzymes.
Supplementing Digestive Enzymes
Supplementing with digestive enzymes can be beneficial for individuals who have difficulty digesting certain types of food, or for those who have a medical condition that affects their ability to produce enough enzymes for proper digestion.
Digestive enzyme supplements are available in various forms, such as capsules, tablets, and powders, and typically contain a blend of enzymes that are designed to aid in the breakdown of different types of food. These enzymes can include amylases for carbohydrates, lipases for fats, and proteases for proteins.
Amylase:
Amylases are enzymes that break down carbohydrates. They are found in many foods, including:
Saliva: Amylase is produced in the salivary glands and begins the process of carbohydrate digestion in the mouth.
Grains: Whole grains, such as wheat, barley, and oats, contain amylases. (not suggested for dogs)
Legumes: Beans, lentils, and peas contain amylases. (not suggested for dogs)
Fruits and vegetables: Some fruits and vegetables, such as sweet potatoes and bananas, contain amylases.
Fermented foods: Foods such as yogurt, kefir, and kimchi contain amylases due to the fermentation process.
Seeds: Some seeds, such as flaxseeds and chia seeds, contain amylases.
Lipase:
Lipases are enzymes that break down fats. They are found in many foods, including:
Dairy products: Milk, cheese, and butter contain lipases.
Meats: Lipases are present in animal meats such as beef, pork, and chicken.
Fish: Fish such as salmon, sardines, and herring contain lipases.
Nuts and seeds: Many types of nuts and seeds, such as almonds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds, contain lipases.
Avocados: Avocados are a good source of lipase.
Egg yolks: Lipases are present in egg yolks.
Fruits: Some fruits such as olives and coconuts contain lipases.
Vegetables: Some vegetables such as asparagus, spinach and broccoli contain lipases.
Proteases
Proteases are enzymes that break down proteins. They can be found in a variety of foods, including:
Meat, poultry, fish, and eggs
Dairy products such as cheese and yogurt
Legumes, including beans, lentils, and peas (not suggested for dogs)
Nuts and seeds
Some fruits and vegetables, such as papaya, pineapples, and avocados
Best Probiotics For Dogs
Chat with me and we can discuss Adored Beast Digestive Enzymes + Probiotics, Digestive Enzymes Volhard, or Four Leaf Rover Products if we need to help improve your dog’s digestive health.