Digestive enzymes for dogs have been seen to be an important
part of your dog’s health. More and more veterinarians suggest that
enzyme supplements be given to your dog in order to maintain and
support their health on a daily basis. It is important for you to be
aware of what enzymes are, how they can help and what the results are
of enzyme deficiencies.
What Are Enzymes
Enzymes are considered "organic catalysts" that can either initiate
or speed up chemical reactions in the body. They do this in the process
of digestion to tissue repair and from hormone function to energy
production. Enzymes are required to digest the food eaten, especially
processed food. There are two types of enzymes used to perform the
above tasks. These enzymes are the ones in our bodies from our
digestive organs and the enzymes that come from the food we eat.
It is important to be aware that enzymes can be destroyed if there
is a change in temperature. Many foods are processed at 118 degrees
Fahrenheit or more which essentially destroys any healthy enzymes the
food contains. When these enzymes are taken, it requires the dogs
digestive system to work harder in order to digest the food it is
eating.
How Do Enzymes Help
It is important to know that food in its raw and uncooked state
contains several enzymes that are beneficial to a dogs body. If a dog
consumes raw food, then it will be beneficial to their body by aiding
in their digestive process. In this process, the chewing required in
the consumption of raw food ruptures the cell membranes and
releases essential enzymes. Also, when a dog eats, their pancreas
secretes the necessary amount of enzymes responsible for effective
digestion.
There are certain enzymes that play a role in the process
of digestion. Protease is an enzyme that is responsible for breaking
down proteins into amino acids. The enzyme named Lipase is responsible
in breaking down fats into fatty acids while Amylase is responsible for
breaking down carbohydrates into sucrose, lactose and maltose. One of
the last enzymes is Cellulase. This is responsible for breaking down
fiber. These enzymes all play a vital role in the digestive process.
Results of Enzyme Deficiency
As previously stated, when there is insufficient food enzymes
for your dog, then the dogs digestive system is required to produce the
proper enzymes in digesting the food, placing great strain on their
system. This lack of enzymes can result in undigested proteins in
addition to fats and carbohydrates which allow for the growth of
unwanted bacteria. It is this bacteria which can upset the balance of
intestinal microbes. In upsetting this balance, you may see symptoms in
your dog such as bad breath, body odor, lethargy, gas, diarrhea and
bloating. If the enzyme deficiency continues your dog may be vulnerable
to long term physical ailments such as allergies, premature aging,
arthritis, skin problems and possibly cancer.
Enzymes for dogs have been found to be very successful in
maintaining your dogs overall health and well being. They are also
effective in treating dogs who suffer from GI problems, skin
irritations, arthritis, yeast infections, hypothyroidism, and systemic
yeast infections. Be sure to talk to your veterinarian about how
digestive enzymes could work for your dog.