The diet you feed your dog will have a direct effect on the dog digestive system, but what do you do if your pet's body needs a little extra help? Some good digestive enzymes for dogs have been often recommended by veterinarians to help deal with any a number of different digestive problems and stomach upset.
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Digestive enzymes for dogs are similar to those made for humans. They help break down macromolecules that make up foodstuffs into much smaller particles, thereby helping the body to digest them easier and quicker. Many studies have shown their effectiveness.
Enzymes can greatly improve a dog's digestion and absorption of nutrients. These tiny protein molecules are found in every living cell, and are often recommended not only for dogs with digestion problem but also those suffering from malnutrition, anorexia and other feeding related health problems. Enzymes are also responsible for vital cell functions in dogs, such as detoxification, energy production and metabolism.
A dog digestive enzymes supplement can benefit your pet's overall health and well-being in more than one way, but it's important to discuss these pet supplements with your vet and choose the appropriate ones. In this article, we're discussing dog digestive enzymes in more detail and rank best digestive enzymes for dogs over the counter.
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NaturVet – Digestive Enzymes - Plus Probiotics &... | 12,542 Reviews | Check Price |
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Enzymes for Dogs & Cats - Enzyme Miracle -... | 1,052 Reviews | Check Price |
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PetVitalityPRO Probiotics for Dogs with Natural... | 3,033 Reviews | Check Price |
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Bark & Whiskers Digestive Enzymes Kibble Diet, for... | 1,293 Reviews | Check Price |
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Animal Essentials Plant Enzyme & Probiotics -... | 947 Reviews | Check Price |
When to Supplement with Dog Digestive Enzymes
Supplementing your pet's diet with the best digestive enzymes for dogs may provide several benefits to his body, but particularly for the dog's digestive system. There's been a lot of scientific papers written and clinical trials performed with various types of digestive enzymes both in humans and animals. Here's what we know so far:
- 2013 Tortola L et al – dog digestive enzymes improve gut fermentation activity;
- 1978 Yamada S et al – dog digestive enzymes are effective for gastoinstestinal problems in dogs as well as nutrient absorption;
- 1996 Prueksaritanont T et al – dogs, humans and monkeys can be positively affected by enzymes;
- 2017 C Villaverde et al – there's no need to give the dog enzymes on a regular basis, and only for specific digestive system problems.
Overall, the research is consistent on the fact that enzymes – particularly in humans – support the immune system, aids the body in absorbing the nutrients found in food, and for canines it can even help reduce your dog's sensitivity to food.
Probiotics for dogs have been gaining momentum as of late, and particularly among pet owners with diabetic dogs. Similarly, if your dog is overweight, dog digestive enzymes may help to stabilize his metabolism so to reduce hunger cravings and promote a normal body weight
Since other illnesses are greatly related to canine's gut microbiota, dog digestive enzymes may also aid in respiratory health, dental health, joint health and skin health. They may help to maintain a healthy cholesterol level, remove toxins from the body and can even help reduce excessive shedding.
Lack of Digestive Enzymes in a Dog's Diet
So what happens to your dog's body when he doesn't have enough enzymes in his digestive tract? Dogs, just like all mammals, need to effectively digest the food that they eat. If there are no digestive enzymes available in the canine's gut, then your dog's digestive tract will be forced to borrow enzymes to get this job done.
The borrowed enzymes will come from cells used in other important processes. Some of the cells that will suffer include those used in hip and joint health, dental health and immune system function. While these may not be necessary functions to keep the body alive, they are necessary for your pet's overall health.
Some commercial dog food diets are lacking in digestive enzymes. Those that advertise their diets with “added enzymes” simply do not add a sufficient amount for the enzymes to have any effect on the dog digestive system. Therefore, if you're dog is having gastro-intestinal problems, food sensitivities or is unable to absorb nutrients, it may be a good idea to discuss dog digestive enzymes with your veterinarian.
Vets are familiar with the effects of digestive enzymes for dogs. These supplements come in capsule, powder and chewable forms. The form you choose will depend on your dog's preference and which type is most convenient and easy for you to administer.
It's important to note that if you feed your pet a raw dog food diet, he may already be getting plenty of digestive enzymes and no supplementation is needed. It depends on the types of food you feed. It would be best to chat with your veterinarian before adding any type of dog digestive enzyme supplement to your pup's diet.
The Best Digestive Enzymes for Dogs
1. NaturVet Digestive Aid Pet Supplement
NaturVet Digestive Enzymes Plus Probiotics contains all four basic digestive enzymes – protease for digesting protein, amylase for digesting carbs and starches, lipase for digesting fat and triclycerides, and cellulase for digesting fiber.
- DIGESTIVE ENZYMES FOR DOGS -...
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It also contains the beneficial bacteria Bacillus coagulans for maintaining gut health. A sprinkle of this enzyme powder over dry or wet food makes all the difference in improving your dog’s digestive health. It maximizes the benefits derived from food and ensures full utilization of nutrients. Dog owners attest that cases of bloating, constipation, excessive gas, heartburn, and other digestion-related issues in their dogs were drastically reduced after introduction of NaturVet Digestive Aid Pet Supplement.
Dog owners believe that constant use of this product has been responsible for eliminating most of their dogs’ health concerns. Dogs are hunters and scavengers by nature, and they love nothing more than eating their find whatever that happens to be. It’s good that their gut is protected by NaturVet because not everything they eat will always be good for them.
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2. Nusentia Vegetarian Digestive Enzyme for Pets
Nusentia’s Enzyme Miracle contains 11 enzymes from botanical sources, making this one of the best digestive enzymes for dogs eating a vegetarian diet. This unflavored enzyme powder is made from 100% natural plant-derived ingredients, and contains no wheat or soy.
- ★ 11 types of plant-based...
- ★ 1 economical scoop...
- ★ 100% Natural - 100% Safe -...
- ★ 100% Quality Tested - Made...
- ★ Recommended for dogs and...
It’s highly likely that dogs fed with processed food or those weakened by age, medication, or toxins have enzyme deficiencies and would need dietary supplement. Without adequate enzyme support, dogs suffer from various digestive and metabolic disorders.
For instance, the pancreas becomes overworked in aiding digestion, and this usually leads to a host of other health issues. Unfortunately, this scenario is quite common in dogs and cats. Thankfully, products like Nusentia Pet Balance Enzyme Miracle Vegetarian Digestive Enzyme for Pets can help with this issue.
Enzyme Miracle came as a godsend to owners of these pets. After several months on this supplement, they saw marked improvement. First to go were digestive issues like flatulence, vomiting, chronic diarrhea, foul-smelling breath, food sensitivity, and the like. Then their pets started gaining the proper weight, showed more vitality, and begun growing healthier and shinier hair. The change in their pets’ overall health has just been so visible that they couldn’t help but attribute it to Enzyme Miracle.
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3. PetVitalityPRO Natural Dog Digestive Enzymes
PetVitalityPRO’s Probiotics Premium Plus contains a potent combination of antioxidants, live probiotics, prebiotics, natural digestive enzymes, vitamins and minerals, and phytochemicals.
- TRUSTED QUALITY – Probiotic...
- SUPPORT YOUR DOG'S DIGESTIVE...
- BOOST IMMUNE SYSTEM, OVERALL...
It is made from 20 carefully selected natural ingredients including maqui berry, papaya, and a blend of green superfood. Two chews supplies over 4 billion CFUs of probiotics to enhance digestive health and strengthen the immune system. This formula is also proudly made in the USA.
It’s an interesting thing how most of your dog’s health woes could be traced back to what makes up his or her diet. Like humans, the health of dogs depends largely on what they eat. The problem with most commercially produced dog food, and even some raw dog food, is the absence of beneficial elements like enzymes and good bacteria. It is therefore imperative that this inadequacy be filled in by a supplement like PetVitalityPRO Probiotics Premium Plus for Dogs with Natural Digestive Enzyes.
Dog owners noticed significant increase in energy level and vitality in their dogs after regular supplementation with these best dog digestive enzymes. Stomach upsets and sensitivities were lessened initially and later disappeared completely after continued use. Since this supplement is so appealing to dogs, giving it to them has never been an issue. Life has become easier and definitely better for both pets and their owners.
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4. Dr. Mercola Digestive Enzymes for Dogs and Cats
A jar of Dr. Mercola Digestive Enzymes contains amylase, betain HCl, bromelain, lipase, papain, and protease which all help in the digestion and utilization of nutrients.
- Specifically designed for our...
- This formula is also made for...
- This blend is made with 9...
- The raw materials this product...
- Bark & Whiskers is bridging...
Dogs produce enzymes naturally, but their capacity to do so declines as they age. This is also true of dogs weakened by prolonged antibiotic or drug use. An external source of enzymes therefore becomes necessary to replenish this dietary deficiency. Dr. Mercola’s ingredients are naturally sourced and include microcrystalline cellulose, papaya, pineapple stems and porcine pancreas.
Aside from assisting digestion, enzymes also help flush away toxins, stimulate cell renewal, and strengthen the immune system. Dr. Mercola Digestive Enzymes for Cats and Dogs has definitely improved the lot of countless pets and their owners. Even cases of chronic pancreatitis and diabetes showed marked improvement and better prognosis after prolonged use of this enzyme source.
Some pet owners used this as a last resort without trying any other best dog digestive enzymes due to canines having digestion problems. At that time, they only wished for the symptoms to be easier for their pets to bear, but they were in for a big surprise. Several months after they’ve first used these best digestive enzymes for dogs, they saw more tangible signs of progress, such as healthier weight, normal stools, better appetite, and increased physical activity. What they saw next was more impressive – blood work results showed significant difference in numbers, indicating considerable improvement in health.
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5. Animal Essentials Plant Enzymes for Dogs
Animals Essentials enzyme supplement is plant-based. As such, it is more beneficial over animal-derived enzymes because the latter works only for the stomach and intestines.
- DIGESTION ASSISTANCE - Our...
- PROPRIETARY BLEND - Our...
- VETERINARIAN RECOMMENDED - Our...
- ALL NATURAL - Our products are...
- PLANTS PETS PASSION - Founded...
Plant-derived enzymes, on the other hand, are effective for the whole digestive system. This enzyme supplement helps in breaking down food into components that can be utilized by the body. By performing this function, it prevents the digestive system from getting overworked.
These are some of the best digestive enzymes for dogs, as they do not contain lactose or sugar. Dogs have no problem eating the Animal Essentials Plant Enzymes & Probiotics since it is tasteless and odorless, and it blends easily with dog food. It helps process food especially for dogs with digestion problems or those with difficulty keeping their food down.
It’s incredible how Animal Essentials stopped bad cases of vomiting and diarrhea almost straightaway. It gave dogs with waning appetite a boost as well. Dogs with irritable bowel syndrome, chronic pancreatitis, and anal gland disorders also benefited from Animal Essentials Plant Enzymes & Probiotics.
According to dog owners, they’ve already used several brands of the best digestive enzymes for dogs, but this supplement appears more cost effective to them. Some even call it the best money they ever spent on their dogs, and why not? It saved them a lot on the cost of medicines and vet’s bills, and they didn’t need to wait too long to see positive results. The combination of probiotics and enzymes is quite a hit too, because not all enzyme supplements have probiotics in it.
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