Dog Digestive Enzymes

Dog digestive enzymes help your dog break food down into nutrients the body can absorb and put to work, whether your pup spends the day riding along for chores or snoozing on the porch. These enzymes include protease for proteins, lipase for fats and amylase for starches. A healthy dog normally makes digestive enzymes through the pancreas and digestive tract, so adding a supplement is not a must for every dog. Digestive enzyme supplements for dogs may play a role if your veterinarian identifies a need, particularly with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, or EPI, a condition in which the pancreas does not supply enough digestive enzymes. Signs can include weight loss despite a hearty appetite, frequent loose stools and pale, greasy-looking stools. Those symptoms can also point to other health problems, though, so a change in your dog's digestion calls for a veterinary check rather than guesswork with a new supplement. Choosing dog digestive enzymes starts with understanding what your dog's digestive system needs. Enzymes and probiotics serve different purposes: enzymes break down food, while probiotics supply live microorganisms that may support the balance of bacteria in the gut. Neither is a catchall answer for gas, diarrhea or a sensitive stomach. For dogs diagnosed with EPI, veterinarians commonly recommend pancreatic enzyme replacement with meals and may also check vitamin B12 levels, since this condition can interfere with nutrient absorption. Follow your veterinarian's directions for the enzyme type, amount and feeding routine, and do not swap a prescribed treatment for an over-the-counter dog digestive supplement without checking first. If a supplement is recommended, review the ingredient list, feeding directions and storage requirements before adding it to your dog's routine. Keeping track of appetite, stool consistency and body weight can help you and your veterinarian see how the plan is working and make adjustments along the way.