Understanding Enzyme Robbing In Your Dog's Nutrition
Herbivores and and omnivores begin the digestion process through naturally occuring enzymes found saliva in the mouth. Dogs lack these enzymes in their saliva to begin the digestion process in the mouth as food is consumed..
What is Enzyme Robbing
The process of pulling enzymes from other organs of the body to support digesting food
When cooked or processed foods, grains, or vegetables are fed to dogs, their stomachs recognize that there are no enzymes present to break down the food. The stomach then sends signals to the brain to stimulate the production of enzymes from other parts of the body to aid in digestion. These enzymes are gathered from organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys and transported to the stomach. This process is known as “enzyme robbing,” and it can cause dysfunction and disease in the organs from which the enzymes were taken.
If an organ system of the body is already struggling with health concerns, this organ robbing process could further complicate things.
Raw Foods Contain Enzymes Naturally
When dogs are fed raw, species-specific foods like meat, bones, and organs, these fresh foods contain natural enzymes to digest their food. Because these foods contain enzymes, the stomach does not need to “rob” enzymes from other body organs to digest the food.
A diet rich in raw animal parts provides a source of supplemental enzymes that are necessary for the continuing good health of dogs.
Cooking Foods Destroys Natural Enzymes
It only takes temperatures to achieve 118F to destroy naturally occurring enzymes in fresh foods. Once these enzymes are destroyed, you may hear it called “dead food”. Enzymes need to be supplemented for cooked food.
Cooking destroys enzymes in food, also places a strain on the digestive organs, especially the pancreas. The pancreas is overworked in people who eat a moderate amount of cooked food, leading to overgrowth (enlargement) of this organ.
When the body receives living enzymes from food sources, it does not have to expend as much energy producing digestive enzymes. This allows the body to focus on producing metabolic enzymes and promoting overall health and longevity. It is essential to understand the importance of living enzymes in the diet for the optimal health of dogs
Supplement Digestive Enzymes
It is generally suggested to add digestive enzymes to all kibble-based diets and many homemade diets if they are cooked for long periods of time or at higher temperatures. Even with a homecooked food, it is suggested to each day at something fresh and raw.
Supplement Digestive Enzymes For Seniors
But you may need to also consider adding additional supplementation to a senior dog’s diet if the digestive system is starting to struggle, unwell dogs – including dogs with pancreatic issues and heart health issues.
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heart health, heart disease
pancreatitis, pancreatic, pancreas