Digestive Enzymes For Dogs
What Are Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes are proteins that help break down food into usable nutrients:
Proteases – break down proteins into amino acids.
Lipases – break down fats into fatty acids and glycerol.
Amylases – break down carbohydrates into simple sugars.
Cellulases – break down plant fibers (not made naturally in dogs, but may be included in supplements).
Why Dogs Benefit from Enzyme Support
Digestive enzymes reduce the strain on your dog’s digestive system and improve nutrient absorption. They are especially helpful when:
Kibble- and canned-fed dogs – any enzymes once present in food are destroyed during high-heat processing.
Dogs eating fruits, vegetables, or cooked meats – enzymes maximize absorption from these foods.
Seniors – aging slows down natural enzyme production.
Dogs diagnosed with or at risk of pancreatitis – reduces workload on the pancreas and helps prevent flare-ups.
Dogs with food intolerances or skin conditions – supports gut balance, which in turn helps immune and skin health.
Dogs with digestive issues or malnutrition – ensures nutrients are actually absorbed.
Dogs with anxious tendencies – gut health influences emotions; better digestion can reduce generalized anxiousness.
Dogs with joint and inflammatory conditions – reducing systemic inflammation often starts with gut balance.
Recovering dogs – supports healing when energy and nutrient absorption need to be maximized.
Dogs transitioning from kibble to whole food – helps their system “relearn” how to digest real, live food.
Yeasty dogs – supports gut balance, which is key for resolving yeast overgrowth.
Dogs regularly vaccinated or frequently medicated – extra support for systems under chronic stress.
Bottom line: All dogs can benefit from digestive enzyme support. In fresh, whole food diets, some enzymes come directly from raw food, while the pancreas supplies the rest. In processed food diets, that entire load falls on the dog’s pancreas.
When & How to Give Digestive Enzymes
Timing: Traditionally suggested an hour before meals, but practically, adding directly to food is fine — just don’t cook or heat after adding.
Serving: Sprinkle powders over meals, or open capsules into food. Stir well to blend.
Adjustment: If stool remains loose or your dog continues to struggle, adjust dose or timing.
Foods Naturally Rich in Enzymes
Papaya (papain) and Pineapple (bromelain) – strong protein-digesting enzymes.
Raw honey – amylase, diastase, invertase.
Raw goat’s milk or kefir – lipase, protease, lactase.
Fermented foods – wide enzyme spectrum plus probiotics.
Raw organ meats (especially pancreas) – naturally enzyme-rich.
Cooking destroys many enzymes, which is why processed diets leave dogs more reliant on supplements.
Special Cases
Pancreatitis or pancreatic insufficiency (EPI): Dogs in this category should receive supplemental enzymes daily — often for life — to spare the pancreas from overwork.
Seniors: Older dogs almost always need additional enzyme support, since their digestive systems slow down naturally.
Anxious dogs: The gut–brain axis means poor digestion can contribute to stress, and improved gut function may reduce anxious behaviors.
Practical Feeding Tip
Digestive enzymes should be the last thing you add to the food bowl. Mix gently and serve immediately.