Digestive Enzymes for Canines: An Examination by Liz McCalley, DVM, CCRT, Reviewed by Brittany Kleszynski, DVM on 05/30/2025, Published on 05/20/2021, Accessible via Facebook, Twitter, Email, and Print.
Doggos love to chow down on a wide array of treats, but their digestive systems are more like those of omnivores, not strict carnivores. Digestive enzymes are a hot topic in the dog world, and it's crucial to understand what these enzymes do and if your pooch needs them.
What's the deal with these enzymes?
Digestion involves two steps: mechanical (chewing food) and chemical (breakdown by enzymes). Doggos produce their own enzymes in the stomach and pancreas, with the pancreas taking the lead. Human digestive systems produce more enzymes in saliva, but our canine companions produce minimal amounts. Lacking these enzymes would mean they couldn't break down essential elements like fats, carbs, and proteins, leading to weight loss, malnutrition, and, eventually, trouble.
Three Main Types of Digestive Enzymes
Dogs produce three primary types of enzymes:
- Lipases: Break down fats (like omega-3 and omega-6)
- Proteases: Break down proteins into amino acids
- Amylases: Break down carbs and starches into sugars like glucose
Digestive Enzymes in Dog Food = Meh
Some pet parents may find dog food boasting digestive enzymes and wonder if it's worthwhile. At the moment, research doesn't support the idea that adding enzymes to dog food benefits healthy dogs. Instead, focus on providing quality, complete, and balanced canine cuisine to meet your pup's nutritional needs and enable them to produce their own enzymes.
When Supplements Could Be a Lifesaver
For dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), digestive enzyme supplements are vital. EPI occurs when the pancreas can't produce enough enzymes due to scarring or shrinkage, often due to chronic pancreatitis. EPI is common in specific breeds, like German Shepherds. Symptoms include weight loss, ravenous appetite, and soft, voluminous stool. If you think your dog might have EPI, it's essential to take them to the vet for testing. A low serum trypsin-like immunoreactivity (TLI) test result is diagnostic for EPI. These dogs need to be supplemented with porcine pancreatic enzymes to manage their condition, and the supplements are generally well-tolerated.
Keeping Digestion A- okay, let's get it right: Healthy
Ensuring your dog's digestion stays tip-top shape is simple: feed them a high-quality, balanced diet and get their poop checked annually for parasites. For dogs with chronic digestive issues like vomiting, gas, or loose stools, consult your vet to determine the cause and the best course of action. In the short term, giving your pet a probiotic, fiber, or a smidgen of canned pumpkin might help, but remember, every pup is unique, so it's all about what works best for them!
- To maintain a healthy digestive system, feed your dog a high-quality, balanced diet, which includes essential elements like fats, carbs, and proteins that are broken down by enzymes such as lipases, proteases, and amylases.
- For dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), digestive enzyme supplements are crucial, as their pancreas can't produce enough enzymes due to scarring or shrinkage. In such cases, these dogs need to be supplemented with porcine pancreatic enzymes to manage their condition.
