The Benefits of Digestive Enzymes for Dogs...with Fun Ideas

There's been a lot of talk about gut health in the health-conscious community. From probiotics to prebiotic drinks to eating more resistant starch, we humans have options to support our microbiome. But what about dog gut health? An all-kibble diet is convenient—sure. But is it best for dog digestion? And how does that impact a dog's ability to live a long, active life?

The other morning, I was in my kitchen blending up a Greek yogurt and fruit smoothie when I caught my lab mix Bruno sniffing around the counter. He’s got a nose for curiosity—and food. I’d just added some fresh pumpkin to the blender when I looked at Bruno. And he didn't look quite right.

Bruno has a sensitive stomach, and over the years, I’ve learned how to keep his gut happy. Incorporating digestive enzymes for dogs into his diet has been critical to keeping his tummy supported.

Why Digestive Enzymes Are Vital for Dog Gut Health

Digestive enzymes are specialized proteins that break down food into nutrients the body can use. Without these enzymes, digestion doesn't happen as it should. A dog could eat a healthy diet. But they're not getting all of the nutrition from that food.

Because the body can't break it down, much of it comes out the other end undigested or back up the way it went in.

Dogs produce these enzymes naturally in their pancreas and stomach. But sometimes, especially as they age, their enzyme production might not be enough to support optimal digestion and you might notice some of these uncomfortable signs of dog gut health in crisis.

The Benefits of Digestive Enzymes for Dogs

I like to focus on the benefits rather than dwelling too much on the problems. So let's make like an enzyme and break this down:

Improved Nutrient Absorption

Enzymes help break food down into absorbable nutrients. With better digestion, your dog can get more out of their meals, supporting their energy levels, immune system, and overall well-being.

Reduced Digestive Issues

If your K9 frequently experiences upset stomachs, enzymes can reduce symptoms like diarrhea and bloating by making digestion smoother and more efficient.

Boosted Energy and Vitality

When digestion works as it should, your dog absorbs more of the vitamins and nutrients needed for energy and vitality. What a waste if you're buying some of the "better" dog food, and they're not getting maximum nutrition from it?

I want Bruno and Pixie to get all the benefits of a healthy dog diet I choose to feed them.

Support for Aging Dogs

Older dogs often produce fewer enzymes naturally. Supplementing digestive enzymes helps maintain their gut health. I'm making mealtime easier on their system and helping Bruno stay healthy and active longer.

More hikes. More trips to the lake. More rolling in fallen leaves at the park on a crisp autumn day. Yes, please!

With that said...I'm not big on pills. I don't want to medicalize the natural aging process. I'd much rather support healthy aging with better food choices.

And healthy treats for dogs can definitely be part of the solution.

Natural Sources of Digestive Enzymes for Dogs

You can add many natural, enzyme-rich foods into your dog’s diet. Here are some dog-safe options:

Pumpkin or its less celebrated cousin butternut squash. Did you know that canned pumpkin can technically call itself pumpkin when it's really a winter squash like butternut? They're that closely related.

These are rich in fiber and enzymes. They support digestion and firm stools. And yes, the canned variety is perfectly okay if you're not too excited about carving a pumpkin every week.

Kefir is another great option. It's a probiotic powerhouse that also contains enzymes to aid digestion. Even though dogs tend to be sensitive to dairy, the fermentation process used to make kefir enhances the probiotics and enzymes, often negating any effects dogs might experience from lactose.

Greek Yogurt also offers probiotics and enzymes for healthy digestion (just choose unsweetened varieties).

Papaya and Pineapple. These fruits are rich in bromelain and papain, enzymes that break down protein. They're also high in sugar, so they shouldn't be an everyday thing. But we definitely keep them on rotation, especially in the summer months when I can get them at a discount. Apples, pears, berries, and bananas are also tremendous for dog tummies.

Making Enzymes Fun: Healthy Snacks for Dogs

When it comes to dog treats for digestion, I like to get a little creative. One of my favorite ways to give Bruno these enzyme-rich foods is by incorporating them into his chew time. I fill beef marrow dog bones or trachea tubes with a mix of pumpkin, kefir, and a touch of mashed banana or papaya. Then, I freeze them for a long-lasting, gut-friendly treat.

Here's a quick and easy recipe I use all the time:

1. Scoop out any remaining marrow from a K9 Connoisseur marrow bone or use a trachea tube.
2. Mix pumpkin puree, plain kefir, and a bit of mashed papaya, along with that marrow you scraped out.
3. Fill the bone or tube with the mixture.
4. Freeze for a few hours or overnight.

Not only is this a super-nutritious health treat for dogs. It also keeps them entertained and mentally stimulated, as well as cleaning their teeth.

Dog bones and trachea chews are great for mental health and joint health!

They contain glucosamine and chondroitin. That's getting even more important for Bruno as he ages.

How to Choose Dog Treats for Digestion

Sometimes, I'm in the mood to make a healthy snack for my dogs to support their digestion from scratch. Other times, I look for something ready-to-go. When you're looking for the no extra work option, I encourage you to consider these tips.

Choose single-ingredient dog treats. These have no preservatives, additives, or weird ingredients. Of course, pumpkin or yogurt could be your single ingredient. But also consider the humble dog bone.

If it's filled with naturally occurring beef bone marrow, it can help support temperamental tummies with enzymes, vitamins, minerals, protein, and healthy fats.

Choose low-fat. Excessive fat, especially the saturated kind, can irritate dog digestive health. I buy grass-fed beef marrow bones.

Grass-fed beef is lower in saturated fat and higher in omega 3, the anti-inflammatory fat dogs need for effortless digestion.

High protein. Now, I realize fruit doesn't necessarily fit the bill here. Dogs need fiber, too!

But as omnivores, dogs also need a lot of protein. So healthy snacks for dogs include protein-rich treats like beef trachea. The trachea (windpipe) is mostly cartilage—which is made primarily of collagen, the structural protein. Collagen is critical for healthy bones and joints.

Signs Your Dog’s Gut Health Needs Attention

• Frequent vomiting or diarrhea
• Chronic bad breath
• Reluctance to eat or picky eating
• Excessive gas
• Weight loss despite eating regularly
• Not wanting to run, play, or follow dog commands like come or fetch

If you notice these signs, talk to your vet and start supporting their digestion with dog treats for digestion. And when your pup is feeling well again, I encourage you to check out this Free 7-Day Dog Training Challenge for even more ways to support your dog's mental and physical health.

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