CCShepherds

Colorado Bred
German Shepherds, Puppies and Supplies

Digestive Enzymes

Named after the food substances they digest, they end in -ase. Pancreatic enzymes are protease, amylase and lipase.  Enzymes that digest sugar are called sucrase; those that digest phosphorus are called phosphatase, etc. 

Found in all cells and fluids in the body, they are specialized protein substances that speed up and create chemical reactions.  NOTE! Enzymes are destroyed in temperatures over 118 degrees F!  Dry foods exceed this temperature during processing. This is why it is so important to replace these enzymes!  

Enzymes break down our dogs' food so that their system can utilize the nutrients.  Without them, we are depriving our dogs of the nutrition they need to stay healthy. A pancreas that has been fed a commercial diet is likely to be four times the size of normal and/or have numerous tumors from being so over worked to provide additional enzymes. They are required for all digestion to take place, particularly concerning the stomach and the pancreas.

Enzymes control, promote and guide all of life's vital processes including muscle movement, energy storage, breathing, digestion, reproduction, etc.

If your dog food does not include enzymes then you must add them.  Canidae has always included enzymes and probiotics to their dry food.  Check out the superior nutrition of Canidae No Grain Dog Food.

Avoid Bloat

Veterinarians continue to study the bloat problem and still have many unanswered questions.  Researchers prepared the following recommendations to help prevent canine bloat. You should discuss these recommendations with your veterinarian.

1. Feed the dogs two or three times daily, rather than once a day, and at times when someone can observe them after they have eaten.  I feed a chicken leg at noon and another meat bone source in the evening.

2. Avoid vigorous exercise, excitement and stress one hour before and two hours after feeding. Walking is okay because it helps stimulate normal gastrointestinal function.

3. Feed dogs individually and in a quiet location.

4. Make diet changes gradually over a 3-5 day period.

5. Ensure water is always available but limit the amount immediately after feeding.

6. Watch for any actions or behavior that may signal abdominal discomfort (abdominal fullness, pacing, salivating, whining, getting up and lying down, stretching, looking at abdomen, anxiety and unsuccessful attempts to vomit, etc.

7. Establish a good relationship with a veterinarian. Discuss emergency procedures, preventative surgery (Gastropexy, circumcostal, tube, incisional)) and overall medical management of your dog.

8. When feeding dry food PLEASE add warm water and let sit for 5 minutes so the food does not absorb liquids in the stomach!

9. Add enzymes to your dogs' meals.