How to choose a digestive enzyme for your pet
Make sure to get a complete enzyme product that offers only vegetarian sourced enzymes. Avoid animal based enzyme products with names like pancreatin, ox bile, trypsin and chymotrypsin. These are old fashioned and are harvested by juicing the organs of pig and cow cadavers from slaughter houses. Pancreatic enzymes have an activity level limited to a narrow pH range and will not work in the stomach. They have a delayed effect and are easily destroyed by the acidity of the stomach. They will not break down fibers and certain carbohydrates. These enzymes can be aggressive and can have some serious side effects.
The following is an actual label on a pancreatic enzyme product:
High doses may cause diarrhea, cramping, or vomiting. If you observe any of these reactions, contact your veterinarian immediately. If your pet experiences an allergic reaction to the medication, signs may include facial swelling, hives, scratching, sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, shock, seizures, pale gums, cold limbs, or coma. If you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately. Precautions Do not use in animals hypersensitive (allergic) to pork products. The powder may irritate or burn the skin on contact. Wash immediately if you get any on your skin or your pet’s skin. Wash hands after handling this medication.
Is this something you would give your pet?
What type of vegetarian enzymes are the best?
Some pet enzyme products only have four different enzymes. That is not going to do a very good job. As an example, cooked rice takes five to six enzymes to digest that one ingredient, since rice is carbohydrates, sugars, fats, proteins, soluble and insoluble fiber. A four enzyme product will not even digest that one ingredient well.
To add all the necessary enzymes to your pet’s food is both simple and economical and it could pay off in lower veterinarian bills.
The best digestive enzyme for pets
For the most complete vegetarian digestive enzyme for dogs and cats, try Total-Zymes®
