How Digestive Enzymes Improve Nutrient Absorption

Kristina Voltin
Mar 25
4 min read

Key Benefits of Digestive Enzymes for Dogs:

Better Nutrient Absorption: Helps your dog get more energy and nutrients from every meal.
Supports Sensitive Stomachs: Reduces gas, bloating, and food sensitivities.
Improves Health: Promotes a shinier coat, higher energy, and stronger muscles.

Common Enzymes and Their Roles:

Protease: Breaks down proteins.
Amylase: Processes carbohydrates.
Lipase: Digests fats.
Cellulase: Aids in fiber digestion.

To maximize results, pair enzyme supplements with high-quality dog food and natural enzyme-rich foods like papaya, pineapple, and kefir. Monitor your dog’s progress for signs of better digestion, such as regular stools, increased energy, and a healthier coat. Consult your vet if issues persist.

Main Advantages of Dog Digestive Enzymes

Improved Nutrient Absorption

Digestive enzymes help break down food into nutrients that dogs can easily absorb, ensuring they get more out of every meal. Many Loyal Saints customers report their dogs staying energetic even on smaller portions. This highlights how the natural enzymes in freeze-dried raw food can improve nutrient uptake and reduce digestive discomfort.

Support for Sensitive Stomachs

Digestive enzymes can ease common stomach issues in dogs by:

Breaking down complex proteins that may cause stomach upset
Reducing gas and bloating
Supporting regular bowel movements
Helping with food sensitivities

"We started transitioning Nef over to Loyal Saints a few weeks ago and he is loving it! We have already noticed a huge improvement in some of the stomach issues we were noticing on his previous food. Excited to see how else this new food benefits Nefarian." - NefariansMom, Loyal Saints Customer

Boosts Overall Health

Better nutrient absorption leads to noticeable improvements in your dog's overall well-being:

Health Area	Benefits Observed
Coat Appearance	Shinier, healthier fur with reduced shedding
Energy Levels	More vitality and sustained energy all day
Muscle Strength	Improved muscle development and maintenance
Allergy Relief	Fewer allergic reactions and sensitivities

"Finally a nutrition-packed food for Toby without all the added gunk! He loves it and it shows in his coat." - Wanda W., Loyal Saints Customer

Perfect Poop: Complete Digestive Health Guide for Dogs

Picking the Best Enzyme Supplements

Enzymes play a key role in digestion, and choosing the right supplement can help improve your dog's ability to absorb nutrients effectively.

Important Enzyme Types

Enzyme	Role in Digestion	Foods It Helps Break Down
Protease	Breaks down proteins	Meat, eggs
Amylase	Processes carbohydrates	Grains, vegetables
Lipase	Breaks down fats	Oils
Cellulase	Aids in fiber digestion	Plant fiber

Things to Consider Before Buying

Once you've identified the essential enzymes, it's important to look for supplements that meet high-quality standards. Focus on products made with natural ingredients and steer clear of unnecessary fillers or additives. This ensures the supplement works effectively to support your dog's nutrition.

"We prioritize thoughtful formulations that not only nourish your pet but also enhance their vitality and happiness. By focusing on optimal nutrition, we help ensure that every pet thrives, enjoying an active and flourishing life." - Loyal Saints Pets

Pairing With High-Quality Dog Food

For the best results, combine enzyme supplements with premium dog food, such as Loyal Saints. Enzyme supplements work most effectively when paired with a well-balanced diet that meets AAFCO standards. This combination helps maximize nutrient absorption and promotes better digestive health.

Adding Enzymes to Your Dog's Food

How to Mix Enzyme Supplements with Different Foods

To get the most out of enzyme supplements, it’s important to mix them correctly based on the type of food your dog eats:

Dry kibble: Sprinkle the suggested amount of enzyme powder over the kibble. Add 2–3 tablespoons of warm water (not hot) to activate the enzymes. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Wet food: Stir the enzyme powder into the food while it’s at room temperature. Avoid mixing enzymes into hot food, as heat can make them ineffective.
Raw or freeze-dried food: Use a smaller enzyme dose for these types of food. Add the enzyme supplement right before serving.

Beyond supplements, you can also include natural enzyme-rich foods in your dog’s diet for extra digestive support.

Natural Enzyme-Rich Foods for Dogs

Certain foods naturally contain enzymes that help with digestion. Below is a list of safe, enzyme-rich options for dogs:

Food Type	Natural Enzymes	Benefits
Papaya	Papain	Helps break down proteins
Pineapple	Bromelain	Reduces inflammation
Raw honey	Amylase, Diastase	Assists in carbohydrate digestion
Kefir	Multiple enzymes	Promotes gut health
Fermented vegetables	Various enzymes	Enhances nutrient absorption

Introduce these foods gradually to avoid digestive upset. They can work well alongside high-quality dog foods, such as freeze-dried options from brands like Loyal Saints, which aim to keep nutrients intact.

While these natural options are beneficial, don’t rely on them alone if your vet has specifically prescribed enzyme supplements for your dog’s digestive health. Supplements offer a more targeted approach to addressing digestive concerns.

Checking Your Dog's Progress

Signs of Improved Digestion

Keep an eye on your dog's digestion to spot positive changes. Look for regular, firm stools, steady appetite, higher energy levels, a shinier coat, and less stomach discomfort. You might notice changes in a few weeks, though some dogs adjust within just one week.

Pay attention to these daily:

Whether your dog finishes meals and maintains a healthy appetite
Stool quality and how often they go
Energy levels throughout the day
Any signs of digestive upset

Once you start seeing these improvements, stay alert for any concerning symptoms that may need professional attention.

When to Visit the Vet

If issues persist despite enzyme supplementation, it’s time to consult your vet. Reach out if your dog shows ongoing vomiting, frequent diarrhea, significant appetite loss, or noticeable lethargy. Your vet can assess their condition, adjust enzyme dosages if necessary, and look into other potential health problems.

Conclusion: Using Enzymes for Better Dog Health

Digestive enzymes play a key role in helping your dog get the most out of their meals. By improving nutrient absorption, they ensure that each bite supports your dog’s overall well-being.

Research highlights that combining enzyme supplements with top-tier dog food can promote better digestion. Brands like Loyal Saints provide options made with natural ingredients to align with this approach.

Sticking to a consistent, high-quality regimen can lead to noticeable benefits, including:

Better nutrient absorption
Easier digestion and regular bowel movements
Improved coat condition and energy levels