“What does giving digestive enzymes and probiotics have to do with allergies?”
Dogs’ (Wolves’) were designed to get live enzymes from the fresh prey that they killed. Their pancreas only produces a certain amount of enzymes (they didn’t need a lot b/c they ate live foods) and if they are not getting the enzymes they need from their prey’s guts and entrails, they have to get it from somewhere to be able to digest, absorb, and assimilate their food PROPERLY. Not having enough enzymes to do this can create mal-digestion and or mal-absorption in some dogs. The dog may end up only partially digesting its food in the stomach, and partially fermenting it in the gut and not absorbing all the nutrients and vitamins in the food. The dry kibble or the canned foods we feed are cooked at high temperatures so they are depleted of their enzymes and are therefore not living foods. This causes the pancreas to over tax itself trying to keep up, which can eventually weaken it allowing toxins to build up in the system. This is a key time for issues like yeast, pancreatitis, epi, diarrhea, bad breath, doggy order, allergies, arthritis, skin issues and a compromised immune system (to name a few), take hold. Many pet foods get a lot of their “protein” from grains instead of from meat. The dogs system was not designed to digest the complex proteins in grains so this is why a “grain free” diet is better for those dogs with issues. A raw diet would be the best. Also, popular pet foods have wheat, corn or fish meal in them which most likely has been contaminated with Mycotoxins, which are toxins from mold and fungi. Another thing is that most “plant products” today are Genetically Modified (GMO’s) which create inflammatory conditions. And, there are some Bacteria’s called Endotoxins which are not destroyed during the cooking process of kibble. Pet food manufacturers do not test for these toxins. These are things that can also weaken or compromise the gut and/or immune system. A dogs’ gastrointestinal system protects them from allergens. Since 70% of the immune system lies in the digestive tract, a dogs’ immune system HAS to be functioning properly to fight off the allergens. That is why Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics are so very important to your pets.
Thank you, Mighty Food Guru!
You are most welcome! 🙂
If anyone is interested, here are some quality products:
This is a convenient combination of plant based Digestive Enzymes and ProBiotics mixed together. This is a great product to use to keep the gut healthy! “Digest All Plus” http://www.thewholisticpet.com/products/canine-product-line/digestive-support/wholistic-digest-all-plustm.html
Digestive Enzymes: Bilex: My Holistic Vet says that based on her experience, she does not find “plant-based” vegetarian enzymes as efficient for digestive purposes, for SOME dogs with absorption problems. She said that animal-sourced enzymes, for problematic dogs’, are more biologically suited for animals that naturally eat other animals (carnivores). This Digestive Enzyme contains Ox Bile extract which helps stimulate HCI production and pepsin for digestion. It also contains Pancreatin which an animal-based enzyme, providing Protease, Amylase and Lipase. You crush the tablet between two spoons. http://www.pureformulas.com/bilex-90-tablets-by-douglas-laboratories.html#sthash.MkYsf32H.dpbs
This is another Animal Based Digestive Enzyme I rotate with: Digestive Enzymes By Mercola: http://shop.mercola.com/product/healthy-pets-digestive-enzymes,271,90.htm
ProBiotics: Mercola “For Pets” http://shop.mercola.com/product/complete-probiotics-powder-for-pets-90g-per-bottle,266,91.htm
ProBiotics: “Solaray Multidophilus 12” found in the refrigerated section of the health food store. (Make sure that it is NOT a chewable probiotic as it may contain Xylitol which is poisonous to dogs)
Always make sure to introduce a new supplement slowly and work up to the correct amount. 😉