Q: I’ve
heard that some animals can be allergic to animal protein, since
pancreatin is from porcine (pig) sources, should I be concerned?
A: Quite
honestly, in my practice, I’ve never seen one case of an allergy to
pancreatin.– it’s that rare. However, if your pet has a known allergy to
pork products, then they shouldn’t take this product. Moreover, if your
pet displays any kind of reaction to this or any enzyme product, you
should immediately stop feeding them the product and contact your
veterinarian.
Q: Can animal-based enzymes cause diarrhea and vomiting?
A: It’s
important to realize that ANY enzyme supplement can cause vomiting and
diarrhea if given in too high a dose, especially fungus-derived enzymes.
If your pet has digestive issues, I advise you to start slowly. This is
easy to do with Healthy Pets Digestive Enzymes as they come in powdered form. You can begin with very small amounts and work up to the recommended amount over time, according to your pet’s response.
Q: I’ve read that plant sourced enzymes are better. Is that true?
A: In
one word, no. I do not believe that to be true for dogs and cats. The
key to optimal digestion is to mimic, as closely as possible, what you
would find in their prey’s GI tract. You want to recreate the enzymes
found in the prey’s digestive tract and throughout its body.
Plant-derived enzymes are great for rabbits (and other vegetarian pets)
but are typically not strong enough for your carnivorous pet.
Q: I see vegetarian fungal-based enzymes for sale in my health food store. Are these good for my pet?
A: Microbial
– or fungal, to be exact – enzymes are sometimes recommended for human
use, especially for vegetarians. However, for cats and dogs, who consume
diets high in meat protein, I believe a pancreatic derived enzyme works
far more efficiently. Fungal enzymes are just not as perfect a match
for our furry friends’ bodies as pancreatic enzymes. Plus, fungal
enzymes can be particularly troublesome for animals with allergies,
yeast problems, and weakened digestive systems.
Q: My pet eats a diet of raw meat, vegetables, and fruits. Do I need to give him supplemental enzymes?
A: Congratulations
for making the switch to a real food diet! Remember the prey your pet’s
ancestor eats – it’s teeming with living, fresh enzymes found in parts
we don’t feed: raw pancreas tissue and entrails (raw, unclean
intestines). So even pets on raw diets may benefit from supplemental
enzymes. Any time you can spare your pet from dipping into his enzyme
stores, you’re supporting his other metabolic functions and good health.
Q: I’ve heard that stomach acid destroys pancreatic enzymes. Isn’t that a problem if I sprinkle this on my pet’s food?
A: Because
our pancreatic enzymes are animal-sourced, their ability to withstand
stomach acidity on their way to the small intestine is naturally much
greater than with plant or fungal enzymes.
Q: Is there ever a time you don’t recommend enzymes for pets?
A: Yes.
If your pet has recently undergone GI surgery or is currently being
treated for a GI ulcer, I recommend you wait until your pet has
recovered before instituting enzyme supplementation.