11 Best Dog Digestive Enzymes Compared & Reviewed

 

Top Rated Digestive Enzyme for Dogs List in 2023 + Buying Guide

 

Want to get the best dog digestive enzymes, but you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed because of the wide array of choices available for sale these days? After having gone through the ingredients of multiple options, Dr. Fox has decided that the product you should consider is the NaturVet Digestive Enzymes. This choice can provide the right enzymes and probiotics to your fluffy friend, and the neat thing about it is that it comes in the form of a powder that you can conveniently add to your pup’s food. Besides, it can be used on kittens and puppies alike, as well as adults. If the NaturVet alternative is no longer available or you’d prefer something different, we suggest checking out the PetVitalityPro 4 Bill CFUs Chewable.

 

 

Comparison table

 

 

 

11 Best Dog Digestive Enzymes (Reviews) in 2023

 

 

If you have little to no time at your disposal when it comes to doing your research and actively looking for good dog digestive enzymes and probiotics, perhaps you might want to take a look at our selection. It’s packed with some of the safest and convenient products in this line. Most of them contain both enzymes and probiotics, so they are 2-in-1 choices.

 

 

1. NaturVet Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics

 

As one of the most popular choices in the line, this product comes with both probiotics and enzymes that are specifically designed to maintain the health of your doggie’s digestive system. All of the essential enzymes ranging from amylase to cellulase are present in this alternative.

You can utilize the NaturVet option for alleviating several symptoms of digestive malfunctions, although we do recommend you start using it on your pet even before these have shown up. The NaturVet can be utilized on cats and dogs alike, so if you own both types of pets, be sure to give it a try.

In addition to this, it’s worth noting that this particular choice works on puppies and kittens, unlike some of the other enzymes that we have come across. Finally, if you aren’t convinced as to whether or not you should give this product a chance, we’d like to add that it is one of the few that are manufactured in the U.S. and FDA audited.

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2. PetVitalityPRO Probiotics for Dogs with Natural Digestive Enzymes

 

If you’d prefer giving tablets to your dog instead of powder, you should take a chance with this supplement. It is available in packs of sixty or one hundred and fifty chewable tablets, so you can pick the one that you need most. If you aren’t convinced of its efficiency, we recommend getting the smaller amount at the beginning.

Something that we do have to note about this choice is that it mostly contains pre- and probiotics instead of actual enzymes that can help with your dog’s digestion. It comes with a plethora of Lactobacillus strains, which means that it is capable of regulating the digestive processes that are responsible for providing essential nutrients to your dog’s bloodstream.

This non-GMO formula is said to be effective in dealing with gas and diarrhea, as well as belching. Most owners give their dogs two tablets per day, so one with every meal.

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3. Animal Essentials Plant Enzyme & Probiotics Supplement for Dogs

Unlike some other products that are marketed as being rich in enzymes when, in fact, they contain little to none, this Animal Essentials alternative does come with those that you need for your dog. The formula has protease, alpha and beta amylase, lipase, as well as cellulase, and a good deal of other healthy compounds.

Most of those that have chosen this alternative seem to have nothing but good things to say about it as it appears to have helped their cats and dogs deal with vomiting following their meals.

However, we would like to add that the effects of this enzyme and probiotic supplement, as well as that of others, do depend on the pet. Some might be more sensitive than others, which is the case with a dog belonging to one customer who reports that they weren’t able to continue treatment as the formula itself induced vomiting after every meal.

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4. Nusentia Digestive Enzymes for Dogs

 

If you want your pet to have a long and happy life, this product might be able to assist you in providing him or her just that. It comes with as many as eleven kinds of plant-based digestive and systemic enzymes, and the neat thing about it is that it can be used on cats and dogs that are old or young.

What’s more, this formula comes in the form of a powder, so you can add it to your pet’s favorite wet food. One scoop is said to be enough to ensure that your dog deals better with stressful events, does not develop any digestive problems, and has a healthy pancreas.

Besides, one of the ingredients in the Pet Balance choice is bromelain a natural anti-inflammatory. If your dog tends to develop allergies when exposed to various types of nutrients, you can rest assured that this product will not trigger one. It contains no wheat, eggs, dairy, soy, by-products, or artificial flavorings.

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5. NaturVet All-in-One 4-IN-1 Support for Dogs

 

 

As we were saying, sometimes it is far simpler to opt for a product that comes with enzymes, probiotics, and a good deal of vitamins and minerals, too. This way, you don’t have to purchase several separate products or deal with the pain of giving several pills to your dog.

This particular formula contains four types of supplements that are specially paired to ensure that they maintain the overall health of your pet on par. They can also provide the right amount of Omega 3 and Omega 6, as well as chondroitin and glucosamine, which means that your pup will have a shiny, healthy-looking coat and flexible joints.

The only thing that seems to be lacking in this formula is probiotics. Other than that, the All-in-One comes with everything that your dog might ever need. It has the four essential enzymes, as well as a plethora of vitamins and minerals. Plus, these are soft chews, so they’ll be a pleasure to nibble on.

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6. In Clover Fresh Digest Daily Digestive Aid and Immune Support Supplement

 

Compared to some of the other products that we have showcased in this selection, the In Clover alternative might look pretty basic. The fact of the matter is that, should you be in the market only for digestive enzymes, this choice has all of those you might be after.

It’s made from four plant-based enzymes, so it doesn’t contain any animal protein. What this means is that it also addresses the requirements of dogs that are intolerant to some types of protein, as well as those that might experience skin problems on account of too much protein in their food.

Given that this choice does not contain any fillers or ingredients that might upset your furry friend’s digestion, it wouldn’t hurt if you also considered it the next time you’re in the market for new enzymes. After all, most of those who have opted for it appear to love what it can do for their puppies.

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7. Wholistic Pet Organics Digest-All Plus Supplement

 

Available in sizes ranging from 2oz to 4oz, this choice is a great little helper if you want to make sure that your pet’s digestion never goes wrong. The concentrated formula that this product contains is jam-packed with enzymes and probiotics coming from natural and whole food ingredients.

What’s more, it is one of the few products in this line that are manufactured in the United States of America and regulated by the National Animal Supplement Council. These two details should give you a pointer as to whether the Wholistic Pet Organics is worth investing in and whether it is safe.

Furthermore, you might want to know that this choice does not contain wheat, soy, corn, cheese, and any other dairy products which might trigger skin-related or digestive issues. Some of the pet owners who were kind enough to provide feedback about this unit say that it has helped them deal with symptoms like smelly gas, acid-like breath, and decreased appetite.

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8. Dr Mercola Healthy Pets Digestive Enzymes for Pets

 

Although marketed as a formula that contains five enzymes, this product contains those that are essential for a healthy digestive system, as well as several other substances that are said to be beneficial. Bromelain, for instance, has been linked with anti-inflammatory effects, so if your dog suffers from colitis or irritable bowel syndrome, this product might be a good choice.

In addition to all of this, it is worth noting that the Dr. Mercola alternative also comes with pancreatin which ensures that the health of this crucial organ remains up to par. Besides, the papain in the formula helps with the digestion of protein, especially in those dogs that might have a specific problem in this sense.

Some of the individuals who have written reviews about this product say that it has assisted them in dealing with issues like belching, diarrhea, and a variety of other digestive-related symptoms.

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9. NWC Naturals Total-Digestion Mini-twin Pack Total-Zymes

This pack comes with a box of enzymes and one containing probiotics. The mini twin-pack is effective in treating and alleviating the symptoms of various digestive conditions. However, that doesn’t mean that you should start using it on your dog when a problem has already been caused.

Since it is better to prevent than treat, we suggest using these enzymes and probiotics as a means of ensuring that your dog’s health is as good as possible. The Total-Biotics contains as many as 14 strains and 2 billion CFU’s while the Total-Zymes now has 16 high-performance plant-based enzymes.

Having been manufactured in the U.S., this choice does not contain any preservatives, flavorings or artificial coloring. It is also free of chemicals, yeast, soy, or gluten, as well as wheat-free. When it is not stored properly, the powder can become rock-hard, so be sure to use it frequently and aerate it from time to time.

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10. New and Improved Total-zymes Now with 16 Digestive Enzymes

 

If you would rather focus on getting a separate set of enzymes for your pup and even for your cat, we recommend the Total-Zymes without the probiotic combination above. This product is GMP certified and was formulated and bottled in the United States, which should be a testament to its quality.

The sixteen powerful enzymes that it contains can assist your pet’s digestion, joint health, allergies, as well as any itching symptoms you might have noticed. We do have to add that itching can also be a symptom of a flea infestation, so make sure that your dog doesn’t have any pesky little buggers.

The Total-Zymes come in the form of a powder, so you can conveniently add them to any type of canned food you want to use with your pet. Some pet owners note that, upon introducing this powder into the diet of their furry babies, they started growing shinier and healthier-looking coat and they have much more energy than before.

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11. NaturVet All-in-One Supplement Powder

 

In some respects, this choice is similar to that from the same manufacturing brand that we have showcased in this selection. It is a complete product that is used to support your dog’s general health, his or her joints, digestive system, as well as skin and coat.

It’s packed with plenty of vitamins and minerals and comes with a nice dose of both Omega 3 and Omega 6. It is a good idea to use double the amount recommended by the manufacturer in the course of the first three weeks of treatment so as to ensure that the immune system of your pet improves significantly.

It goes without saying that the fact that this supplement was added glucosamine and chondroitin is a benefit in itself. Several buyers note that the taste might not be appreciated by some dogs, so do keep in mind that every pet has preferences from this point of view.

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Our Comprehensive Buying Guide

 

If you’re in the market for the best digestive enzymes for dogs, but you don’t know where to begin your research, we can help you. Our guide can take you through all of the factors that you should give some thought to before investing in such a product. Needless to say, this choice in this matter needs to be as safe as possible. Keep on reading if you want to make an informed decision.

Form

We all know how tricky it can be to give your dog digestive enzymes supplements. It is, therefore, up to you to select the right type of product in this sense. What we mean by this is that there are several kinds of probiotics and enzymes you can choose from, but the most common ones are powders and tablets.

Since not all alternatives are made the same or contain the same ingredients (and not all of them are the best enzymes for dogs), you need to first start by assessing your pup’s preferences on this account. For example, some dogs absolutely loathe having tablets shoved down their throats, and so it is a good idea to select a powder that you can add to wet food.

If the smell of the powder supplement is too strong or foul, in any way, it is very likely for your pet to refuse to eat altogether. In such an event, we suggest going through some digestive enzymes reviews to learn all you can about this particular detail.

Tablets have their advantages, too, although few dog owners really appreciate them. Nowadays, manufacturing brands have taken it to a whole new level by making tablets chewable and by adding all sorts of flavors, be they natural or artificial. Natural flavorings are to be preferred, of course, as feeding your dog enzymes that contain preservatives and any other artificial substances can defeat the whole purpose.

 

Look for the benefits

Since these enzymes go into your dog’s body, it is safe to say that they have to offer a series of advantages. Nevertheless, not all are identical when it comes to the benefits that they can ensure. Some can improve your dog’s general health, skin, teeth, and joints, while others can simply have a positive effect on the way that the nutrients from your pup’s food are absorbed.

Usually, most brands will detail these effects in their product descriptions so that you know what you are getting. Take everything with a grain of salt, though, as marketing methods can sometimes be just as important as the product itself, and so while these companies might not directly lie to you, they might hide some important details you should be aware of.

 

Simple and complex products

Most digestive enzymes come in three forms. They can be extracted from animals, plants, or fungi. Unlike cats, dogs are more or less omnivorous, which means that they have a high tolerance to nutrients coming from types of foods other than meat, too. This, of course, does not apply to the case of felines as they are as carnivorous as they can be.

When it comes to choosing between simple and complex enzymes, you need to understand that some can come with the basic four enzymes while others can be added probiotics, too. If your dog commonly experiences digestive issues, we recommend the combination as it can significantly improve his or her digestion.

Enzymes have to be correlated with a healthy lifestyle and nutrition

At the beginning of the guide, we noted that some things could be harmful when it comes to your dog’s enzyme levels. In theory, your dog’s body should be able to process and create enzymes all on its own, but this might not happen in a successful manner because of the kibble and canned food you might give him or her regularly.

Some foods contain a lot of herbicides, flavor enhancers, preservatives, colorings, and additives that can mess up your dog’s digestion. Processed dog food usually comes with all of these and more. It is, therefore, necessary for you to give such supplements to your dog.

However, if you can’t be bothered with getting such enzymes or you don’t want to spend countless hours doing your research in this respect, there’s a simple way you can avoid doing all of this. You can simply opt for quality food, be it dry or wet.

Some brands manufacture great alternatives that do not contain preservatives or any of the additives we’ve mentioned above. Unfortunately, such food can cost a pretty penny, and the worst thing is that its expiration date is far smaller compared to heavily processed choices. Therefore, you cannot buy it in bulk unless you have proper means of storing it so as to prolong its expiration date.

 

4 digestive enzymes you should always look for

Given the broad variety of products that are available nowadays, you might end up feeling a tad baffled as to which one’s the right one for your canine buddy. The basic digestive enzymes that your dog should get from supplements are the following.

 

Cellulase

Lipase

Protease

Amylase

 

While cellulase is responsible for breaking down fiber, lipase helps your dog’s digestive enzymes cope with fats. Amylase breaks down carbs and starch, and protease ensures a healthy digestion of proteins, so the latter is extremely important.

 

Can you tell whether or not your dog needs enzymes?

The short answer to this question is yes. If your dog experiences cramping, acid reflux, diarrhea, or has a foul-smelling stool, it’s safe to say that it wouldn’t hurt if you gave him or her some enzymes and probiotics. The condition of some pups can be so severe that they could vomit their food four to five hours after having had their meal.

This effect is bad both for your dog and for yourself as that food will obviously go to waste. As a pet owner, you need to understand that prevention beats treatment and it is, therefore, salutary  to ensure that your dog’s health is on par so not to have anything to treat.

 

 

Frequently asked questions about digestive enzymes for dogs

 

Q: Can dogs take digestive enzymes?

Dogs can take digestive enzymes, and they are beneficial to their health for a good number of reasons. If you have taken the time to browse through our guide, you might know already that most enzymes and probiotics supplements can come in the form of powders or tablets.

Some tablets are chewable, and if they were added smokey or bacon flavors to them, you’ll have no trouble giving them to your pet. Many powders are easier to work with as all you have to do is add a specific amount to your dog’s wet food. Many of them are soluble.

 

Q: Do dogs need digestive enzymes supplements?

The short answer to this question is that it depends on what you normally feed your dog. If the kibble and canned food you regularly feed him or her isn’t of outstanding quality, you absolutely need to supplement your dog’s nutrition with such products.

If on the other hand, your dog eats quality food, whether it is dry or wet, you might want to hold on for a while and see whether he or she experiences any type of digestive issues. In most cases, your dog’s body will deal with all of this, provided that the nutrients coming from the kibble are on par.

Q: Can dogs eat human digestive enzymes?

Because they do not have similar digestive systems to humans, although they are partly omnivorous, it would be a good idea to steer clear of enzymes destined for the consumption of people. Even in the case of probiotics, the intestinal flora of a dog is very different compared to that of a human, and that’s because the pH of the stool and digestive content in dogs is acidic.

To put it simply, don’t feed your dog human enzymes and probiotics. In theory, the protease, lipase, amylase, and cellulase are pretty much the same. However, if you opt for a complex product that also comes with probiotics, those aren’t the same as human ones.

 

Q: What are digestive enzymes for dogs?

Enzymes are responsible for breaking down macromolecules that turns food into small particles that can enter the bloodstream and therefore, provide the much-needed nutrients that all of the internal organs require in order to function. They can detoxify the body of your pet, help with energy production, as well as ensure that the dog’s metabolism is on par.

They can also be utilized to alleviate pain and other symptoms correlated with digestive malfunctions. Keep in mind that, unless your dog experiences some issues in this sense or you don’t feed him or her quality food, he or she might not actually require additional enzymes.

 

Q: What is the best digestive enzyme for dogs?

It’s difficult giving a straight answer to this question, and that’s because it would be unfair to recommend one product over another. The simplest way to ensure that you are purchasing the right kind of enzymes is to take the time to look at its ingredients. If all of the four essential enzymes are present in the formula of the product, you can rest assured that everything is going to be fine with your pup.

Some people find it easier to go for an option that includes probiotics, and that’s because they do not have to buy and administer two separate products.

 

 

Benefits of supplementing your dog’s nutrition with digestive enzymes

 

Both probiotics and enzymes have been correlated with a myriad of positive effects on the canine digestive system. While they can be extracted from nutrients coming from food, including fruit and vegetables, some dogs have an upset stomach, experience belching, diarrhea, or cramping, and will require extra supplements.

If your dog suffers from allergies, these enzymes can help with the breakdown of proteins that could be at the root of the allergy itself. Also, if your pet is undergoing treatment for any condition whatsoever and he or she needs to be given antibiotics, enzymes and probiotics can ensure that the intestinal flora of your dog does not die. It is often that a normal digestion process is inhibited by antibiotics, and as their name suggests, they are made to kill, not to preserve life.

If your pet is an active performance dog, you definitely need to ensure that you provide the right nutrients for him or her to be able to enjoy outdoor and indoor activities. Protein and fat are both essential for pets that run a lot as their muscles have to be able to support the endurance of the exercise.

The pancreatic disease is a severe condition in both humans and pets. It often goes unnoticed and can usually be mistaken for malfunctions of the digestive system, in general. Unfortunately, the pancreas is one of the most important organs that we and animals have in our bodies as it is the one that produces insulin and helps with regulating blood sugar. Pancreatic enzymes are necessary in cases where the dog isn’t capable of producing its own, and whenever you start to notice that the pet experiences digestive discomfort. What this means is that using supplements at least once in a while can ensure that the health of your dog’s pancreas is on par.

Raising a dog that has diabetes is not an easy thing to do, and you should know by now that even humans who have the same condition are sometimes finding it hard to deal with it. Diabetes mellitus type 1 is a form where not enough insulin is produced, and that’s why pets with this condition need to be given shots at specific times throughout the day and have their blood sugar tested constantly.

All of these procedures are a pain both for the dog and for the owner, and that’s because a lot of needles are involved in everything. If you have an overweight dog that drinks a lot of water throughout the day, the chances of him or her being exposed to type 2 diabetes are high. In case you didn’t know, that’s the first step toward progressing to type 1 diabetes. While type 2 isn’t insulin-dependent, type 1 is.

So, these enzymes can help keep the health of your pup’s pancreas at an optimum level. Add probiotics to the game, and you can mostly rest assured that you will get to enjoy the company of your dog for as many years to come.

 

 

Q: How can you tell if your dog needs digestive enzymes?

 

Enzymes and probiotics are a type of product many pet owners hardly consider, and that’s in situations where the dog or cat doesn’t experience several symptoms. In most cases where you have to administer enzymes to your pet, you’ll notice changes in his or her stool, abdominal pain, even bad breath, as well as the appearance of bloating.

Other symptoms range from yeast and allergies to gas, diarrhea, a yellow stool, as well as undigested food present in the stool. All of these are signs of malabsorption, which basically means that your dog’s body has a lot of difficulties processing the food that he or she consumes.

Left untreated, these symptoms can lead to more serious conditions. As we were saying above, the pancreatic disease can be one of them, but it doesn’t stop there. Once a digestive issue has shown up, it can lead to anything from liver disease to an irritable bowel syndrome and even more complex conditions.

Usually, all of these symptoms are present in the same animal. For instance, you might notice that your dog’s coat has lost its shine, or that he or she has itchy skin, and that belching and diarrhea are somewhat common. Keep in mind that most of these changes happen one at a time, so once you discover four or five, the condition is more or less severe. In such an event, you need to get probiotics and enzymes for your dog as soon as possible and get rid of any heavily processed food you’re feeding him or her.

Older dogs are more predisposed to digestive problems compared to younger ones. Therefore, giving enzymes and probiotics to your senior dog is a way of preventing digestive and skin-related issues.

 

 

Bibliography:

1) All About Digestive Enzymes for Dogs

2) Improve Your Dog’s Digestion 

3) Enzymes vs. Probiotics

4) Digestive Enzyme Supplements