How does my dog digest their food?

A beginner’s guide to a dog’s digestive system.

We’re no strangers to the importance of a well-operated digestive system. Without its smooth inner workings, our bodies would stop processing and absorbing the basic nutrients we need to live long and healthy lives.

Our digestive systems are made up of a handful of enzymes, produced specifically to break down, separate, and absorb good nutrients while discarding the bad. Though our systems share a great deal of similarities, your dog’s significantly smaller digestive tract means they produce far less of the enzymes that control this process.

Why is this noteworthy? Traditional kibble and dry dog food is cooked at around 170ºF in order to render it shelf stable. Any digestive enzymes are killed from ingredients at 118ºF.

Without enough digestive enzymes, your dog could eat a pantry full of dog food and still not absorb a single nutrient. These proteins are that essential to the makings of a strong and healthy dog.

So what are they? And where can you find them? The answer to the second question is within raw food—the same diet your dog’s ancestors ate. As for the first question, read on.

There are three main digestive enzymes that guide nutrients through your dog’s body.

Each of the three enzymes are responsible for breaking down different components of your dog’s food: lipase for fat, protease for protein, and amylase for starch. The process begins in the pancreas, where the enzymes are made and released into your dog’s intestine after they scarf down dinner.

First, an enzyme called amylase breaks down the starches.

Down in your dog’s pancreas, amylase is tasked to transform molecules of starch into glucose, or sugar. With the help of some other digestive enzymes, amylase moves these molecules through the wall of your dog’s small intestine and into the bloodstream, where the nutrients are absorbed for good health.

Dogs only produce a small amount of amylase naturally, which make starches and carbohydrates significantly more difficult for them to break down. This is the exact same reason why many dog parents are moving away from traditional kibble. Even the healthiest options are still heavily formulated with starchy fillers—which doesn’t ultimately amount to enough real nutrition for your dog.

Next, lipase is created to target fats.

While amylase is turning starch into glucose, lipase works in your dog’s pancreas and small intestine to turn fat molecules the energy required to fuel their muscles and keep them moving. This step is necessary to support cell health and protect your dog’s long-term energy supply.

Finally, protease works to convert proteins into amino acids for energy and immunity.

Like the last runner in a relay race, this third enzyme carries your dog’s digestive system across the finish line. In the stomach, pancreas, and small intestine, protease is responsible for the production of amino acids—the essential proteins that grow, repair, and protect your dog’s basic functions.

The 22 amino acids build muscle and connective tissue, fuel energy, strengthen immunity, and carry nutrients and oxygen through the body. Pretty important, to put it lightly.

Once the enzymes have all done their job, the rest of your dog’s body can get to work, building and maintaining the health and happiness of the dog you see in front of you. Not to mention keeping that megawatt smile right side up.