Enzymes

Enzymes are biochemical catalysts – tiny helpers that initiate and maintain the pace of chemical processes in the cells of dogs (and indeed all living organisms). Without them, vital chemical reactions would proceed so slowly that no organism could survive. Enzymes are involved in almost everything: digestion, metabolism, cell regeneration – they are present everywhere.

What enzymes actually do in the dog’s body

Enzymes work simultaneously in many body systems, particularly the digestive, metabolic and immune systems. An overview of the most important groups:

Digestive enzymes

They break down food at the molecular level so that the intestine can absorb nutrients. Three types are crucial here:

• Proteases – break down proteins into individual amino acids. A well-known example is trypsin, which is produced in the pancreas.
• Amylases – break down carbohydrates into usable sugar. They are produced both in the pancreas and in saliva.
• Lipases – break down fats into fatty acids and glycerol. They also come from the pancreas.

Metabolic enzymes

These enzymes regulate what happens deep within cells – from energy production to detoxification and cell repair. Two particularly important representatives:

• ATP synthase – directly produces adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the actual fuel for every cell.
• Catalase – neutralises hydrogen peroxide, a toxic by-product of metabolism, before it can cause cellular damage.

Immune enzymes

They support the body’s own immune defence in fighting bacteria and viruses. A clear example is lysozyme: found in saliva, tears and mucus, it specifically attacks bacterial cell walls.

Enzyme deficiency in dogs

If enzymes are missing or produced in insufficient quantities, this is usually first noticed in the digestive tract. The most well-known condition is exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) – here, the pancrea simply does not provide enough digestive enzymes. What follows:

• Weight loss: The dog eats normally but still loses weight – because the nutrients are not being absorbed.
• Diarrhoea: Undigested food leads to fatty, often foul-smelling faeces.
• Bloating and stomach pain: Impaired digestion causes gas to build up in the intestines.

However, enzyme deficiency can also arise from liver disease or a genetic predisposition. Affected dogs usually require permanent enzyme supplementation to digest food properly again.

Symptoms of enzyme deficiency

If a dog suffers from a deficiency of digestive enzymes, the following symptoms typically occur:

• Weight loss despite normal or increased food intake
• Bloating and stomach pain
• Chronic diarrhoea or fatty stools
• Loss of appetite or occasional vomiting
• Poor coat growth or coat loss

Diagnosis of enzyme deficiency

If enzyme deficiency – particularly EPI – is suspected, this can be clarified with the following examinations:

1. Blood test: The TLI test (trypsin-like immunoreactivity) measures how actively the pancreas produces enzymes. A low value is a clear indication of EPI.
2. Faecal examination: Fat excretion in faeces can determine whether fat is not being digested at all – a sign of lipase deficiency.
3. Ultrasound: An ultrasound of the pancreas makes structural changes visible that can explain underproduction of enzymes.

Treatment of enzyme deficiency

The focus is almost always on targeted administration of enzyme supplements. These preparations – synthetic or from animal sources – replace what the pancreas no longer produces itself. Three pillars of treatment:

1. Enzyme preparations: Pancreatic enzymes as powder or tablets are simply mixed into the food. They contain proteases, amylases, and lipases – exactly what is missing.
2. Adapted nutrition: An easily digestible diet with low fat and sufficient fibre can noticeably relieve symptoms and keep digestion stable.
3. Regular check-ups: Dogs with enzyme deficiency should be checked regularly by a vet – to ensure that the treatment is effective and nutrient supply is correct.

Enzyme supplements for healthy dogs

Some dog owners also use enzyme preparations as a precaution – even if the dog is not ill, simply to support digestion and nutrient absorption. Such products often contain plant-based or animal enzymes. However, as a general rule: before administering enzyme supplements, a vet should always assess whether this is sensible and safe for the individual dog.

Can enzyme deficiency be prevented?

There is no surefire method to prevent enzyme deficiency – it is often genetically determined or arises as a consequence of diseases such as pancreatitis. What can still be done is to relieve the pancreas through sensible feeding:

• Avoid high-fat food: Too much fat in the food burdens the pancreas and can increase the risk of pancreatitis.
• Regular veterinary examinations: Regular health checks are advisable, especially for dogs with known predisposition or genetic risk.