Prebiotics, Probiotics, and Digestive Enzymes

Feed dogs and cats a supplement made with prebiotics, probiotics and/or digestive enzymes.
Prebiotics feed the beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract that create enzymes necessary for food digestion. Probiotics is a term that refers to some of these beneficial bacteria, such as acidophilus species, that are eaten in food.

A healthy digestive tract depends upon beneficial bacteria and other microorganisms.
Recent science is revealing that a majority of digestive metabolic functions are actually performed by microorganisms in the digestive tract. They help digest protein, fatty acids and starch, as well as some vitamins and minerals, allowing transport and absorption by the body’s tissues. These microorganisms and the dog or cat’s intestinal cells evolved together and depend on each other for health. Together they make up a dynamic, living environment. When out of balance, the unhealthy intestinal environment contributes to common problems like bad breath, allergies and obesity. Prebiotic, probiotic and/or enzyme supplementation can help restore order.

Enzymes aid digestion throughout the entire digestive process.
Enzymes and prebiotics are often part of the same supplement. While prebiotics are primarily special fibers that help feed beneficial bacteria, enzymes are catalysts that break food particles up and aid in nutrient absorption. Enzymes are very fragile and are destroyed by heat over 118˚ F, well below the high temperatures necessary to make kibble and canned foods. Without food-based enzymes, food will still be digested, but not at maximum efficiency. We’ve found that many dogs and cats recover from stressful periods with just a month of enzyme supplementation, while others do best with enzymes fed every day of the year.

For more detailed information and help for your dog or cat, please stop by one of our stores and pick up a free copy of Mud Bay's brochure, A Short Guide to Digestive Supplements.

Mud Bay stocks a variety of digestive supplements. Please visit any of our stores and we’ll be happy to help you find out which digestive supplements may help your dog or cat.

Bad breath, itchiness, digestive difficulties and/or the poor condition of a dog or cat’s skin and coat are often the first signs that something isn’t working for them. Poor quality foods, allergies, digestive tract imbalances, and even immune system function may be parts of the cause.

However, these can also be clear signs of an underlying disease that requires veterinary attention. It’s best to consult with a veterinarian to first find out if a dog or cat is suffering from more serious underlying health issues, before putting too much effort into a nutritional solution.