In our last blog entry on canine vitamins, we got excited about 8 weeks to a Healthy Dog, a book by Shawn Messonier, D.V.M. that offers some great information on nutritional supplements for dogs. Canine vitamins and minerals top Dr. Messonier's list as the most important canine supplements. Next on his list: digestive enzymes for dogs.

"A second key supplement I recommend for all dogs is enzyme supplements," Dr. Messonier says. "The major function of enzymes is to help digest and absorb food. This is critical for the vital nutrients contained in the food to be absorbed by the body."

In the wild, digestive enzymes would be naturally present in the food an animal eats. But this is not necessarily the case with packaged dog food. As Dr. Messonier points out, many of the enzymes in conventional dog food are destroyed during high-temperature processing. Supplementary digestive enzymes for dogs help counter that.

In creating our blend of digestive enzymes for dogs, we were focused on making all nutrients in food or supplement form more fully bioavailable. As Dr. Messonier points out,

"Studies have shown that supplementation with enzymes results in increased absorption of vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, including zinc, selenium, vitamin B6, and linoleic acid. When a dog absorbs these nutrients better, his overall nutrition is better, and his health is better."

8 Weeks to a Healthy Dog

Dr. Messionier ends his book with this advice:

"Go forth armed with the information you've learned. You'll have the confidence of knowing that you are truly in control of your pet's health and that you are doing everything possible to keep your dog happy and healthy. Congratulations and good luck!"

Amen to that.