Digestive Enzymes

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Karen & Lily

Karen & Lily

Member Since 2015
Does anyone add digestive enzymes to their sugar kitty's food? Just wanted to know anyone's thoughts on it and whether it could help or not..Thanks in advance!
 
For a while I was adding pre- and probiotics to Squallie's food, but I never saw any change one way or another. It certainly didn't hurt him, but I'm not 100% convinced it really did anything to help him, either. I have a civvie who gets them because she has IBD, and it does make a HUGE difference in her!
 
I started using progut plus powder for a dog with IBD. When the cat started with diabetes he had the runs and also had digestives upsets changing food so I figured why not. It does not affect his BG and he seems much happier when it is given to him. It is a probiotic and digestive enzymes.
 
Thanks for the info, Lucy. Looked at the manufacturer's website and they have no information on the ingredients. :rolleyes:
 
I have Dr Mercola Digestive Enzymes for Pets here at home. I guess its worth a shot to try it with Lily....
 
We use Herbsmith Microflora
The vet who makes this product is amazing and I LOVE the product-
It is probably the most sold and repurchased item in my store-
Microflora Plus
Microflora Plus for Digestion is a complete combination of probiotics, prebiotics, digestive enzymes, and herbs to support proper digestion and bowel health.

  • Indications
  • Sizes
  • Feeding Directions
  • Ingredients
Indications:
Microflora Plus for Digestion is a complete combination of probiotics, prebiotics, digestive enzymes, and herbs supporting proper digestion and bowel health. It has been specially formulated for dogs and cats by practicing holistic veterinarian and founder of Herbsmith, Dr. Chris Bessent. Unlike most digestive supplements on the market, Microflora Plus provides a full spectrum of quality ingredients in a convenient blister pack to seal out moisture and capsules to ensure the viability of the probiotics. Made in the USA.

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Clarification:
Digestive enzymes (normally produced by the mouth, intestinal tract, and pancreas) are different from probiotics (beneficial bacteria) and prebiotics (growth media for the bacteria).
If the feces are chalky colored, voluminous, and reek, this can be an indicator of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. The enzymes are needed for EPI so that food can be digested.
If they just reek, and are otherwise formed, the probioitcs may help. Enzymes may not be needed, nor helpful.
Please discuss this with your vet.
 
To clarify even further--most pets do not produce enough enzymes (because of processed food which cooks them out) which is why many dogs/cats eat grass and some eat rabbit poop as it is not digested well and has live enzymes which is what they are craving (hence raw food is a excellent choice as it has live enzymes) A cat who already has pancreatic issues will probably lack enough enzymes which is "probably" why so many are constipated and or have more pancreatitis episodes (statistically). Even pets on raw food according to some of the most progressive vets recommend enzymes.
Dr Bessent is extremely educated in Eastern and Western medicine and to my knowledge there is no other products containing a pre biotic pro biotic enzymes and soothing herbs of this quality. Dr. Becker who is Nationally know agrees.

I can tell you these enzymes are extremely effective and work almost immediately in the Microflora-by the time I mix it to syringe the food has turned into a very watery consistency ..... we have had no constipation or tummy issues since incorporating this product. I have used many enzymes and never found one better.
If you click on the link for Herbsmith it will give you a comparison chart.
 
I just thought that perhaps since Lily's pancreas isnt working as it should that digestive enzymes would help. She doesn't have any tummy issues or smelly poops and is fed a mostly commerical raw diet.
 
Karen & Lily said:
Does anyone add digestive enzymes to their sugar kitty's food? Just wanted to know anyone's thoughts on it and whether it could help or not..Thanks in advance!
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Please discuss adding enzymes to your treatment plan with your vet. While members make suggestions with the very best intentions, we are not veterinarians and do not have first hand knowledge of your cat's medical history.

Suggestions for Advice Givers



http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/suggestions-for-advice-givers.131191/
 
While members make suggestions with the very best intentions, we are not veterinarians and do not have first hand knowledge of your cat's medical history.
Click to expand...

I'd say that applies to just about all of the advice members are given here. Whether or not your vet is onboard, or up to date on diabetes and any related conditions, they can't very well treat or assess your cat if they aren't aware what you're doing or thinking of doing.
 
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Your body makes enzymes in the presence of certain foods. You don't have to take them in exogenously. You make them. The stomach, small intestine, mouth and pancreas make them specifically. The cells that produce insulin aren't the same as the enzyme producing cells. Your cats pancreas could very well be producing all of the enzymes it needs just fine, which is why it's so important to discuss with your vet before any type of supplementation is implemented.
 
Trust me I wont do anything that could harm Lily. I will talk to my vet about digestive enzymes this week. But from what I am reading, I do not think that Lily needs them for the reasons usually given to administer them.
 
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