Digestion begins in your dog’s mouth. From the moment they begin chewing their food, nutrients break down due to maceration (motion of chewing) and salivary enzymes.
The food then passes through the esophageal pipe into the stomach where it is further broken down by gastric juices. The macros then head to the intestines where processes such as absorption and assimilation take place (ensuring distribution of nutrients, minerals and energy).
Overall, the entire digestion process in dogs can take anywhere from 8 to 12 hours depending on the type of food and the individual dog's digestive health.
Apart from these organs, accessory organs play an important role in maintaining efficient digestion and gut health.
Organs like the kidney, liver and pancreas are essential accessory organs that assist in digestion.
- Kidneys: This organ is essential for maintaining blood pressure, levels of sodium and sugar. A diet containing unsaturated fats and lean proteins helps kidney function.
- Liver: This organ helps your pup metabolize more complex macros like fats, carbs and proteins. Vitamins B,C,D and E are essential for liver health.
- Pancreas: This organ secretes enzymes imperative for digestion like insulin. Similar to the kidney, a diet containing low fats, lean proteins and fiber are essential to maintain optimal pancreatic function.
| Organ | Symptoms | Probable dietary cause | Diet that could cause the issue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liver | Diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, abnormal stools, loss of appetite | Increased fats burdening liver function, Increased levels of copper | A seafood heavy diet, Some commercial kibbles contain high levels of copper, Raw diet containing organ meats |
| Pancreas | Dehydration, weakness & lethargy, vomiting, abnormal stools | Fatty foods and food rich in salts | Only dry food diet (i.e. kibble), Consumption of uncooked fatty meats like beef |
| Kidney | Increased urination, abnormally colored urine, decreased appetite | Unable to process high levels of phosphorous | Uncooked meats and high consumption of dairy, Certain commercially available kibbles |
Many dog food companies use a process called "extrusion" to make their kibble. This process involves heating the ingredients to very high temperatures. Unfortunately, this high heat can destroy important nutrients in the food, leaving less healthy kibble for your dog.
👉 Additionally, to extend shelf life, many dog food brands incorporate preservatives. While some are natural, others are synthetic and may have potential long-term health implications.
❌ A particularly concerning issue is the use of 4D meat in some dog foods. 4D meat refers to meat from animals that are dead, dying, diseased, or disabled. While this meat may be technically legal, it raises concerns about potential health risks for dogs.
Switching to homemade dog food can benefit digestion and absorption in healthy pups. It also offers special advantages for dogs with digestive dysfunction.
- Gently cooked diets have lower levels of phosphorus: When the kidney is functioning properly it can filter out phosphorus salts. However, gently cooking food at boiling (or near) temperatures reduces the number of minerals that need to be processed in the body.
- Lower levels of fats: As fat melts at higher temperature, gently cooking foods reduces fat content (without compromising on other nutrients) and reduces pressure on accessory digestive organs.
- Low levels of copper: Gently cooking tends to reduce the level of copper in foods by half and reduce the pressure on the liver to detox.
It’s pretty clear a balanced homemade meal is ideal for your little dinosaur. Several other instances have led to the same conclusion. For example, a study outlined that there was a 20% improvement in health and expected longevity in dogs consuming homemade well portioned cooked diets.
Homemade meals, if balanced nutritionally can increase the bioavailability of macronutrients essential for basic life functions. A great source of shelf stable homemade meals are available with Dino’s fresh dog food. This ensures your pup's digestive system will not have to work overtime to ensure your little dinosaur reaps the benefits of a balanced diet!
By choosing lean cuts for homemade meals, you can lower the fat content, which reduces the strain on your dog’s liver. This is particularly beneficial for dogs with liver issues, as it's harder to control fat levels in raw food or kibble.
Signs of food allergies in dogs can include itching, skin irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you suspect a food allergy, consult with your veterinarian to determine the allergen and develop a suitable diet.
4D meat refers to meat from animals that are dead, dying, diseased, or disabled. It's sometimes used in lower-quality pet foods as a cheaper protein source. However, it's important to choose high-quality dog food to avoid potential health risks.
Long-term consumption of low-quality kibble can lead to various health problems, including obesity, kidney disease, and allergies.
