Understanding Dog Digestion: Basics for Pet Owners

Section 1: Oral Digestion

1. Whether it's humans or dogs, the mere scent of their favorite food can trigger a "waterworks" effect, as the salivary glands in the mouth begin to secrete saliva. This not only keeps the dog's mouth moist but also plays a crucial role in the digestive process.

2. When food comes into contact with saliva enzymes, it breaks down into simpler molecules, making it easier for the body to digest. While humans are advised to chew slowly, dogs often scarf down their meals, which means food doesn't have enough time to interact with saliva enzymes. This can lead to a significant amount of undigested food entering the dog's gastrointestinal tract, increasing the digestive workload.

3. When feeding your dog, it's important to adjust the feeding schedule and portion sizes. Adult dogs should be fed twice a day, while puppies may need to be fed three times a day. Opt for small, frequent meals to prevent your dog from experiencing hunger or overeating. If your dog eats too quickly, consider using a slow feeder to encourage a more leisurely dining experience.

Section 2: Gastric Digestion

1. The dog's stomach is the largest part of the digestive tract, where food is churned into a liquid consistency by a mix of stomach acid and digestive enzymes. The stomach acid enhances the activity of pepsin, a digestive enzyme, and causes proteins to swell and denature, making them easier to break down. This allows dogs to digest meat quickly. However, overfeeding highprotein foods or eating too quickly can strain the stomach, leading to a heavy digestive burden and potentially causing gastric torsion.

2. The stomach acid in dogs is highly acidic, and the stomach lining acts as a protective barrier against the strong acid. However, if a dog frequently eats bones, it can damage the stomach lining, leading to gastric ulcers. Therefore, when feeding your dog, avoid rough foods that could scratch the digestive tract and steer clear of overly cold or hot meals.

When walking your dog, always keep a firm leash to prevent them from developing a habit of scavenging for food. For more information on dog food digestion, continue reading "Comprehensive Guide to Dog Food Digestion (Part Two)."