How to administer the powder enzymes

Proper use of porcine enzyme power is essential for managing your dog’s EPI condition and avoiding complications.

How to use freeze-dried porcine pancreatic enzymes:

Steps: At the beginning, allow yourself 15-20 minutes to prepare your dog’s meal.

  1. Measure your dog’s food into their plate – i.e. per cup.
  2. You need one scoop/teaspoon of enzyme powder per cup of food.
  3. Using a 250ml cup, add around a quarter of a cup (63 mls) of warm/hot water (for large dogs)

OR

3a. Using 250ml cup and add around an eighth of a cup (30mls) of warm/hot water – (for small dogs)   

 Note: Amount of water is dependent on the amount of food needing coverage.  The more food, the more water & enzymes are needed.

4.  Scoop out the correct amount of enzyme powder i.e. 1 tsp or (scoop) per cup of food and add to the water.

5. Stir with a fork to dissolve the enzyme powder in the water.

6. Pour onto the food and stir again, ensuring it covers the surface of all food.

7. Set your timer for between 15 to 20 minutes.

Note: You will need to work out what amount of time works for your dog, it is trial and error – (keep a log of amounts, reactions, poo output, energy levels).  Our dog does well on 15-17 minutes incubation. But if you start with 20 and adjust after a week if you want to lower it. We purchased a small timer on Trademe which is wonderful, set and forget. We have them available on the website for $5 each. You will need a AAA battery for it.

7. Cover food bowl – we do this because the flies tend to love the raw food we feed.

8. Stir a couple of times over the 15-20 minutes. Make sure the enzymes cover each part of the food.

9. Feed.

Note: The hardest thing we have found about using the powdered enzymes is the waiting time for them to incubate – but you must do this as the enzymes start the digestive process and must be left for 15-20 minutes so that your dog doesn’t end up with mouth sores.

Key points:

  1. Food must be at room temperature not frozen or too cold.
  2. Use one scoop of enzymes per cup of food. (This can be adjusted to more or less to suit your dog, you will work this out over time)
  3. Mix the enzyme powder into water that is WARM/HOT enough to slightly dissolve the powder. Do not try and mix in cold water.
  4. All food given needs to be incubated (soaked) for between 15 to 20 minutes otherwise your dog may get painful mouth sores.
  5. Give to your dog once ready.

Note: If you want your dog to gain weight, you must increase their food intake by 50%. Divide the meals into several meals a day if you can (work permitting) as the smaller quantities per feed are digested easier. 

Other key points:

  • Dogs with EPI cannot have too much fat (10-12%) though every dog is different – speak to your vet about suitable diet
  • Dogs with EPI cannot have too much fibre (4% or less) – speak to your vet about suitable diet
  • Dogs with EPI should not eat anything that hasn’t been soaked in enzymes i.e. snacks in-between meals/treats
  • Dogs with EPI can develop small intestinal bacterial over-growth (SIBO) if not digesting their food correctly. You will usually notice an awful “rotting vegetation” smell.
  • The exact amount of enzymes needed for each dog will vary. There is no one size fits all.

Note: By following these steps, you can ensure your dog receives the enzymes they need for effective digestion, helping them thrive despite their EPI diagnosis.

Storing Porcine Pancreatic Enzyme powder.

Proper storage is essential to maintain their effectiveness. Fortunately, in New Zealand, the climate makes it relatively straightforward to store enzymes correctly.

Follow these guidelines to ensure your enzymes remain potent:

Room Temperature is Fine: Enzymes can be stored at room temperature, provided the environment is not excessively hot or humid.

Avoid Direct Sunlight: Always keep enzymes away from direct sunlight, as heat and UV rays can degrade their effectiveness.

For Regular Use: Keep a small amount of enzymes for daily use in an airtight container to protect them from moisture. Store this container in a cool cupboard or, if preferred, in the fridge.

Storing the Bulk Supply:
The remainder of enzymes should be kept in a sealed container to maintain freshness. Store the bulk supply in a cool cupboard or in the fridge for optimal preservation. Ensure the containers are tightly sealed to prevent exposure to moisture.

By following these simple steps, your enzymes will stay fresh and effective, ensuring your dog continues to benefit from their digestive support.