Prozyme, A Digestive Enzyme

[Ilghaus]

Digestive enzymes such as Prozyme* (plant based)  can help by aiding digestion and the absorption of nutrients (vitamins and minerals) needed to combat skin, coat, eye, or other physical problems. *There are other brands that are formulated along the same lines.

I have seen claims that you can save on the amount of food given to the dog anywhere from 20% -- 30% because of the improved absorbtion of the dog's digestion system. I would not count on those amounts though and would never purchase and use it for just that reason. Prozyme is also highly recommended for older pets.

I've been able to find it in .5, 1, and 4 lb. amounts with the ave. cost at just under $20. for the 1 lb. container. Of course the larger the container the less the cost per lb.

Suggested amount to use is 1/4 tsp per cup of food so that would equal about 363 cups treated per lb of Prozyme. (I myself use 1/2 tsp per cup of food for one of my Shepherds since he has digestive issues.)

[Stefani]

The reason I'm intrested in this, is because Roxie really doesn't like her food that she is on.  She'll eat it, but only when she gets hungry (like she won't eat both breakfast and dinner, only dinner and sometime not even that).  She needs this food, because it is an active formula, and if she could digest better with a suppliment, she might could go on the same food Razel is on, or I could mix some of Razel's food with the Nutro, and she'd be more willing to eat it.  I'm going to the vets office today, to weigh Roxie, I can talk to a vet tech about this, but I sitll would like to hear your thoughts.

[Ilghaus]

With Roxie being active in agility training, SD training, and being a Shepherd, it would not hurt her at all to go on Prozyme. I would start her on the suggested amount and adjust to her needs. I had to start at 1/4 tsp and then work up to 1/2 tsp before I saw a difference. You always want to start at the suggested amount or less so as not to upset the dog's digestive system. And as with any other supplement never add more than one new one at a time and never add a new supplement along with a food change. The rule is one change at a time until you are sure there are no problems with digestion.

As to her food perhaps she just doesn't like it. There are several brands that have active formulas so you might want to give one of the other's a try. 

[Kirsten]

I tried Prozyme and was not impressed (didn't see any difference).  I like Doc Kruger's formula better.  I guess my point is that if one doesn't work it won't hurt to try a couple others to see if it was just the wrong one for your particular dog.  Some formulations include flax seed meal for a shiny coat, or nutrients for good hip health.  I tend to go with those though I can't say for certain the extra stuff does anything in particular for my dogs.  It just makes me feel better.

[magolin]

Obviously, ask your vet before you start trying stuff.

Another thing you can try is giving a tablespoon of plain yogurt with active culture.  It can help regulate the good bacteria in the digestive system.

Maggie

[Ilghaus]

In case you are interested in knowing more about Prozyme

Quote from the bottle:
Prozyme is a plant derived enzyme food supplement utilizing a proprietary formulation of specially cultured enzymes to hydrolyse starches, proteins and triglycerides and to break down cellolose. Its effectiveness has been scientifically proven. All ingredients are human food grade and generally recognized as safe by the United States Food and Drug Administration. this Prozyme formulation is intended for use by all companion animals, especially dogs and cats.

(They also have forumlas for birds, horses, and humans.)

Enzyme Activity:
Alpha-Amylase -- metabolises carbohydrates into sugar
Lipase -- converts fats into essential fatty acids
Cellulase -- breaks down vegetable and fiber matter
Protease --  turns proteins into amino acids

To read and learn more about this product you can go to their web site:
http://www.prozymeproducts.com/

As with any product it will help some animals and not others. I spoke with my vet concerning this product before trying it, he has recommended it to other clients, several of his staff use it for their own animals, and it is highly recommended by many people with dogs with digestive problems. As was also brought out, if this formula does not help your dog there are others out there that you might want to look into.

[Stefani]

Where do you get the prozyme?  Any local vitamin discount store?  I get Razel's other suppliments and stuff from there, and just dose them from what the trained animal people said (instead of the bottle). 

[Ilghaus]

If you have a credit card you can buy it from one of the online stores like Drs. Foster & Smith or SitStay. Drs. Foster & Smith do not carry the 4lb. but I believe SitStay does.  The 1 lb might be big enough for you especially if you do not know if you will like it. You might want to try a smaller bottle first. I don't remember seeing any in PetEdge but they may also carry it.

[Kirsten]

UPCO (http://www.upco.com) carries Prozyme.  They have good prices and the shipping is very reasonable.  The shipping is never more than $6.50 and the more you buy the more the shipping cost drops.  At around $150 it reaches zero and you can even start getting discounts with bigger orders.  I buy vitamins there by the bucket (the UPCO brand "wafers" which are really UPCO's version of PetTab Plus with some extras).

[Stefani]

UPCO (http://www.upco.com) carries Prozyme. 

About how long did you notice possitive effects?  And what effects did you notice?  I'm liking the idea of putting Roxie on this, but I want to study and learn more before actually deciding on putting her on it.  I spoke with my vets office, well mainly my favorite vet tech (who is leaving because of her own physical problems, but she gave me her e-mail address so we could stay in contact) and she said she'd never heard of it, but gave me the number of a local vet who might know about it.

[Ilghaus]

Karl was having digestive problems, very runny stools. The Prozyme began working the second day. Prozyme will also help if a dog has problems holding their weight.

For maximum benefit sprinkle on food and let sit 15-20 minutes to let the enzymes begin to break the food down. By the time the food gets to the small intestine partial digestion will have already began and the nutrients (calories, vitamins, minerals) absorb into the intestine walls quicker.

[Ilghaus]

FREE SAMPLE

Want to give Prozyme a try. Here is a link to order a free sample -- you will have to pay S&H.

http://www.prozymeproducts.com/free_sample.html

Quote:
PROZYME 85 Gram size provides affordable enzyme supplementation for approximately 68 cups of pet food ...

[Stefani]

Another question, not dog related.  I've done some reading, and it states that it is benifical to some cats, to help with hairballs.  One of our cats is in papaya every day to break apart the hair in her stomach, and gets a laxitive to coat the hair in the stomach so she can pass it out.  If we miss a few dosages of papaya, she'll start throwing up her meals, because the hair builds up in her stomach very fast.  We do groom her to release hair, but she grooms herself more than a normal cat, and as well, she doesn't throw up her hair balls (you'll see her coughing and gagging, then it'll come up, and she'll swallow it again).  Is there different types of prozyme, or is it one bottle that is used for every animal?

[Ilghaus]

From their website:
PROZYME? products are available in: Original Prozyme, Feline Formula, Equine Formula & Prozyme Plus (Lactose Free)

I have only seen the original formula myself but then again I never looked for the others.

Also from their site:
PROZYME? is proven to increase the absorption of vital nutrients ...snip....This increased absorption provides natural relief from the following difficulties,...snip...
? Dry or scaly haircoat
? Digestive disorders
? Immune disorders
? Weight problems
? Bloating
? Hairballs
? Coprophagia
? Skin problems
? Joint difficulties
? Excessive shedding
? Allergies
? Lethargy
? Flatulence
? Wound healing

I didn't see any contact info other then that to use to order a free sample, but you might want to call some of your local larger pet stores to see if they carry the feline formula.

[Stefani]

I just googled the name and feline, nothing came up *shrug*.