The digestive system

When the food enters the mouth, it is swallowed in hole chunks. It then starts a relatively short digestive process compared to other mammals. Do you know the term wolfing down your food? That comes from the wolf swallowing large amounts of food at one time. When food properly enters the stomach, it can create more space for larger amounts, if needed. The job of the stomach is to break down food into liquid by stomach acids. Then passes to the small intestines where the walls will draw out the nutrients from the food. Out of 22 amino acids derived from animal proteins, 10 are not produced by the body for the dog. They must come from animal protein in the diet. Each one serves a purpose and overall health. The small intestine will draw all the nutrients and send them into the bloodstream where they will go to the appropriate cells. The Pancreas is a part of the digestive system and vital part of the endocrine system. The endocrine system produces and manages hormones and plays a key role in the body’s metabolic balance. It’s secretes digestive enzymes that are sent into the small intestine to help break down macro nutrients needed for entry into the bloodstream. Macro nutrients are proteins, fat, carbohydrates. Micro nutrients, are vitamins, minerals, and trace minerals. The digestive enzymes are amylase (aids in digestion of proteins), lipase (aid in digestion of fats), protease, (aid in digestion of carbs).

The pancreas also has the important role of producing insulin and secreting the correct amount into the bloodstream, depending on the sugar level. Have you ever had to battle pancreatitis in your pet? It is inflammation of the pancreas. Latest studies have found that a common cause of the inflammation happens when the pancreas must over produce insulin to keep up with the high carb foods or high amounts of poor fats that are fed. There are many causes of pancreatitis, and it can be deadly if not treated right away. Without proper levels of insulin, diabetes or being prediabetic is a concern. The gallbladder stores bile made by the liver. Bile is necessary to break down fats for digestion. The large intestine is the final digestive step. Its role is to dissolve the harder to digest matter with the help of gut bacteria. It will use any water and minerals that are there. Feces is then formed and stored while waiting to exit the anus.