Canines have the ability to consume large quantities of food at one time and can rest between meals. In the wild, this is known as "gorging," which is beneficial in hunting large game. Canines, like carnivores, can devour large meals after a hunt, and, thanks to the digestive function, can then leisurely wait until the next meal opportunity arises.

To keep your canine’s gastrointestinal system functioning at its finest, a healthy, well-balanced diet is of the essence. The quality of the diet can be measured in its ease of digestion. Large, malodorous stool is a reliable indicator that something is amiss in the digestive tract — and the food going into it would be the most likely perpetrator.

Your canine’s digestive system is an impressive, powerful function of the mouth, stomach, small and large intestines, aided by the liver and pancreas.

Digestion begins in the mouth, where saliva lubricates the food and passes it down the esophagus. The canine’s teeth — sharp, jagged, blade-shaped molars — are designed for gripping, tearing and shredding, and are specifically suited for its digestive capabilities. Other mammals have flat molars, characteristic of grinding. The canine’s jaws, however, are incapable of moving sideways, and instead are hinged. This allows them to open widely and ingest large chunks of meat whole.

Swallowed food passes down the esophagus to the stomach. The stomach of a canine is very acidic with a pH registering as low as 1. Food is well mixed and broken down before contents leave the stomach as chyme.

Chyme is the fluid that passes easily into the small intestine, where the pancreas and liver provide additional digestive enzymes. These enzymes continue protein digestion and also provide carbohydrate and fat digestion. Nutrients are absorbed from the small intestine into the bloodstream.

By the time any food reaches the large intestine, most of the nutrients have been processed and absorbed. It is here that water and electrolytes are assimilated and bacteria can break down undigested fiber. The wastes are then excreted.

Understandably, large amounts of vegetation, grains and fiber are difficult for canines to process. With their short and simple digestive tracts, they are incapable of fermenting and absorbing these foods like an herbivore would. High-grain, high-fiber diets, then, only result in a much larger stool volume. The canine has a short digestive tract that helps to easily digest animal flesh and fat. The food spends a much longer time in the stomach, which produces a higher amount of hydrochloric acid, and aids in the breakdown of animal proteins, bones and fat.

Digestive issues are one health concern your canine need never suffer, as the solution is right at your fingertips, and completely within your discretion. Let us help you make your canine’s diet your number one priority, beginning today . . . .

By: Andrew Lewis -

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

.

Vitamins For Dogs

Here are noteworthy points about vitamins for dogs:. 1) Vitamins work with minerals and enzymes for digestion, reproduction, muscle and bone growth, and maintenance of healthy skin and h…   

Preparing Homemade Dog Food

Always remember that you should introduce a gradual change in your dog’s diet to avoid digestion and elimination problems. Start out slowly by adding a bit of homemade to his usual bra…  

Nutrition For Active Dogs.

Not all foods react well with your dog’s system. So to combat vomiting, diarrhea, and other stress related digestion disorders, Probiotics and Enzyme supplements is the answer! What th…  

Dog digestion : Sensitive Stomachs

Author: stitch8689 Subject: Sensitive Stomachs Posted: 10Feb2009 at 11:01am have you tried anything that contains a pre or probiotic like Arden Grange or Premium Edge? They can be pricey, but cheaper …  

4 Keys To Making Sure Your Dog Is Healthy

Dog owners are often surprised by how quickly health issues can manifest. Their canine companions can develop problems related to digestion, gum disease, and general hygiene which can h…

Technorati Tags: canine, diet, dog digestive problems, Dogs digestion, system