Proper nutrition is at the heart of pet health, but how does papain fit into that plan? Papain, or papaya proteinase I, is a natural enzyme found in the papaya. Enzymes work to speed up chemical reactions in ways that help your pet down that path to perfect health. Most of the problems humans face, like achy joints or upset stomachs, can haunt your dog, as well. From immune system support to improved mobility, supplements with powerful enzymes like papain can help.
What is Papain?
Papain is an enzyme taken from the fruit produced by a papaya tree. It has uses in a variety of sectors from culinary to veterinary. Pets rely on their human family to ensure they get the proper nutrition, but that goes beyond just the right food choices. Dietary supplements are a big part of an effective strategy to build up canine health and improve the quality of life. Papain may be an important piece of that solution for your dog.
Why Papain as a Supplement?
This enzyme is a natural component of the papaya, so humans might just eat the fruit to reap the benefits. However, that’s probably not a choice your dog will make. It works by breaking down large proteins into smaller ones. This means that the proportion is a critical part of successful use for dogs. A supplement that contains this ingredient provides a nice, balanced dose of papain to ensure your dogs gets the most benefit from its use.
Digestive Support
Dogs are especially susceptible to stomach problems because they tend to eat more than just what’s in their food bowls. Health issues that affect the digestive system become even more pronounced as your dog grows older. A dog’s diet relies heavily on protein, which can add to their discomfort.
Papain offers you a unique way to manage some of the digestive sensitivities that arise in dogs. Chefs all over the world use papain to tenderize meat because it is able to break down tough fibrous tissue. The enzyme is found in supplements like NuVet Plus to help break down hard to digest protein in the same way, leading to calmer stomachs and fewer digestive health concerns.
Improved Mobility
Papain is a natural source for joint health, too, improving your canine friend’s mobility. Joint issues are common in dogs of all ages. Papain offers you a healthy way to help your pet stay flexible even as the dog grows older. It is part of an optimal joint health strategy for any dog, keeping them active and mobile.
Antioxidant
All species of animals, including humans and dogs, face the dangers of free radicals and oxidation damage. Think of free radicals as molecules with a sharp edge. Exposure to oxygen robs them of at least one electron. When that happens, the molecule searches for another one to replace it, causing cell damage and health issues along the way.
Antioxidants like the compounds found in papain provide that missing electron – making the molecule whole again. Antioxidants safeguard against common canine health issues such as joint problems and supports various systems of the body such as the kidneys and liver.
Immune System Support
Papain is a proteolytic enzyme that can help modulate immune responses. What this means for your dog is that this supplement supports the immune system to help fight against pathogens in a way that improves canine health.
Papain is one of the more interesting canine super foods that improve the health of your dog, but one that is not normally a part of their diet. NuVet Plus canine formula has just over 30 ingredients, including Papain, that work together to fill the nutrient gap in your dog’s diet. As a digestive aid, it helps break down the sometimes tough proteins found in dog food and provides enzymatic support to reduce the effect of foods that are less beneficial to improve overall health.