A True Probiotic Difference
Probiotics are made from actual lactic acid-producing bacteria that bear spores. That’s why they can remain dormant even in a dried-state product but still be effective when ingested. These organisms exhibit characteristics of both the genera Lactobacillus and Bacillus. Because they are encapsulated in spores, these organisms are chiefly protected from environmental factors and low-grade heat that might reduce or destroy effectiveness of other organisms.
No probiotic product can survive the high heat temperatures of the extrusion process used to make commercial dog food!
Probiotics are activated in the gut by hydrochloric acid, producing lactic acid bacteria. During optimal pH conditions these desirable bacteria inhibit the growth of putrid bacteria in the intestine, thereby maintaining a balance of intestinal flora.
Treatment with antibiotics results in the killing of beneficial bacteria, which guard against yeast colonies (candida yeast species), resulting in a pH balance shift that supports non-beneficial bacteria.
Digestive Enzyme Support
• Amylase – helps in the digestion of carbohydrates by helping hydrolyze the linkages of polysaccharides to dextrin, D-glucose, maltose; results in the production of sugars from starch molecules.
• Protease – works on proteins to reduce them to individual amino acids (what they are composed of); some of these are acid-stable enzymes that start their work in the stomach. Proteins take the longest to break down and are the most difficult food component to digest. With an acid-stable protease, decomposition starts earlier in the digestive tract, thus providing more complete digestion.
• Lipase – helps metabolize fats (triglycerides). The fats are broken down into monoglycerides, diglycerides, and glycerol. When given in calculated quantities, Lipases can enter the bloodstream and help remove excess triglycerides from arteries and veins, improving circulation.
• Cellulase – breaks down cellulose (fiber) by helping to break down cell walls, resulting in the breakdown of both soluble and insoluble fiber ingredients. These enzymes are produced by “prey type” animals and found in their digestive tracks. Prey animals would in turn be consumed by carnivorous animals, which would result in the consumption of plants, grain, and fiber in various stages of decomposition.
• Beta-Glucanase – this enzyme assists in the breakdown of plant polysaccharide bonds found in plant matter cell walls and fungus as well as extracellular polysaccharide components of bacteria, soil dwelling bacteria in the environment, and respective components used as additives in other foods.
• Calcium Carbonate – the primary carrier for digestive enzymes, food grade calcium carbonate helps enzymes and offers a pH buffering capacity that aids in both the stomach and intestinal tract. The correct pH, especially in the intestinal tract, supports probiotic organisms and helps them grow and flourish in what is normally a very microbial-hostile environment.