Adjusting Enzymes

Epi4Dogs Foundation Inc.’s mission is the advancement of science and education relating to EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency), yielding useful insights and positive outcomes in better managing EPI in dogs and cats. Our goals are to support and/or collaborate with veterinary EPI research and researchers, and to promote EPI awareness by educating the general public, pet owners, pet organizations, rescue and shelter organizations, veterinary schools and veterinarians.
Buddy15
Member
Posts: 6
Country: United States
State: Massachusetts
Pet name: Buddy
My name: Jenn

Adjusting Enzymes

Post by Buddy15 » 04 Aug 2022, 10:18

Hi Everyone,
Super new to the EPI world. Our 2 year old, long haired German Shepherd, is awaiting his TAMU tests for EPI diagnosis but has already begun enzymes and B12 injections. His BMs have improved after just 3 days on the enzymes. But they aren’t where we want them. Since we don’t have his levels yet, the amount of enzymes I’m giving him has been a guessing game.
I’m curious, have people had better results lowering the amount of enzymes at first? Or increasing?
I’m confident they’re working, but know he either needs more or less for better stool.
Thank you so much!

Barb
Staff
Posts: 918
Country: United States
State: New Jersey

Re: Adjusting Enzymes

Post by Barb » 04 Aug 2022, 13:48

Hello and welcome. Good for you for getting your pup started on treatment right away.

Can you post the name of the enzymes you are using? If they are enzymediane's (many of our members use them for their quality and price,,,,she is a member here) then we usually recommend 1 teaspoon enzymes per cup of kibble of the 6X or something comparable to start treatment.
Is this the amount you are giving?

Barb

Buddy15
Member
Posts: 6
Country: United States
State: Massachusetts
Pet name: Buddy
My name: Jenn

Re: Adjusting Enzymes

Post by Buddy15 » 04 Aug 2022, 13:52

Hi Barb!
Thanks so much for your feedback. We are currently using Pancre-Plus. It was suggested to serve 3 tsp every 12 hours. However needing to feed him smaller meals through out the day, rather than just two large meals…I’ve been doing 1/2 tsp per 1.5 cups of kibble. And feeding him every 3 or so hours.
I am anxious to get his levels so I can shop around for different enzymes!

Barb
Staff
Posts: 918
Country: United States
State: New Jersey

Re: Adjusting Enzymes

Post by Barb » 04 Aug 2022, 14:08

I may be misreading your post, but it almost sounded like you were giving the enzymes separate from the food. I don't think this is what you meant, but I will clarify. Use 1 teaspoon of enzymes per cup of kibble. Dissolve the enzymes in a little water and pour over the food. Allow to sit for about 20 minutes. Then feed.
So if you are feeding 1 cup of kibble, use 1 teaspoon of enzymes. If you are feeding 1/2 cup kibble use 1/2 teaspoon enzymes. etc. The amount of enzymes is based on the amount of food. I hope this makes sense.

Barb

Buddy15
Member
Posts: 6
Country: United States
State: Massachusetts
Pet name: Buddy
My name: Jenn

Re: Adjusting Enzymes

Post by Buddy15 » 04 Aug 2022, 14:15

Sorry if I wasn’t clear about that! Yes giving the enzymes with the food :)
That regiment that you listed seems to be similar to what we are doing, thank you!

Buddy15
Member
Posts: 6
Country: United States
State: Massachusetts
Pet name: Buddy
My name: Jenn

Re: Adjusting Enzymes

Post by Buddy15 » 04 Aug 2022, 14:15

Sorry if I wasn’t clear about that! Yes giving the enzymes with the food :)
That regiment that you listed seems to be similar to what we are doing, thank you!

Barb
Staff
Posts: 918
Country: United States
State: New Jersey

Re: Adjusting Enzymes

Post by Barb » 04 Aug 2022, 14:30

I am still a bit confused (not unusual these days LOL). Can you clarify the amount or enzymes again? If you are giving 1/2 teaspoon enzymes, per 1.5 cups of kibble that is not quite enough enzymes.

Barb

Buddy15
Member
Posts: 6
Country: United States
State: Massachusetts
Pet name: Buddy
My name: Jenn

Re: Adjusting Enzymes

Post by Buddy15 » 04 Aug 2022, 14:36

My original post was in curiosity of having too much enzymes, or not enough. Since the post I have connected with our internal disease specialist and we backed off the dosage for now to see if that helps. So right now yes we are at 1/2 teaspoons of enzyme mixed with roughly 1.5 cups of kibble. Before we were doing 3 teaspoons for 3 cups of kibble and his stool wasn’t where we wanted it. So we are decreasing the dosage for now, less kibble per meal, and feeding more frequently for now. Again we don’t have his levels yet, this is all a guessing game until we do.
Jenn

Barb
Staff
Posts: 918
Country: United States
State: New Jersey

Re: Adjusting Enzymes

Post by Barb » 04 Aug 2022, 14:48

Thank you for clarifying. I didn't know you had already tried the 3 tsp per 3 cups of kibble. At the beginning of treatment, it is always a balancing act until you find the right combination for your pup. Let us know how he does.

Barb

Buddy15
Member
Posts: 6
Country: United States
State: Massachusetts
Pet name: Buddy
My name: Jenn

Re: Adjusting Enzymes

Post by Buddy15 » 04 Aug 2022, 14:50

I will definitely thank you again Barb!!

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