Many dogs show improvement in digestion within days of starting pancreatic enzymes. However, if your dog’s stools are still soft or they’re experiencing diarrhea despite consistent enzyme use, there may be other contributing factors that need attention. This article will help you identify possible causes and offer guidance on what to do next.
Common Reasons for Soft Stools Despite Enzyme Use
Pancreatic enzymes like Pan-tenex support the breakdown and absorption of food, but there are additional variables that can affect stool quality:
- Incorrect enzyme dosing. Using too little may result in poor digestion, while too much may cause loose stools. Always measure based on your dog’s food volume. If you’re unsure, see How Much Enzyme Powder Should I Use Per Cup of Food?
- Insufficient mixing or prep time. Enzyme powder should be moistened and allowed to sit on the food for 10 to 15 minutes at room temp before serving (aka incubation) to help with pre-digestion. Some dogs will also benefit from increased incubation of the meal for 30 mins or more.
- Sudden diet changes. Switching food brands or proteins too quickly can lead to stool inconsistency, even when enzymes are used.
- Too much fat in the diet. Dogs with digestive sensitivity often do better on moderate to low-fat meals. Excess fat may overwhelm the digestive process and lead to diarrhea.
- Underlying gut issues. Conditions like bacterial imbalance, parasites, or food intolerances may still be present and require veterinary evaluation.
Tips to Improve Stool Quality
If your dog continues to have soft stools with enzyme support, consider trying the following adjustments:
- Double-check the dosage. Review the product label and feeding guidelines to make sure you’re using the correct amount of enzyme powder per meal.
- Stick to a simple, digestible diet. Use one protein source and avoid high-fat treats or table scraps.
- Feed smaller, more frequent meals. This can reduce the workload on your dog’s digestive system and improve absorption.
- Use a feeding log. Track food, enzyme dosing, stool quality, and timing. You can use our printable Dog Enzyme Digestive Health Stool Tracker.
When to Talk to Your Vet
If you’ve followed all of the above strategies and your dog still has frequent diarrhea, it’s time to check in with your veterinarian. Persistent loose stools may indicate:
- A bacterial imbalance such as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) or (SID).
- Food sensitivity or an allergy to ingredients in your dog’s current diet.
- Parasitic infection like giardia or hookworms, which are not resolved by enzymes alone.
- Incorrect diagnosis or a need for additional digestive support beyond enzymes.
Final Thoughts
While digestive enzymes are essential for dogs with pancreatic issues or malabsorption, they are just one part of a healthy gut routine. If your dog still experiences soft stools, take time to evaluate their diet, dosage, and environment. Small changes often lead to big improvements.
Need more help troubleshooting digestive issues? Explore our full Help Articles library or contact us directly for personalized guidance.
