Dogs and cats on a special diet often need some extra support, as their ailments usually demand quite a lot from their bodies. Even if it doesn't seem immediately necessary, that extra support can give a good boost to their health preventively.

One such need is to be able to digest food easily. Our diet contributes to this by using easily digestible ingredients.

What does "easily digestible" mean?

If an ingredient is easily digestible, it means it can be broken down quickly and easily in the stomach and intestines. This allows your pet to absorb and utilise the nutrients (such as proteins, fats and vitamins) quickly. Less waste, less effort for the digestive system, and more energy and health.

Benefits of easily digestible food:

• Less gastrointestinal discomfort.
• Better absorption of nutrients.
• Smaller, firm turds.

High-quality, easily digestible ingredients

1. High-quality proteins
   • Why important? Proteins are the building blocks for muscles, skin and organs. The better the quality, the easier they are digested.
   • Good sources: chicken, fish, lamb, egg.
   • Less good: Cheap plant proteins, such as soya, are harder to digest.
2. Healthy fats
   • Why important? Fats provide energy and help absorb nutrients such as vitamins.
   • Good sources: fish oil, poultry fat, and sometimes flaxseed oil. These are easily broken down and contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
   • Less good: Saturated fats or fillers such as palm oil.
3. Easily digestible carbohydrates
   • Why important? Carbohydrates provide quick energy, but too much or the wrong kinds can actually cause constipation or stomach problems.
   • Good sources: rice, oatmeal, potato and sweet potato. They are gentle on the gut and provide stable energy.
   • Less good: Cereals such as wheat; these can be more difficult to process and trigger allergies.
4. Fibre from fruit and vegetables
   • Why important? Fibre keeps the digestive system supple and healthy.
   • Good sources: pumpkin, carrot, and beet pulp (in small quantities).
   • Less good: Unnecessary fillers such as cellulose, which do not really provide nutrients.
5. Essential vitamins and minerals
   • These are added in easily digestible forms, such as chelates, so that the body can absorb them faster.

How do easily digestible foods help with absorption?

• Less trouble for the bowels: Easily digestible ingredients are broken down quickly. This means the body uses less energy to process food.
• Quick availability: Good nutrition is like a ready-made meal: the nutrients are readily available to the body.
• Better balance: Easily digestible food contains just the right mix of nutrients, without unnecessary ballast that stresses the digestive system.