Digestive enzyme complex
Lipase
Lipase is a digestive enzyme that breaks down fats (triglycerides) into fatty acids and smaller glycerides.
Also known as: triacylglycerol lipase, pancreatic lipase, lipolytic enzyme
What it is
Lipases are a group of hydrolase enzymes. Pancreatic lipase (triacylglycerol acyl hydrolase) plays a key role in absorbing dietary fat: it splits triglycerides into di- and monoglycerides and fatty acids. Bile salts help by allowing the water-dissolved enzyme to come into contact with fats.[1]
Where it’s found
| Source | Examples |
|---|---|
| The dog’s body | Pancreatic lipase (the most important), plus gastric, intestinal, lipoprotein and hormone-sensitive lipases |
| Milk | In young animals, a bile-salt-activated lipase supplied in milk |
| Plants | Many plant lipases have been isolated, such as wheat germ lipase |
| Micro-organisms | Lipases from moulds, yeasts and bacteria such as Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus oryzae, Candida rugosa and Pseudomonas cepacia |
Why it’s used in dog supplements
Lipase is the enzyme family that digests dietary fat, and lipase is a standard part of digestive enzyme preparations — commercial pancreatic enzyme products contain lipases alongside amylase and proteases. Microbial lipases are biotechnologically valuable because of their versatile properties and ease of mass production, and enzymes of microbial and plant origin are being researched as alternatives to animal-derived enzymes.[1]
On the DIGEST+ label
The label lists six enzymes in the Digestive Enzyme Complex, 150 mg in total, derived from natural plant sources. The label states that total for the complex as a whole; it does not give a separate amount for each enzyme, so we don’t either. Lipase is one of the six listed on the DIGEST+ label.
- Amylase
- Bromelain
- Protease
- Lipase
- Cellulase
- Lactase
Questions people ask
What does lipase do?
Lipase splits triglycerides — the main form of dietary fat — into fatty acids and smaller glycerides that can be absorbed. Bile salts help it reach the fat.
Where do dogs get lipase from?
Mainly from their own pancreas. Dogs also have gastric and intestinal lipases, and young animals receive a lipase in milk.
How much lipase is in DIGEST+?
The label gives 150 mg in total for the six-enzyme Digestive Enzyme Complex, without a separate figure for lipase.
Work out your exact supply
The calculator on the product page takes your dog’s weight band and how many dogs you have, then shows the daily dose, how long a bottle lasts and a sensible refill rhythm.
Sources
- A review: Pancreatic enzymes in the treatment of chronic pancreatic insufficiency in companion animals — Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Checked 2026-10-15.
Updated