Digestive enzyme complex
Protease
A protease is an enzyme that breaks down proteins by splitting the peptide bonds between their amino acids.
Also known as: peptidase, proteolytic enzyme, proteinase
What it is
Proteases — also called peptidases or proteolytic enzymes — are hydrolases that catalyse proteolysis: the breaking of peptide bonds. They fall into two broad groups:[1]
- endopeptidases, which cut peptide bonds within the protein chain;
- exopeptidases, which remove single amino acids from the ends of the chain.
Source [1]
By their catalytic mechanism they include serine proteases and cysteine proteases.[1]
Where it’s found
In dogs, the exocrine pancreas produces proteases as part of the pancreatic juice, alongside lipase and amylase; trypsin is one example. Pepsins in the stomach and peptidases of the intestinal lining also contribute to protein digestion.[1]
Proteases are also produced by plants and micro-organisms. Bromelain from pineapple is a plant example, and proteases from moulds such as Aspergillus oryzae are produced commercially.[2],[1]
Why it’s used in dog supplements
Proteases are the enzyme family that breaks down dietary protein, so they are a standard part of digestive enzyme preparations — commercial pancreatic enzyme products, for example, contain proteases alongside lipases and amylase. Enzymes of microbial and plant origin are of research interest as alternatives to enzymes of animal origin.[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. The DIGEST+ label lists protease as well as bromelain, which is itself a plant protease.
- Amylase
- Bromelain
- Protease
- Lipase
- Cellulase
- Lactase
Questions people ask
What does a protease do?
A protease breaks the peptide bonds that link amino acids together, splitting proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids.
Do dogs produce their own protease?
Yes. A dog’s pancreas produces proteases such as trypsin as part of the pancreatic juice, and the stomach and intestinal lining contribute other protein-digesting enzymes.
Why does the label list both protease and bromelain?
Bromelain is a specific plant protease from pineapple, so it is named separately. Both sit within the Digestive Enzyme Complex, which the label gives as 150 mg in total.
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.
- Properties and Therapeutic Application of Bromelain: A Review — Biotechnology Research International. Checked 2026-10-15.
Updated