Understanding canine digestion can help you ensure your dog’s dietary needs are met and address any digestive issues they might have. Here’s an overview of how a dog’s digestive system works:
**1. Ingestion
- Mouth: Digestion begins in the mouth, where your dog chews food (though some dogs may gulp without much chewing). Saliva starts breaking down carbohydrates with enzymes.
- Teeth and Tongue: The teeth help grind the food, and the tongue moves it around to ensure it’s mixed well with saliva before swallowing.
**2. Esophagus
- Swallowing: Once the food is chewed and mixed with saliva, it travels down the esophagus through a series of muscle contractions called peristalsis.
- Transport: The esophagus connects the mouth to the stomach and ensures the food moves efficiently to the next stage of digestion.
**3. Stomach
- Acidic Environment: In the stomach, food is mixed with gastric juices containing hydrochloric acid