37491 Dog P01 16 07/24/06 4:47 PM Page 1 YOUR DOG’S ...

YOUR DOG SNUTRITIONAL NEEDSA Science-Based Guide For Pet Owners37491_Dog_P01_16 07/24/06 4:47 PM Page 1liveresophagusspleencolonsmallintestine stomachPoint of DepartureThe mechanical breakdown of foodbegins in the mouth, where food isingested, chewed, and swallowed. Automatic TransportThe esophagus is a short,muscular tube in whichinvoluntary, wavelike con-tractions and relaxationspropel food from the mouthto the and ProcessingThe stomach acts as a temporary storage and processingfacility before emptying its contents into the small stages of digestion take place in the stomach wherepepsin and lipase aid in digesting protein and FacilitiesIn the small intestine, enzymes break down large, complex food moleculesinto simpler units that can be absorbed into the bloodstream. The pan-creas is an organ that does double duty, secreting digestive enzymes intothe gut and hormones, including insulin and glucogon, into the for fat metabolism, the liver produces bile and partially stores itin the gall bladder between of the LineThe primary function of the largeintestine is to absorb electrolytesand water.

YOUR DOG’S NUTRITIONAL NEEDS A Science-Based Guide For Pet Owners 37491_Dog_P01_16 07/24/06 4:47 PM Page 1

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