Oxbow Natural Science Papaya Support Digestive Health Supplement For Small Animals (1.16 oz)

Natural Digestive Enzyme Support for Small Pets

Product Description

Oxbow Natural Science Papaya Support is a high-fiber, enzyme-rich tablet for rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, rats, and other small pets. With papain (papaya) and bromelain (pineapple) in a timothy-hay base, it supports protein breakdown, healthy hindgut fermentation, and comfortable digestion—ideal for sensitive stomachs or diet transitions.

Benefits

• Enhanced protein digestion: Papain & bromelain break proteins into absorbable peptides.
• Better nutrient uptake: Supports bioavailability of protein, calcium, and trace minerals.
• High-fiber hindgut support: Timothy fiber maintains healthy cecal pH and fermentation.
• Less gas & bloating: Improves feed efficiency; helps reduce fermentation discomfort.
• Digestive regularity: Enzymes + fiber support normal motility and help prevent stasis.
• Multi-species safe: Formulated for small mammals with species-specific dosing.
• Microbiota support: Encourages a balanced gut environment.

Ingredients

Active Ingredients (per 0.55g tablet):

• Papain (from Papaya): 2.0 mg, providing 50,000 PU/mg activity
• Bromelain (from Pineapple): 19.2 mg, Providing 2,400 GDU/g activity
• Manna Oligosaccharide (MOS) prebiotic: Included in base formula

Inactive Ingredients: Timothy Grass (high-fiber base), Cellulose, Dicalcium Phosphate, Pineapple Fruit Powder, Papaya Fruit Powder, Stearic Acid, Magnesium Stearate.

Guaranteed Analysis (per 0.55g tablet)

Crude Protein: 4.00% minimum
Crude Fat: 1.00% minimum
Crude Fiber: 20.00%-25.00%
Moisture: 10.00% maximum
Papain: 2.0 mg (50,000 PU/mg activity)
Bromelain: 19.2 mg (2,400 GDU/g activity)

*PU = Papain Unit (enzyme activity standard); GDU = Gelatin Digestion Unit (enzyme activity standard)

How to Use

Tablets are designed to be given whole or can be crushed and mixed with food, depending on the pet's preference and species. Most small pets readily accept the natural molasses flavor. Tablets can be administered directly in the mouth, crushed and mixed into pellets or hay, or offered as a treat. Consistent daily administration is important for optimal digestive benefits.

Recommended-Dosage Chart

Disclaimer: This dosage information is provided by the manufacturer. Always consult your veterinarian before administering or adjusting any supplement for your pet.

Dosage & Administration Instructions

• Dose: 1-2 tablets daily per weight chart, with meals or within 30 minutes; crush into pellets if needed.
• Consistency: Give daily; for sensitive pets, start ½ dose for 3-5 days.
• Diet: Provide unlimited timothy hay and fresh water – enzymes work best with high fiber.
• Storage: Keep in original container, cool/dry; close sachet tightly.

Additional Information

Precautions

• Not for growing, pregnant, or lactating animals.
• Avoid if allergic to papaya/pineapple or any ingredient.
• Use caution with GI disorders/stasis; consult a vet.
• Supplement ≠ diet – use with balanced pellets, hay, and veggies.
• If mild GI signs occur, reduce the dose and titrate over 3-5 days.
• Don’t exceed label dose (excess enzymes may affect gut permeability).
• Keep from children/pets; keep container sealed.

Possible Side Effects

• Rare/mild GI: Temporary soft stool/diarrhea at start; improves with gradual intro or dose change.
• Positive response: Increased stool volume/frequency can indicate better digestion.
• Very rare allergy: Vomiting, diarrhea, appetite loss – stop and contact a vet.
• Palatability: Most accept molasses flavor; some need repeated exposure.
• Safety: Generally well tolerated; no known toxicity or common drug interactions.

Shipping & Return

We offer ground, express, priority, and international delivery; see our shipping policy for details.

For return instructions or product concerns, please refer to our detailed refund policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is Oxbow Natural Science Papaya Support?

Ans: Oxbow Papaya Support is a high-fiber digestive enzyme supplement combining papain and bromelain proteases from papaya and pineapple with timothy grass to support protein digestion and nutrient absorption in rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, rats, and other small mammals.

Q2: How do papain and bromelain enzymes improve digestion?

Ans: Papain and bromelain are proteolytic enzymes that break complex proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids. This reduces bloating, improves nutrient absorption, and enhances digestive comfort, particularly after high-protein meals or dietary transitions.

Q3: Why is Timothy grass included in this supplement?

Ans: Timothy grass provides essential high fiber supporting hindgut fermentation, critical for herbivorous species. Fiber maintains optimal cecal pH, promotes beneficial bacteria growth, and works synergistically with enzymes for complete digestive support.

Q4: Is Oxbow Papaya Support safe for all small pet species?

Ans: Yes, it's safe for rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, rats, and other small mammals with species-specific dosing. Consult a veterinarian for species not listed.

Q5: When should I give my pet this supplement for the best results?

Ans: Administer tablets with meals or within 30 minutes of feeding. Enzymes function optimally when given alongside food to support digestion as the animal eats.

Q6: Can Oxbow Papaya Support help with GI stasis?

Ans: Papaya Support supports digestive regularity and motility, but is not a treatment for GI stasis. Consult a veterinarian for acute GI stasis requiring professional intervention.

Q7: How long until I notice digestive improvements?

Ans: Most pet owners report improved digestion and reduced bloating within 3-7 days of consistent supplementation. Maximum benefits are typically observed after 2-4 weeks of daily use.

Q8: Should I continue feeding unlimited hay while using this supplement?

Ans: Yes, unlimited Timothy hay is essential. Digestive enzymes require high fiber intake to function optimally; never reduce hay to use enzyme supplements.

Q9: What should I do if my pet experiences diarrhea after starting?

Ans: Mild, transient diarrhea sometimes occurs initially. Reduce dose to half-tablet and gradually increase to full dose over 3-5 days. Contact your veterinarian if diarrhea persists beyond one week.

Q10: Can I use Papaya Support if my pet is on antibiotics?

Ans: Yes, enzyme supplements can be used alongside antibiotics. However, discuss timing with your veterinarian to ensure optimal timing and effectiveness of both treatments.