What chemicals in the Owls stomach that break down owls food?

The owl's stomach contains hydrochloric acid, pepsin, and protease, which are chemicals that help break down food. Specifically, hydrochloric acid kills foodborne pathogens, pepsin is an enzyme that begins the digestion of proteins in the food, and protease further digests proteins. This combination of stomach acids and enzymes allows the owl to digest its prey and extract the nutrients it needs.