Colostrum Powder for Dogs and Cats

Our Colostrum Powder for dogs and cats is the finest 100% human-grade colostrum available for your animal. Certified true colostrum by Cornell University, it is 6-hour, first-milking colostrum. This is far superior to many other similar products that are often partially or entirely transitional milk, which is the milk that follows colostrum. Our colostrum powder is tested ORGANIC free of herbicides, pesticides, hormones, antibiotics and steroids. It is the finest available for your dog or cat being low-heat, spray dried to preserve all the natural benefits and no excipients or chemicals are ever added.

What Is Colostrum for Canines and Cats

Bovine colostrum is Mother Nature's perfect combination of immune factors, growth factors (anti-aging factors), vitamins, minerals, amino acids and more! Research has shown that colostrum has powerful natural components which help bring the body to a state of homeostasis (a powerful, natural state of health and well-being). In addition, the growth factors in colostrum create many of the positive attributes of a healthy organism such as: an enhanced ability to metabolize or "burn" fat, greater ease in building lean muscle mass, and enhanced rejuvenation of skin, muscle and organs (1).

We have been very successful using colostrum to heal the digestive tract and other organs, and to support the immune system in instances of allergies, chronic illness, autoimmune conditions and injury. Colostrum has some of the largest amount of documentation of any natural supplement. There are volumes of medical research with more than 25,000 scientific papers in medical journals that document colostrum's ability to provide support for a wide range of pet health issues.

What are the Benefits of Colostrum for Dogs and Cats

• Anti Aging

  There are 87 anti-aging growth factors in Colostrum that help protect the body against he oxidative stress and degeneration that go along with aging. This is a primary reason why I believe all dogs and cats regardless of age should have their diets supplemented with Colostrum. Of course, pets suffering due to a debilitating condition and our seniors should be the primary recipients of the wonderful healing powers of Colostrum The components in Colostrum of primary importance in the role of anti-aging benefits include insulin-like growth factors (IGF-l and ll). These help activate cell reproduction, regeneration and repair; improve nutrient uptake, increase bone mass, restore skin elasticity, increase lean muscle and more. In addition, growth hormone, whose production diminishes as our dogs and cats age, helps to regenerate organs and tissue. All of the components described above, and many more not listed, are essential to maintaining a vibrant, youthful animal for as long as possible.

•  Impaired Immune Function

  The thymus gland is sometimes referred to as the center of youth and immunity. It produces white blood cells called T-Lymphocytes, or T-cells. Unfortunately, this gland begins to atrophy and shrink over the course of a lifetime, perhaps explaining why many health problems seem to correlate with aging. Immune and growth factors contained in colostrum help to restore the thymus gland, actually returning it to youthful function and proportions. The substances in Colostrum responsible for this action are:

• Immunoglobulins – Antibodies that neutralize pathogens in the lymphatic and circulatory systems (2).
• Lactoferrin – A glycoprotein with antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic, catalytic, anti-cancer, anti-allergic and radioprotecting functions and properties (3).
• Proline-Rich Polypeptides (PRP) – Act to establish homeostasis (balance) in the thymus gland (master immune gland) by regulating it when over-active or improving immune response when needed by increasing production of T-cells, lymphocytes and other immune cells.
• Thymosin – Stimulates activation, development and maintenance of the immune system.

• Autoimmune Disease

  Colostrum contains a constituent called Proline-Rich Polypeptide (PRP), also known as thymulin. It is essential for optimal functioning of the thymus and helps to establish homeostasis, regulating the gland and immune system up or down as needed. In addition, the thymus gland contributes to the regulation of tolerance and the prevention of autoimmunity at many levels. Put into simple terms it works to prevent the formation of, or remove from circulation, self-reactive T-cells that are responsible for autoimmune reactions.

• Inflammation

  Colostrum contains proline-rich polypepetides that can help regulate the immune system and reduce the over-production of inflammatory substances in the blood stream. Colostrum is also a rich source of MSM, which is a sulfur compound, and a well-established analgesic and anti-inflammatory. Lastly, Colostrum’s rich supply of IGF-1 growth factor helps to support the growth of new tissue as well as repair that which has been damaged. In instances were glucosamine hasn’t worked or its effectiveness has declined, the addition of Colostrum can make a huge difference. From our research it appears that IGF growth factor is important for the utilization of glucosamine - older and debilitated animals secrete less of this important substance. Which makes sense as to why we see Colostrum benefiting dogs and cats greatly as they age.

• Intestinal Permeability (Leaky Gut Syndrome)

  Damage to the protective gastrointestinal mucosa can be caused by medications like antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. The over-use of antibiotics can eliminate colonies of beneficial flora that inhabit the lining of the GI tract allowing this lining to be damaged and become permeable. When this happens larger than normal particles can now pass through the digestive tract causing immune reactions like allergies and autoimmune conditions. NSAID's on the other hand can interfere with important hormones that protect the lining of the stomach resulting in gastric ulceration.

  Colostrum can help repair the digestive tract in both instances. For instance, research has demonstrated that when NSAIDs are provided along with colostrum the usual gastrointestinal damage is avoided. This benefit is usually attributed to the growth factors found in colostrum that promote the reproduction, regeneration and repair of the cells lining an animal’s digestive tract.

• Oral Health

  Many Holistic practitioners are now recommending Colostrum instead of, or in addition to, other measures typical of the veterinary industry for a dog or cat's oral health. This is due to colostrum’s  antimicrobial immunoglobulins, anti-inflammatory proline-rich polypeptides and IGF-1 growth factors that can help control gum disease and repair damaged tissue at the same time. Colostrum taken internally and also formed into a paste and applied to the gum line, can work wonders for dogs and cats with periodontal disease.

• External Application

  Colostrum can be applied externally with great success for your pets. It performs very well when applied topically as a paste to many skin problems like abscesses, hot spots, wounds, or surgical incisions. This is again due to the components found in colostrum, such as lactoferrin, that are antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory as well as the growth factors, such as epidermal growth factor, fibroblast growth factor and insulin-like growth factor  (IGF-1) that help maintain healthy skin by replacing damaged tissue and accelerating wound healing.

What is the Colostrum Dosage for Dogs and Cats

We recommend a daily maintenance dosage of colostrum for dogs and cats of 1/4 tsp per 20 lbs daily. Dividing the suggested dosage into two equal doses is best, when convenient, especially for debilitated animals. You may mix the colostrum with meals, however, providing 10 or 15 minutes prior to meals mixed in a little treat food is optimal so the absorption of colostrum doesn't have to compete with a large meal. For more intensive use for health challenges you may increase the daily maintenance dosage by two to four times to help deal with immune and numerous other health challenges for a period of time. When you see beneficial changes you may then reduce to a lower maintenance dosage.

What are the Colostrum Side Effects for Dogs and Cats

Colostrum side effects are virtually non-existent and we have not experienced any that can be attributed to colostrum in our work with animals. This is because, in our view, colostrum is a whole food substance created by nature for very young mammals. If it had serious side effects new born animals would be in serious trouble!

Colostrum is a food and is safe for dogs and cats of all ages. It can be consumed in large quantities without contraindications. Scientific research conducted in the last decade (in major medical research centers and universities throughout the world) has shown that the molecular combinations of the immune and growth factors in cow's colostrum are virtually identical to human. Research has also shown colostrum from a bovine (cow) is not species specific, and is up to 100-1000 times more potent than human colostrum. This means that every mammal on earth can benefit from bovine colostrum in a safe and natural manner, including our pets.

Can Colostrum be used to Replace Puppy Colostrum from Mom?

A bovine colostrum substitute is not absorbed and used as mom's colostrum would be used in a puppy. First of all it does not contain the passive immunity, or maternal antibodies, found in the "first milk" or colostrum provided by the mother. In addition, there is only an 18 hour window in which puppies are able to absorb the larger maternal antibodies through the intestinal wall. After this period, the digestive system begins to hydrolize these large protein antibody molecules (break them down) and they lose the ability to destroy disease causing bacteria and viruses in the blood stream.

However, providing colostrum powder can still benefit puppies because it helps strengthen the digestive tract to prevent harmful viruses, bacteria, yeast, parasites and toxins form entering through the gut wall. This can be very beneficial in assisting a vulnerable young puppy's immune system, especially one that hasn't received enough puppy colostrum from mom.

What to Look for in a Superior Colostrum Product:

✓ Certified True Colostrum

Our Colostrum is certified True Colostrum by Cornell University. If other Colostrum products don't brag about this then they are not first milking colostrum and will not deliver all of the natural benefits that this product will.

✓ Taken Early During the First Milking

Our Colostrum Powder is collected during the first 6 hours after birth which is when it contains the highest concentration of immune and growth factor. Many companies collect their "Colostrum" around 24 hours after birth (or even longer) at which point it has lost much of its potency and has turned into transitional milk. If the company does not promote this fact visibly, as we do, it is most likely not a high-quality colostrum product.

✓ Antibiotic & Hormone Free

Our Colostrum Powder is collected from cows from Grade A dairies that are hormone, antibiotic, rBST, herbicide and pesticide free and is tested ORGANIC!

✓ Low Heat Processing

Our Colostrum Powder is low-heat, spray dried and no chemicals are ever added. Excessive heating can denature colostrum’s peptides and thus much of its healing and nutritional value.

References

Pitchford, P. (2002). Healing with whole foods: Asian traditions and modern nutrition (3^rd ed.). Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.

Puotinen, CJ. (2000). The encyclopedia of natural pet care (2^nd ed.). Los Angeles, CA: Keats Publishing.

Dekel, Dr. M. Bovine colostrum, immunity and the aging process. Retrieved from http://www.drdekel.com/content/bovine-colostrum-immunity-and-aging-process

Minton, Barbara L. New studies continue to reveal the health benefits of colostrum. Retrieved from http://www.naturalnews.com/022851_Colostrum_studies_health.html

Streit, L. (February 27, 2019). What Is colostrum? Nutrition, benefits, and downsides. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/bovine-colostrum

How to use colostrum replacers. Retrieved from: https://www.revivalanimal.com/pet-health/colostrum-replacers-and-calcium/learning-center

Colostrum and passive immunity. Retrieved from: https://www.petcoach.co/article/colostrum-and-passive-immunity/

(February 19, 2016). How colostrum gives puppies a head start. Retrived from: https://www.dailydogdiscoveries.com/tag/puppy-colostrum-supplement/