Benefits of Colostrum For Dogs
What Is Colostrum?
Colostrum, often referred to as "liquid gold," is the initial milk produced by mammals in the first few days after giving birth. Rich in antibodies, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, colostrum is a powerhouse of nutrients crucial for a puppy's early development. Its availability is limited, typically spanning the initial 24 to 48 hours post-birth, making it a precious and time-sensitive source of nutrition and immunity.
For puppies, the importance of colostrum cannot be overstated. It serves as their first line of defense against infections, bolstering their fragile immune systems during the critical early stages of life. Beyond providing essential nutrients, colostrum contains antibodies that confer passive immunity, shielding puppies from various diseases until their own immune systems mature.
The benefits of colostrum extend beyond the neonatal period, proving to be advantageous for dogs of all ages. Its potent blend of immune-boosting properties continues to offer support by promoting gut health, aiding digestion, and even exhibiting anti-inflammatory and healing effects.
In this blog, we'll delve deeper into the wonders of colostrum, exploring its significance for puppies and the potential advantages it holds for dogs throughout their lives.
Colostrum contains high levels of immunoglobulins and other important nutrients that provide essential support to newborn puppies, helping them to establish a strong immune system and stay healthy.
How Colostrum Benefits All Dogs
Ethically sourced, Bovine Colostrum starts with grass-fed New Zealand cattle raised on small, humane, family farms.
CColostrum is considered an Antioxidant with exceptional properties to support:
Immune System: Proline-Rich-Polypeptide (PRP) is a natural hormone found in colostrum that demonstrates the potential to stimulate an underactive immune system, thereby enhancing overall immunity.
Allergies: PRP also possesses the capacity to modulate the immune response, which is particularly beneficial for managing allergies arising from an overactive immune system.
Joints: Notably, a human study has reported the remarkable effectiveness of colostrum in relieving joint pain, reducing inflammation, and improving joint mobility.
Digestive System: Scientific studies have provided evidence of colostrum's potential to alleviate conditions such as leaky gut syndrome, contributing to immune system enhancement.
Cancer Care: Colostrum offers promise in the fight against cancer due to the presence of a protein called lactalbumin, which can induce cancer cell apoptosis. Additionally, its immunoglobulins have the ability to combat bacteria and viruses.
Wound Healing: When applied externally, colostrum promotes wound healing, making it a valuable option for addressing various skin conditions, ear infections, abscesses, and related ailments.
Colostrum can be derived from Bovine or Goat sources:
Colostrum Nutrients include:
• Cytokines: Cytokines are part of our systemic immune system. These proteins keep communication between immune cells active. “No communication = No immunity”
• Immunoglobulins (IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, IgM) Immunoglobulins are also known as antibodies. These small proteins are used by the immune system to seek out and destroy foreign antigens (invaders).
• Lactoferrin: Assists with iron absorption and has shown anti-microbial characteristics. It is also part of our immune system.
Four Leaf Rover Bovine Colostrum comes from 100% Grass-Fed New Zealand cattle. Since colostrum is naturally rich in lactoferrin and antibodies, it's a great choice for healthy immune balance and support.
Bovine Colostrum is a nutrient rich source of IgA antibodies, proline-rich polypeptide and lactoferrin. This ethically-source first milk supports dogs with seasonal allergies and supports proper skin health, digestive tract health and a balanced immune response.
Four Leaf Rover Bovine Colostrum is ethically produced and ensures that colostrum produced in the first 12 hours is given to the calf only, to make sure all animals benefit from colostrum. This ensures the calves get the immune support they need before the colostrum is collected to share with dogs.
