Bellas Apothecary Run-Free Organic Colostrum for Dogs and Cats 60 Capsules

Colostrum is the mothers first milk for newborns and helps build a healthy immune system and gut. It’s a potent immune modulator.

WHY IS COLOSTRUM SO GOOD FOR DOGS AND CATS? 

Immunoglobulins: Colostrum contains immunoglobulins (also called antibodies). The antibodies in colostrum include IgG, IgM and IgA.

IgG antibodies give puppies and young animals passive immunity. This protects them until their own immune system matures. IgG can neutralise viruses. It’s injected into humans to control Hepatitis A. IgG antibodies can also fight bacteria and long-standing chronic infections.

IgM antibodies are the first antibodies newborns make. They activate a component of the immune system called the complement cascade … and that’s an important job. Some bacteria have evolved with surfaces that complement proteins can’t bind to. But IgM antibodies can bind to nearly every surface the bacteria will throw at it. This helps the complement proteins attach and destroy the invaders. IgM antibodies are the first line of defence against viruses too.

IgA is another important class of antibodies. Your dog and cat make more of these than any other antibody. IgA antibodies form a lining in the digestive tract. Their job is to coat bacteria and viruses in the digestive tract so they don’t enter the body. So if dogs don’t have enough IgA antibodies, foreign invaders will constantly escape the digestive tract. This will cause chronic diarrhoea and bowel inflammation. Or they can enter the bloodstream and cause allergy symptoms and chronic inflammation in the organs. So it’s critical that dogs have enough IgA stores in their bodies.

Growth Factors: Growth factors stimulate cell growth, help repair muscle, bone, and connective tissue. They can also heal the intestinal lining.

Lactoferrin: This protein is antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic. It helps eliminate pathogens that trigger inflammation. It also has anti-tumour effects. And new research shows it’s more effective than the drug doxycycline at treating Lyme disease

PRP: Proline-rich polypeptides (PRP) regulate the thymus and immune function … stimulating underactive immune systems or moderating overactive ones. They help the body respond to invaders like microbes, toxins or allergens.

MSM: Methylsulfonylmethane is a substance that’s often in joint supplements. It’s a micronutrient that supports wound healing. It can maintain cartilage and manage pain. MSM is also used in cancer treatments. In studies, it’s reduced breast cancer tumors and helped manage prostate and liver cancers.

As you can see, one of the main roles of colostrum is to regulate your dog’s immune system. But there are some  other important benefits of colostrum for dogs.

The Top 12 Benefits Of Colostrum For Dogs

#1 Allergies: Allergies are an overactive immune response. The PRPs in colostrum help moderate that response. Colostrum also helps manage inflammation that causes rashes, itching, and discomfort for your dog. Colostrum also helps manage leaky gut, which a common cause of allergic reactions in dogs. Let’s look at leaky gut in more detail.

#2 Leaky Gut : Leaky gut in dogs happens when the gut lining gets damaged. Drugs or other toxins in his environment can do this. Once damaged, undigested food particles can pass through the lining and get into the bloodstream. These invaders can cause problems ranging from allergies to digestive issues and arthritis.
Studies show that colostrum can help heal leaky gut. And lactoferrin plays an important role. It helps manage inflammation and acts as a prebiotic to “feed” healthy gut bacteria.

#3 Diarrhea: So, now that you know it can help heal leaky gut … it shouldn’t surprise you that colostrum can also help manage diarrhea. Studies show it can help reduce many different kinds of diarrhea. This includes chronic, acute and even infectious diarrhea. Colostrum can also be useful for your litter of puppies. A 2004 study showed that colostrum improved the fecal quality of weaned puppies.

#4 Oral Health: Periodontal disease is a leading veterinary problem in small animal patients. It’s especially prominent in small dogs and often leads to tooth loss. Most conventional vets recommend regular teeth cleaning under anaesthesia. That’s risky and many dog owners are understandably reluctant. But John Ellis DVM PhD suggests colostrum can reduce the bacteria that cause gum disease. Growth factors in colostrum may also repair damaged tissue.

#5 Gut Damage: Has your dog taken drugs like non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) or antibiotics? These drugs can have side effects which can cause damage to your dog’s gut health, including leaky gut. Several studies show that colostrum can help repair gut damage in these instances. 

#6 Aging: We all want our dogs to stay young and vibrant forever. And research shows colostrum can have anti-aging effects on your dog … in several ways. It can help preserve lean muscle mass and bone density in older adults. This could mean better mobility and strength as your dog ages. Colostrum also improves recovery from exercise, helping prevent oxidative stress. And studies show it  may prevent cognitive decline as well.

#7 Autoimmune Disease: Like humans, dogs are suffering more and more from autoimmune disease. Leaky gut and environmental toxins are just some of the factors. The PRPs in colostrum help regulate an overactive immune system. While growth factors decrease inflammation. Both of these are important in reducing the risk of  autoimmune disease. Immunoglobulins and lactoferrin also help by limiting bacteria and viruses. These viruses can trigger or aggravate autoimmune disorders.

#8 Yeast: Many dogs have to deal with itching, skin odor and discomfort from yeast. Lactoferrin and its peptides have strong antifungal activity. And, as you’ll read later, it also helps get rid of biofilms that protect yeast. Along with colostrum’s immune-boosting properties, it can help fight your dog’s stubborn yeast infection.

#9 Cancer: Immunoglobulins in colostrum help support your dog’s immune system. They also help fight viruses and bacterial infections. Lactoferrin’s anti-inflammatory effects help support the immune system. The cytokines in colostrum can activate special white blood cells (immunity cells) to help to fight viruses, bacteria and other foreign invaders that threaten health. Colostrum also contains a special protein called Lactalbumin. Researchers report that colostrum lactalbumin can cause apoptosis (death) of cancer cells … but leaves the healthy cells to thrive. 

#10 Joint Issues And Arthritis: Managing leaky gut and inflammation are a big part of controlling your dog’s joint pain or arthritis. And growth factors in colostrum can also help repair tissue damage in the joints. The MSM in colostrum can help manage pain and inflammation. MSM is also important to help maintain cartilage.

#11 Canine Flu: Colostrum can help to prevent upper respiratory diseases. So, if your dog goes to daycare or boarding, give him colostrum to help prevent flu or kennel cough. A 2013 stufy showed that dogs’ immune function improved with colostrum. 

#12 Skin Problems: You can use colostrum topically to speed skin repair and wound healing. Its antibacterial effects can also help with skin infections. Make a paste of powdered colostrum mixed with distilled water and apply it to problems like :-

Skin infections
Minor Wounds (including surgical wounds)
Insect bites
Abscesses
Rashes
Ear infections
Cysts