Pet Supplement Insights: What is Colostrum?

In recent years, the role of colostrum in fostering robust health and immunity has gained significant attention among pet owners, veterinarians, and researchers alike. What is colostrum? Colostrum, often referred to as “nature’s first food,” is the first milk produced by mammals after giving birth. This unique substance is a rich reservoir of nutrients, antibodies, and growth factors designed to support the health of the newborn. Understanding the composition and benefits of colostrum can be instrumental in enhancing the well-being of your pets, both young and old.

What is Colostrum?

Colostrum is the thick, yellowish fluid that is produced by the mammary glands in the immediate postpartum period. Mammals produce colostrum that is laden with proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals, along with growth factors and immunoglobulins. This diverse nutrient profile is vital for the newborn’s development and for promoting the body’s innate resistance to pathogens.

Colostrum precedes the regular milk that comes in after a few days. In comparison to ordinary milk, colostrum is denser in nutrients and contains a higher concentration of immunoglobulins, enzymes, and other protective substances. This is why human colostrum is so highly recommended for newborn infants if the mother has a sufficient milk supply.

Colostrum Versus Mature Milk

As the lactation process progresses, transitional milk progresses into what is known as mature milk. Mature milk is distinct from colostrum in its nutritional profile, though both serve vital roles in the early stages of mammalian life. The milk composition of transitional and mature milk contains higher levels of fat, lactose, and water-soluble vitamins, while having lower concentrations of proteins and immune factors compared to colostrum.

For pets, both forms of milk have their benefits. While colostrum is ideal for pets of all ages, more mature milk can be beneficial for older pets in certain situations. For instance, transitional milk and mature milk’s higher fat and nutrient content can be advantageous for malnourished pets or those recovering from illness or surgery, provided they can tolerate lactose. However, it is essential to consult a veterinarian before introducing either colostrum or mature milk into an adult pet’s diet to ensure it aligns with their specific health needs.

What Is Colostrum: The Primary Nutrients

The primary nutrients in colostrum include the following:

• Immunoglobulins (Ig): IgA, IgG, and IgM are the primary antibodies that support immune responses and system function.
• Growth Factors: Such as insulin-like growth factor (IGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) which support normal cell function.
• Nutrients: Include essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins.
• Cytokines: These are signaling molecules that modulate immune responses.
• Enzymes: Various enzymes that assist in the digestion and absorption of essential nutrients.

Colostrum’s Benefits

Colostrum’s benefits aren’t limited to newborn animals; adult dogs may also receive significant health benefits from including it in their diet. The source of the colostrum doesn’t have to be canine-specific. Bovine colostrum is equally effective and available as a supplement.

Colostrum Improving Immunity

One of the factors contributing to colostrum’s efficacy as a canine supplement is its rich content of essential hormones, which are instrumental for the healthy development of young puppies into mature dogs. Among these is Proline-Rich-Polypeptide (PRP), a hormone that supports immune system function in adult dogs.

PRPs enhance the immune response and help maintain a normal inflammatory response. These effects can be particularly beneficial for soothing skin-related issues associated with seasonal allergies and easing joint stiffness due to normal daily exercise and activity, among other issues.

Specifically, PRPs function to regulate the immune system by activating white blood cells and augmenting the activity of natural killer cells. Thus, the innate properties of colostrum that empower neonatal animals to help maintain peak condition extend similarly to mature animals.

Joint Health

Colostrum serves as a valuable resource for enhancing the joint health of dogs. It is enriched with an array of bioactive compounds, including potent hormones and nutrients, that promote cartilage development and joint health.

For instance, colostrum contains methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), a naturally occurring compound frequently employed to enhance bone and joint health and aid with occasional discomfort. This helps support joint flexibility and mobility.

Colostrum supports a healthy inflammatory response, including within the joint structures, further contributing to enhanced joint health for the animal. Colostrum not only aids in helping maintain a normal inflammatory response but has also been found to promote healthy connective tissues. This makes it a comprehensive support system for dogs experiencing occasional joint discomfort.

Digestive Health

Colostrum plays a pivotal role in promoting digestive wellness in pets, serving as a rich source of antibodies and bioactive compounds that are beneficial for gastrointestinal health. A significant portion of an animal’s immune system is localized within the digestive tract, making a strong immune system crucial for maintaining a balanced gut microbiota. Colostrum helps in this regard by enhancing the immune response and also produces antibodies that balance the population of good and bad bacteria in the gut.

Colostrum stimulates both immune and growth factors, specifically within the digestive system, allowing beneficial bacteria to flourish while suppressing harmful microorganisms. The net result is assistance in the digestion and absorption of essential nutrients, support for gut health, and support for and promotion of long-term health.

For Your Pet’s Skin

Colostrum offers multiple benefits for your pet’s skin health, thanks in part to its rich array of bioactive compounds, including growth factors, immunoglobulins, and cytokines. These elements work in synergy to promote the skin’s natural defense mechanisms and promote long-term health.

Growth factors in colostrum promote a healthy coat and skin, improving the skin’s overall texture. Immunoglobulins promote the body’s innate resistance to pathogens. And, the ability of colostrum to support a healthy inflammatory response and offer nutritional support for healthy coats can help keep animals in peak condition.

Why Cow’s Milk

When considering colostrum supplementation for your canine companion, bovine colostrum—sourced from cows within the initial days postpartum—is the preferred choice. This particular variety of colostrum is rich in growth hormones, antioxidants, and other bioactive substances. The concentration of these beneficial compounds in the colostrum from cow’s milk surpasses that found in colostrum from other mammalian sources.

As a result, cow’s milk has proven to be the most efficacious option for canine colostrum supplementation. Its high bioactivity not only makes it suitable for dogs but also renders it beneficial for human consumption as well as for other farm animals and pets.

Colostrum From Other Sources

Dogs can obtain nutritional benefits from colostrum sourced from other mammals that produce milk, like goats and sheep. However, the concentration of health-promoting bioactive compounds is generally lower in these alternative forms of colostrum. For the most efficient and cost-effective nutritional impact, colostrum from cow’s milk remains the recommended option for canine supplementation.

Choosing a High-Quality Colostrum Supplements

Choosing the best colostrum supplement involves considering several factors to ensure that you obtain a high-quality product with maximum health benefits for you or your pet. Here are some guidelines to help you make an informed choice:

• Ensure that the cows are grass-fed, free from hormones and antibiotics, and preferably pasture-raised to prevent any of these from getting into the colostrum supplements.
• Colostrum collected within the first 24 to 48 hours post-birth contains the highest levels of bioactive compounds.
• Look for a product free from fillers, artificial preservatives, and flavors.
• Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is one of the most beneficial components of colostrum. A higher percentage is generally better.
• While cost is a consideration, the cheapest option is not necessarily the best. Focus on the quality and reputation of the brand you are considering.

Sourcing Colostrum

Earth Buddy’s Gut Health Colostrum for Dogs and Cats is an effective way to provide your pet with health benefits. The colostrum powder is derived from non-GMO cows in Canada. The colostrum is harvested within 48 hours post-milking to ensure high-quality. By quickly obtaining the colostrum, the Immunoglobulin levels, which help balance good and bad bacteria in the gut, remain high. Bovine colostrum is also rich in essential nutrients.

Earth Buddy adds Kief CBD in natural form to aid in the inflammatory response in the gut. This allows both substances to work synergistically to improve gastrointestinal health. Simply add 1/3–1/2 scoop of powder per 50-pounds of body weight 1-2 times daily, or on an as-needed basis.

For further reading, we recommend:

• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33477653/#:~:text=Abstract,and%20immunologic%20defence%20of%20neonates
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25781716/#:~:text=The%20immunoglobulins%20and%20lactoferrin%20present,mortality%20rate%20in%20this%20population
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8624701/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23773360/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34827992/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33240949/