Colostrum is the first milk produced by pregnant mammals, starting a few weeks before they give birth and continuing for a few days afterward. It is often referred to as “liquid gold” because of its yellow color and amazing health benefits, not only for newborns but for animals of all ages!
In this article, we will specifically discuss the benefits of bovine (cow) colostrum as a nutritional supplement for dogs. It typically comes in powder form and is generally considered to be very safe, but it is always a good idea to check with your veterinarian before starting your pup on a new supplement.
We do not currently have a lot of clinical research to support the use of bovine colostrum in dogs. However, based on the few studies that have been done and what we know about its use in people, some veterinarians feel that it may offer a wide variety of benefits for our canine friends.
The 10 Benefits of Bovine Colostrum Supplementation for Dogs
1. Improved gastrointestinal (GI) health
Diarrhea is a common problem in young puppies, especially during times of stress (for example, when weaning off their mother’s milk, adapting to a new home, etc.). A study from Japan showed better fecal scores in pet store puppies that were supplemented with bovine colostrum.1
Bovine colostrum contains several helpful substances, which may promote gastrointestinal (GI) health:
It has been reported that approximately 20% of dogs over one year of age have some degree of arthritis. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly prescribed because they are extremely effective at reducing pain and inflammation.
Unfortunately, NSAIDs can predispose patients to gastrointestinal (GI) ulcers. Some dogs are not able to tolerate NSAIDs for this reason.
A study in rats showed that bovine colostrum protected the stomach from injury during treatment with NSAIDs. Hopefully, future research will demonstrate the same effect in dogs, but in the meantime, it may be wise to consider supplementing dogs with bovine colostrum while they are taking NSAIDs.
3. Prevention of periodontal disease
Did you know that more than 80% of dogs over the age of three have periodontal disease? Many pet parents know that taking care of their pup’s teeth is important, but it can be hard to find time for daily brushing (especially if your dog is less than cooperative!).
While there are currently no published studies specifically looking at the use of bovine colostrum to prevent periodontal disease in dogs, we know it contains substances that could help support oral health:
Giving your dog a colostrum supplement is certainly not a replacement for other forms of dental care, such as daily brushing, and it should not be expected to reverse existing periodontal disease. However, when used preventively, bovine colostrum may help keep your pup’s mouth healthy!
4. Prevention of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs)
Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) like kennel cough, for example, occur commonly in dogs. While we do not have specific evidence to show that bovine colostrum can help prevent URTIs (or reduce their severity) in dogs, these benefits have been demonstrated in people and racehorses.
It is important to note that bovine colostrum does not appear to offer much help in the treatment of URTIs. It is likely to be most beneficial when given proactively, prior to times of stress and possible exposure to infection (e.g., boarding).
5. Management of immune-mediated conditions (e.g., allergies)
Based on our knowledge of how substances in bovine colostrum can help regulate the immune system, it makes sense that this supplement could be useful for dogs with immune-mediated conditions such as allergies.
A study in children with asthma and allergic rhinitis found that supplementation with bovine colostrum improved both their allergy symptoms and lung function.
While these findings support a possible role for bovine colostrum in the management of canine allergy patients. However, it is important to note that dogs with food allergies commonly react to beef and dairy.
6. Improved response to vaccination
A study published in 2013 evaluated the immune responses of dogs supplemented with bovine colostrum after vaccination against canine distemper, adenovirus-type-2, parainfluenza, and parvovirus (DAPP).
The dogs who were supplemented with bovine colostrum maintained significantly higher levels of IgG and IgA, compared to the dogs who did not receive colostrum—indicating a superior immune response to vaccination.
7. Wound healing
We have already mentioned that bovine colostrum contains antimicrobial proteins (lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase, and lysozyme), as well as growth factors which promote healing of injured tissue.
Several human studies (such as this one) have demonstrated that when bovine colostrum powder is applied topically to chronic wounds (e.g., diabetic ulcers), healing is significantly improved. Patients have also reported that bandage changes are less painful when their wounds have been treated with colostrum.
There is no reason to suspect that these benefits would not extend to canine patients as well!
8. Support for cancer patients
Bovine colostrum could offer many helpful benefits for canine cancer patients:
Certain substances in bovine colostrum, such as lactoferrin, have even been shown to have anti-cancer effects!
Bovine colostrum has been studied in cancer cells in a laboratory setting, in animal models, and in human clinical trials. This article provides a detailed review of the current research, which is incredibly promising! The use of bovine colostrum in cancer patients certainly warrants continued investigation.
9. Reducing signs of aging
All mammals lose muscle and bone strength as they age. Bovine colostrum has been studied in people for its ability to help fight this process.
A human study showed the following benefits of taking a bovine colostrum supplement for eight weeks, in combination with resistance training:
Supplementing our canine friends with bovine colostrum may help them stay strong and active into their senior years.
10. Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which is carried by deer ticks. Infected dogs are often diagnosed during routine heartworm testing because the SNAP test used by most veterinarians also checks for common tick-borne diseases.
Fortunately, less than 10% of dogs infected with Borrelia burgdorferi are expected to develop clinical symptoms of Lyme disease.
An unpublished study by a student at the University of New Haven showed that lactoferrin (a substance found in bovine colostrum) reduced biofilm formation by Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. Biofilms make bacteria more resistant to antibiotics, so anything that reduces biofilm formation is helpful in the treatment of bacterial disease!
Future studies may find more evidence to support the use of bovine colostrum (or substances derived from it) in the treatment of Lyme disease in the future.
Conclusion
More canine-specific studies are needed to determine the ideal amount of bovine colostrum for dogs, and how often it should be given for maximum benefit.
However, given the safety of bovine colostrum and its wide array of potential uses, it is certainly worth asking your veterinarian if you should try giving it to your pup (unless they have a known or suspected allergy to beef and/or dairy).
Remember that these types of supplements are not regulated, so ask your veterinarian if they recommend a particular brand.
Featured Image Credit: Tiplyashina Evgeniya, Shutterstock
