Knowledgeable, Results Oriented, Natural Care 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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
✓ 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 (3rd ed.). Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.
Puotinen, CJ. (2000). The encyclopedia of natural pet care (2nd 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/
100% human grade, 6 hour colostrum from USDA Grade A bovine that are BSE, herbicide, pesticide, antibiotic, steroid and hormone free. Tested ORGANIC!
Other Ingredients: None
Our Colostrum minimums of important constituents:
2300 ng/g of IGF-1
1.9% Lactoferrin
25% Immunoglobulins
24% Proline-Rich Polypeptides
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Suggested Use for General Wellness:
1/4 tsp per 20 lbs daily. Divide dosage if convenient and mix with daily meals. Fifteen minutes prior to meal mixed with a little food or treat is optimal when possible.
Intensive Use for Health Challenges:
May double dosage to help deal with immune and numerous other health challenges for as long as necessary or as directed by a holistic practitioner.
Storage: Store at room temperature away from heat and moisture.
Approximate Daily Servings per Container
Container Size | 20 lbs | 30 lbs | 40 lbs | 60 lbs |
---|---|---|---|---|
90 gram |
150 | 112 | 75 | 56 |
12 oz | 566 | 424 | 283 | 212 |
What is colostrum?
Colostrum is a nutraceutical, a food with important health benefits for dogs and cats. It is the pre-milk fluid produced from the mother's mammary glands during the first few hours after birth (72 hours after birth for human mothers, 0-8 hours for bovine/cow mothers). Colostrum is the carrier of the immunities that are transferred from mother to infant and contains an abundance of nutrients such as growth factors, immunoglobulins, proline-rich polypeptides, lactoferrin, glyconutrients and much more.
Why would my pet need colostrum?
Research has shown that as our animals age, their bodies gradually produce less of the immune and growth factors that fight off disease and heal damaged tissues. With the loss of these vital components they become more vulnerable to disease, injury and other age related ailments. These problems are further compounded because we live in a toxic environment with pollutants and allergens all around us.
How safe is colostrum?
Colostrum is a food and is safe for pets of all ages. It can be consumed in higher quantities without any contraindications.
Why bovine (cow) colostrum?
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 other mammals. 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.
Why not use the colostrum from goats?
We do not promote the use of goat colostrum because it is species specific and doesn't provide all the beneficial components necessary to help balance the entire body system.
Do the calves get enough colostrum?
The calves' needs are always met first. Extra colostrum remains after the calves' needs are satisfied. Studies show that most calves would die or have serious health issues if they didn't get at least 2 quarts of colostrum (which doesn't do the dairy farmers any good). Our farmers ensure the calves get their fill and then collect the remainder.
What about raw colostrum from a local dairy farmer?
Raw colostrum differs from dried colostrum in that it contains immune factors from just one parent. Dried colostrum is much more beneficial because it is pooled from thousands of cows which provides a broader base of immune factors.
What about Mad Cow Disease?
Strict testing is done to ensure the safety of the colostrum. Every batch is tested and comes with an Animal Health Certificate from the USDA. No transmission of this disease has ever been connected with the dairy industry, either here or abroad. US dairy foods are considered a model of consumer safety and nutrition.
What about lactose intolerance?
Colostrum is the pre-milk fluid produced by mammalian mothers prior to birth. It is not milk. True colostrum contains almost no lactose, so those that are lactose intolerant should have no problems with high quality colostrum.
When is your colostrum collected?
Our colostrum is collected during the first 6 hours after birth which is when it contains the highest concentration of immune and growth factors. 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. The supplement we offer to you is TRUE colostrum, many other pet supplements are not!
How does colostrum interact with supplements or medications?
Colostrum has no drug interactions, but your pet may experience side effects from other supplements, herbs or medications he takes. Colostrum helps the bowel absorb; this means everything consumed may have a much higher uptake. Medications may need to be re-evaluated for dose and necessity by your animal's medical professional.
How will colostrum help my pet age well?
As our pets age their body begins slowing down the production of growth hormones. These hormones are necessary for the reproduction of virtually all of their body cellular tissue. It has been shown that eventually an animal's body produces virtually no growth hormone, and so they age and die. Colostrum's growth factors are the actual hormones that stimulate the normal reproduction of body cellular tissue. Normal reproduction means just that (normal) not aged, cancerous, wrinkled or weakened. The New England Journal of Medicine stated that the most effective anti-aging process would be simply the replacement of growth hormones at proper levels to slow, possibly stop and even reverse the aging process.
Can colostrum help speed the healing process?
Colostrum's immune factors are highly effective anti-bacterial and anti-viral agents to help reduce and eliminate infections in external injuries (cuts, burns, abrasions and surgical wounds). Colostrum also contains epithelial (skin) growth hormone that stimulates accelerated healing and powerful anti-inflammatory agents that can eliminate swelling and pain.
When is it best to take colostrum?
It is theorized that strong stomach acid can damage some of the components of colostrum, such as the immunoglobulins and proline-rich polypeptides. This means that it is best to take colostrum on an empty stomach with some water so the colostrum will reach your dog or cat’s small intestine intact, with less damage from stomach acids. We do this by mixing the colostrum with a very small amount of soft food, yogurt or pumpkin, just enough to get your pet to eat it, plus a tablespoon or so of warm water (depending on your pet’s size) and provide this twenty minutes or so before their main meal. This type of extra effort may only be needed to benefit the sick or debilitated animal, others can just have colostrum mixed with meals.