Could bovine colostrum help your dog live their best and healthiest lives?
In recent years, bovine colostrum has ballooned in popularity as an active ingredient found in health supplements for humans. Now, pet parents like you are discovering the possibilities of the first milk bovine colostrum for dogs.
After all, dogs enrich our lives in countless ways. The least we can do is set them up for long-term health while doing it in a way that aligns with our animal welfare values.
To answer some of your questions around bovine colostrum for dogs, we put together this introductory guide.
Table of contents
What is bovine colostrum and what does it do?
Bovine colostrum for dogs: What the research says
Questions about bovine colostrum: Is it ethical?
Achieve balance for your dog: Optimize nutrition, but keep it fun
What is bovine colostrum and what does it do?
As the name indicates, bovine colostrum is sourced from cows. When cows give birth to calves, the very first milk to emerge contains a sticky golden-yellow substance known as colostrum. In fact, all female mammals, including humans, produce colostrum for their newborns in their first days of life.
Known as “liquid gold”, colostrum is essential to giving newborns a healthy start in life. It’s chock full of healthy fats, growth factors, peptides, vitamins and essential amino acids — nutrients that strengthen a delicate immune system and support the growth of healthy cells and tissue.
Research has uncovered that the nutritional benefits of bovine colostrum extend beyond that of newborn calves. More recently, pet parents are exploring the potential of supporting their dog’s health with colostrum supplements.
For those who feel concerned about the ethical dilemmas, rest assured that high-quality brands, including AmpliFull™ by NutriSource®, want to make sure calves are getting what they need. For that reason, they abide by rigorous requirements around sourcing first milk colostrum. (More on that below.)
Bovine colostrum for dogs: What the research says
As you explore the research behind bovine colostrum, you’ll find the potential benefits for dogs are very promising. Here is an overview of some of the findings.
Immune system support: The antibodies and other immunity factors found in bovine colostrum can boost the immune response in adult dogs. Proteins called immunoglobulins fight germs, viruses and bacteria growth. Meanwhile, cytokine proteins signal the immune system to activate, while also controlling the growth and activity of immune system cells and blood cells.
Digestive health: Rich in probiotics and other gut-health supportive elements like oligosaccharides, bovine colostrum can promote gut health in dogs. Lactoferrin regulates the absorption of iron from the intestine.
Joint health: Some studies suggest colostrum may be beneficial to joint health, with its anti-inflammatory compounds and growth factors. However, additional research is needed. Leptin regulates the balance between food intake and energy use, which can result in decreased fat mass -— which means less pressure on the joints.
Overall enhancement: Each serving of AmpliFull soft chew supplements includes nutrient-dense first milk bovine colostrum.
Available in several formulas targeted to support key areas in canine health, here’s a look at how the inclusion of bovine colostrum in AmpliFull soft chew supplements can provide a health boost for your dog:
- AmpliFull™ Mobility Soft Chews: Helps ease joint pain, promotes optimal performance and lean muscle, and aids in weight management.
- AmpliFull™ Calming Soft Chews: Antioxidant properties help promote stress level reduction.
- AmpliFull™ Skin & Coat Soft Chews: Helps boost immune response to seasonal allergies and contains natural anti-aging properties.
- AmpliFull™ Multivitamin Soft Chews: Supports your dog’s health and well-being on a daily basis.
Questions about bovine colostrum: Is it ethical?
Ethically sourced bovine colostrum can mean different things to different people. As a committed animal lover, you have one burning question about using bovine colostrum: Does using it mean taking it from a calf that needs it? The short answer is no, as long as the bovine colostrum is sourced in a way that is ethical.
At NutriSource®, we’re committed to working with farmers who ensure the calves have their needs met before harvesting any excess supply. In the 12 hours of life, a calf needs up to 10% of their body weight in colostrum to realize the full benefits. Farmers monitor these feedings throughout, along with the mother’s output of colostrum levels.
To us, it comes down to common sense. Good farmers want a healthy herd, so they understand very well the importance of making sure calves are getting crucial nutrients. At NutriSource®, we partner with farmers who are committed to animal welfare. That’s one of many practices that helped us become certified by the National Animal Supplement Council.
Because we want you to feel good about giving your dog AmpliFull soft chew supplements, and how we source its ingredients.
Achieve balance for your dog: Optimize nutrition, but keep it fun
Bovine colostrum holds the potential to offer many health benefits for dogs, ranging from enhanced immune support to improved gut health. But it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Making bovine colostrum a part of your dog’s routine is great. However, it’s no replacement for medical advice, treatment for ailment, or a nutritious meal.
How do you create the perfect routine for your dog? Focus on sound nutritional concepts, but don’t lose sight of the fact that dog’s love a delicious meal that smells amazing. That’s where the elements of Full Circle Feeding come in: Feed — top — treat — amplify.
- Feed your dog high quality food that provides the balance of proteins, carbs and nutrients to sustain a healthy body.
- Delight their senses by topping the meal with a delicious broth or wet food.
- Spark tail-wagging joy with a treat.
- Amplify the benefits with a daily supplement from a trusted brand.
NutriSource offers a line of dog health supplements that are formulated to support your dog’s long-term health. With options that target different health goals for your pet, from calming to mobility, we’re committed to being the brand you trust to provide the very best care for your best friend.
AmplifFull: Amplified by nature, backed by science
Give your dog a boost with AmpliFull Soft Chews by NutriSource. Each formula — Skin & Coat, Calming, Mobility, and Multivitamin — contains ethically-sourced bovine colostrum and is formulated for daily supplemental feeding.