What Is Colostrum for Dogs? What Is It Used For?

Colostrum is the initial milk produced by a mother dog (and other mammals) during the first day or two after giving birth. It’s released by the mammary glands and is rich in nutrients, antibodies, and growth factors that support a newborn puppy’s health, explains Amy Lin, DVM, CVA, medical director at Carolina Integrative Veterinary Hospital in Fort Mill, South Carolina.  

Colostrum is like super-charged milk: The antibody concentration in a mother’s milk immediately after birth is about five times higher than in her regular milk. 

By delivering essential immune components, colostrum helps newborn puppies establish a strong immune system and a healthy gut microbiome, explains Bethany Hsia, DVM, co-founder of CodaPet, a national end-of-life pet service.  

Colostrum is also available as a supplement for dogs, typically made from bovine (cow) colostrum. When given as a supplement, Dr. Hsia says it may offer some of the same immune and gut health benefits seen in newborn puppies. 

While research on colostrum for canines is still in its infancy, existing studies in dogs and humans suggest several potential colostrum benefits for dogs, including:

Colostrum is packed with immune-supporting compounds, including antibodies (especially immunoglobulin G), lactoferrin, and proline-rich polypeptides (PRPs). These components help provide passive immunity, says Dr. Hsia. 

Research backs up these benefits, showing that colostrum can help strengthen and balance a dog’s immune response. This makes it especially useful for dogs with weakened immunity, chronic inflammation, frequent infections, or those under stress that could compromise their immune defenses. 

By helping regulate the immune system, colostrum appears to reduce systemic inflammation in dogs, offering potential benefits for inflammatory conditions like arthritis and skin irritation. 

Dr. Lin explains that colostrum may help protect and heal the intestinal lining and improve fecal quality, making it a potentially helpful supplement for dogs with digestive issues, such as leaky gut, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or chronic diarrhea. 

Allergies happen when a dog’s immune system overreacts to something harmless, causing inflammation. In people, studies show that colostrum’s proline-rich polypeptides (PRPs) may help ease allergy symptoms.   

Dr. Hsia says colostrum could offer similar benefits for dogs by helping calm the immune system and reducing inflammation, which may help with itching and hot spots.  

Colostrum is rich in growth factors that support tissue healing, which may be helpful for dogs recovering from surgery, injury, or illness.  

“Colostrum is generally well-tolerated and considered safe,” Dr. Lin says. “However, mild side effects like soft stools or digestive upset can occur, especially when first starting.”   

She adds that in rare cases, dogs with dairy sensitivities might react to bovine colostrum with digestive issues. 

Colostrum isn’t an essential supplement for dogs, but it can be beneficial in specific situations.  

Veterinarians most commonly recommend colostrum for dogs with allergies, digestive issues, and weakened immune systems.  

As with any supplement, it’s important to talk to your vet before adding colostrum to your dog’s routine. Your vet can help determine whether it’s appropriate for your pet’s individual health needs and confirm that it won’t interfere with medications or existing conditions. 

According to Dr. Lin, veterinarians have mixed views on the use of colostrum.  

“Some vets recommend it for immune or GI support, while others may be cautious,” Dr. Lin says. “This is mostly due to limited large-scale studies.”  

She adds that its use is growing among veterinarians but is not yet completely mainstream. 

Once your vet gives the green light to try a colostrum supplement, you’ll notice there are plenty of options to choose from.  

To help narrow it down, here are five veterinarian-recommended colostrum supplements for dogs:  

• Native Pet Colostrum: Available as a powder, this colostrum is best for pet parents looking for a popular, highly rated option. It’s made in the U.S., easy to mix into food, and contains 20% immunoglobulin G. 

• Wholistic Pet Organics Pure Colostrum: Also a powder, this colostrum is best for pet parents looking for an organic option. It’s organic and sourced from cattle raised without pesticides, antibiotics, meat by-products, or added hormones.  

• ThorneVet ColostrumVET: This powder supplement is best for pet parents looking for a well-known, rigorously tested brand. The colostrum is sourced from grass-fed cows and is free of hormones, antibiotics, pesticides, and pathogens. 

• Zesty Paws Vet Strength Allergy & Immune Bites: These chews are vet-formulated and are best for pet parents looking for an option with additional allergy-fighting ingredients. It includes fish oil, probiotics, spirulina, astragalus, vitamin C, and other beneficial ingredients known to regulate the immune system.  

• Pawfy Allergy & Immune Turkey Flavor Dog Supplement: Also vet-formulated, these chews include immune-regulating ingredients, including salmon oil, a probiotic blend, apple pectin, apple cider, and turmeric.  

Adding colostrum to your dog’s routine is super easy. Here’s how to get started. 

Colostrum supplements are available in two main forms: chews and powders. The option you choose depends on your and your dog’s preferences: 

• Chews: Convenient and often flavored, colostrum chews are an easy option for dogs who enjoy treats (which is most of them!).  
• Powder: Typically unflavored, colostrum powder is easy to mix into wet food, or dog-safe bone broth like Solid Gold Turkey Bone Broth.  

Always follow the instructions on the product label. Starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing can help reduce the chance of stomach upset. 

Some products may benefit from refrigeration to extend freshness—but check the label, as storage instructions can vary. 

Is colostrum good for dogs? 

Yes, colostrum can be beneficial for many dogs, especially those with allergies, digestive issues, or weakened immune systems.  

What does colostrum do for dogs? 

Colostrum is rich in antibodies, growth factors, and proteins that help strengthen or balance the immune system, repair the gut lining, and reduce inflammation.  

How effective is colostrum for dogs? 

While more research is needed, early studies and anecdotal reports suggest colostrum can be effective in managing chronic inflammation, allergies, and gastrointestinal problems in dogs. 

What if I miss a dose of colostrum? 

Missing a dose isn’t harmful. Just resume the normal schedule the next day.  

Is colostrum safe for puppies? 

Yes, colostrum is safe for puppies and can support immune development, especially in those who didn’t receive enough from their mother, Dr. Lin says. Always check with your vet for proper dosing. 

Can colostrum help with my dog’s allergies? 

Colostrum may help regulate the immune response and lower inflammation, which could ease symptoms of environmental or seasonal allergies. That said, results can vary from dog to dog. 

Can I give colostrum to my dog daily? 

Yes, many products are designed for daily use, but always follow the recommended dose on the label or your vet’s guidance.