Top 11 Benefits of Colostrum for Dogs

Jan 05, 2026

Bovine colostrum; the first milk produced by cows after giving birth, is gaining attention. And guess what? It's not just for humans, but your furry friends can benefit too.

This nutrient-dense substance is packed with immune-supporting antibodies, growth factors, and other bioactive compounds that may offer a range of wellness benefits for your pets.

When used appropriately, colostrum for dogs acts as a shield for their immune function, digestive health, tissue repair, and overall wellness.

Curious how it works?

Here are 11 interesting ways in which colostrum may help keep your dog healthy and strong.

1. Immune Support

Colostrum naturally contains immune-supporting ingredients like IgG. These help the body fight off illness.

Interestingly, in one study, huskies fed colostrum for several months showed stronger vaccine responses and better gut immunity. They also had more diverse gut bacteria, which is a win-win for overall health.

2. Digestive Health

Colostrum may also keep your pup’s digestion on track. Surprised? Don't be!

A study with young puppies confirms that those given colostrum had firmer stools during stressful changes, like being moved to a new place.

This shows colostrum potential in keeping their digestion steady when things are off balance.

3. Wound and Tissue Healing

Rashes? Irritated skin? Does your dog suffer from any of these?

Colostrum with growth factors such as EGF and IGF-1 support healthy tissue health and promotes cell repair.

In a lab study, colostrum helped dog skin cells grow faster, which points to its potential in healing cuts or irritated spots. Research also highlights colostrum’s ability to soothe inflammation associated with the eyes.

While more dog-specific studies are needed, early signs are promising.

4. Allergies and Immune Balance

Colostrum also contains PRPs, which may help the immune system stay balanced.

Sneezes? Itchy paws or seasonal difficulties? For dogs with sensitive systems or seasonal allergies, colostrum could be one way to help the body react less strongly.

Though more research is needed, but the early evidence is worth noting.

5. Natural Antimicrobial Support

Colostrum has lactoferrin, a power packed protein that helps fight off bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Thus, it can support your dog’s ability to handle harmful microbes, especially in the gut.

Research shows lactoferrin may slow the growth of bad bacteria and help the immune system stay strong.

So, say goodbye to bad bacteria and hello to stronger defense!

6. Joint Comfort

Colostrum also contains anti-inflammatory compounds that may increase joint mobility and ease pain.

Though early research shows promise but more studies in dogs are needed to confirm their full potential.

7. Vaccine Response

Colostrum may actually boost vaccine effectiveness! Some studies show it helps dogs produce stronger protective antibodies after shots.

8. Skin and Coat

Colostrum has nutrients that help with skin repair and coat condition.

It can be useful for dogs with itchy skin or a dull coat. Don’t be shocked if your dog’s fur gets softer and shinier after using colostrum regularly. Yes! It’s that effective!

9. Digestive Infections

From diarrhea to mild infections, colostrum helps balance good bacteria in the gut—keeping digestion smooth and comfortable.

10. Stressful Changes

Dogs can get thrown off by changes—like weaning, moving, or travel. During these times, colostrum has been shown to help steady gut health and support the immune system.

11. General Health

Colostrum can be a simple way to support your dog’s overall health.

Some owners see better digestion, more energy, or a healthier coat. Every dog is different, but it may help them feel and function better overall.

Summary

Colostrum isn’t just “first milk, ”it’s nature’s little wellness package for dogs. From boosting immunity to soothing tummies and even helping with healing, it can be a great addition to your pup routine.

But remember: every dog is unique. Always chat with your vet before adding any new supplement, just to make sure it’s the right fit for your furry friend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can colostrum help with vaccine response?

Yes. In one study, dogs given colostrum had stronger antibody responses after vaccines. It also showed higher levels of gut immune markers like IgA.

Q2. Does it help with digestion during stress?

Colostrum has natural compounds that support gut lining and help keep gut bacteria in balance. It may help ease diarrhea or stomach upset, especially during stressful changes.

Q3. Can it improve skin and coat?

The nutrients in colostrum may support skin repair and barrier strength. Some dogs show a healthier coat and fewer skin issues over time.

Q4. Is it good for dogs with allergies?

Colostrum contains compounds that may help calm overactive immune responses. It could be helpful for dogs with food or environmental sensitivities.

Q5. What about older dogs?

Yes, older dogs may benefit. Colostrum may help with joint comfort, recovery, and general mobility, especially as they age.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not substitute veterinary advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References

Satyaraj E, Reynolds A, Pelker R, Labuda J, Zhang P, Sun P. Supplementation of diets with bovine colostrum influences immune function in dogs. British Journal of Nutrition. 2013;110(12):2216-2221 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23773360/

Giffard CJ, Seino MM, Markwell PJ, Bektash RM. Benefits of Bovine Colostrum on Fecal Quality in Recently Weaned Puppies. The Journal of Nutrition. 2004;134(8):2126S2127S.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7107473/

Torre C, Jeusette I, Serra M, Brazis P, Puigdemont A. Bovine Colostrum Increases Proliferation of Canine Skin Fibroblasts. The Journal of Nutrition. 2006;136(7):2058S2060S. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16772497/

Gomes RDS, Anaya K, Galdino ABS, et al. Bovine colostrum: A source of bioactive compounds for prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352364621000249

The Role of Geranylgeraniol in Bone Metabolism and Osteoporosis Prevention

Dec 31, 2025

You may not feel it yet, but your bones could already be getting weaker! Especially if you're over 40, postmenopausal, inactive, or low on certain nutrients.

Bone density naturally declines as you age, but sometimes, it goes further. Results? Osteoporosis. It is a silent condition with no early symptoms but severe outcomes. Unpredictable fractures, chronic back pain, loss of height, and a hip that gives out without warning.

That's why it's essential to take care of your bones before it's too late. And while most people focus on calcium and vitamin D for bones, there's a lesser-known nutrient you've probably never heard of: Geranylgeraniol (GG).

Surprisingly, it plays a big role in bone metabolism and osteoporosis prevention. Let's learn what is about GG, its role in protecting your bones, and what happens when your body isn't able to produce enough of it.

What Is Geranylgeraniol (GG)?

The name Geranylgeraniol (GG) might sound foreign to you. But, to your surprise, it is a compound your body produces naturally.

GG is an intermediate product of the mevalonate pathway, the same system behind cholesterol, hormones, and CoQ10 production. Here are a few important things about GG:

Both animals and plants naturally produce GG. However, the production declines with age.

It's a type of isoprenoid alcohol, a building block your cells use for crucial cellular functions.

Being a part of the mevalonate pathway, GG is a precursor to essential compounds like Vitamin K2 and Coenzyme Q10.

GG plays a crucial role in the prenylation of proteins, a key factor in cellular survival and functions.

What Exactly Does GG Do for Bone Metabolism

GG isn't a nutrient you'll find on bone supplement labels, like calcium or vitamin D. But your bone metabolism relies on it more than you realize. To understand it better, you need to learn first the two key types of bone cells:

Osteoblasts: the builders (they make new bone)

Osteoclasts: the demolishers (they break old bone down)

And the role of GG? Geranylgeraniol helps keep these cells in check, literally.

Supports Osteoblasts

Osteoblasts form new bones and repair the existing bones, enhancing their density. GG stimulates osteoblast activity by:

Promoting CoQ10 Synthesis: It provides osteoblasts with sufficient cellular energy to carry out their function.

Synthesis of Vitamin K2: It activates osteocalcin, a protein that binds calcium to bones (important for structural support).

Prevents Osteoclasts

Osteoclasts degrade damaged bone cells to maintain a biological balance. However, too many active osteoclasts can result in rapid bone loss. GG helps regulate and suppress excessive osteoclast activity.

Protein Prenylation

Remember that fancy term from the previous section? Protein prenylation is how your body anchors certain proteins to cell membranes. It allows cells to communicate and function properly. GG is essential for this process. Without it, your bone cells become dysfunctional, miscommunicate, or die early.

So yes, GG is that important for bones. Unlike traditional nutrients like calcium and Vitamin D, which are absorbed into bones, geranylgeraniol is actually responsible for bone metabolism.

The real problem? GG deficiency can ultimately lead to weaker bones and an increased risk of osteoporosis.

What Causes GG Deficiency and Its Results

Your body makes geranylgeraniol (GG) on its own, but sometimes it's just not enough. Here are certain factors associated with GG deficiency:

Just like collagen and CoQ10, GG levels decline as you age (particularly after the 40s).

In women, the postmenopausal hormonal changes significantly affect the geranylgeraniol levels.

Long-term use of certain medications like statins (cholesterol control) can reduce GG levels by inhibiting the mevalonate pathway.

The deficiency may go silent for years, but it gradually weakens your bones and reduces bone density. If left unconcerned, it may turn into osteoporosis or even a sudden fracture.

Geranylgeraniol and Osteoporosis Prevention: A Proven Science?

Osteoporosis is a chronic condition that weakens the bones, making them more prone to fractures. It's pretty common, with over 200 million people living with osteoporosis.

Unlike Vitamin E tocotrienols, geranylgeraniol has no direct evidence in osteoporosis prevention. However, it may indirectly delay the onset and reduce the severity by supporting bone metabolism. The regular GG supplementation:

May reverse or slow down bone loss.

Restore osteoblasts' bone formation activity.

Synergistically work with other bone nutrients like CoQ10 and Vitamin K2.

GG supplements also reverse the drug-induced bone degradation caused by statins, glucocorticoids, bisphosphonates, and others.

Thereby, GG complements the traditional nutrients for osteoporosis, rather than replacing them. Furthermore, currently, there are limited sources that confirm a direct link between geranylgeraniol and osteoporosis prevention.

How to Take Geranylgeraniol for Bone Metabolism

Food sources, including annatto seeds, flaxseed oil, sunflower oil, ginger, and lemongrass, contain GG. However, the amount is not optimal for supporting bone metabolism, especially among adults and patients. Therefore, it is best to choose,

Geranylgeraniol Supplements

Geranylgeraniol (GG) is a GRAS-approved compound that is generally recognized as safe for human consumption. In preclinical trials, even a dose of 725 mg/kg bw/day of GG for a continuous 90 days has shown no significant adverse effects.

GG-enriched supplements are available as standalone or in combination with CoQ10/K2.

Go for the premium-patented ingredients for assured safety and efficacy.

The ideal dose varies among individuals based on their age and medications, typically ranging from 100 mg to 300 mg per day.

For maximum bioavailability, always take your GG supplements with healthy fats (since it is fat-soluble).

Hermetically sealed softgels ensure minimal degradation and easy use.

Lastly, always combine your supplements with a healthy lifestyle: diet, exercise, and hydration.

Also Read: Geranylgeraniol Supplements: Everything You Need to Know About GG Gold

Should You Care About GG for Bone Health?

For the instant fixes overnight? Probably not.

But to gradually support bone metabolism. Definitely yes, especially if you're over 40, postmenopausal, or worried about bone loss. Geranylgeraniol isn't the magic, but it can work in synergy with essential nutrients, giving you stronger bones and probably fewer fractures.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Wellness Extract's products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new dietary supplement, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medication.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is GG a natural compound?

Yes, geranylgeraniol is a naturally occurring compound in the mevalonate pathway in humans. It also exists in annatto plants along with tocotrienols.

Q2. Is geranylgeraniol the same as CoQ10?

No. While both are linked to the mevalonate pathway, GG is a building block for CoQ10 production. They work synergistically for cellular energy and bone health.

Q3. Who can benefit from GG supplementation?

Individuals at risk of osteoporosis (postmenopausal women, older adults), people on statins (which lower GG levels), and those with low bone density.

References

Feldman G, et al. Geranylgeraniol (GGOH) supports the resorptive activity of osteoclasts and the release of bone mineral into the conditioned medium. Bone. 2024. doi:10.1016/j.bone.2024.116883. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212426824000228

Chin KY et al. The role of geranylgeraniol in managing bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. Front Pharmacol (Lausanne). 2022 May 4;13:878556. doi:10.3389/fphar.2022.878556. Accessed August 28, 2025. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9114760/

Jung J et al. Geranylgeraniol application in human osteoblasts and osteoclasts impacted by bisphosphonates. 2023. Accessed August 28, 2025. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10305301/\

Hiruma Y et al. Vitamin K₂ and geranylgeraniol, its side-chain component, inhibited osteoclast formation in a different manner. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2004;314(1):24–30. doi:10.1016/j.bbrc.2003.12.051. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006291X03026470

Feeling "Off" Down There? pH Balance Pills Might Be Your Fix

Dec 28, 2025

Vaginal discomfort like itching, odor, or unusual discharge is often linked to an imbalanced vaginal pH. Probiotic pH balance pills may help support healthy vaginal flora and restore comfort, especially alongside standard care, but they’re not a cure. Results vary by strain and consistency, and natural habits like diet, stress management, gentle hygiene, and avoiding douching remain essential for long-term vaginal health.