Colostrum: important for newborn dogs

Dec 15,2023
3Min

Colostrum: very important for newborn dogs

A newborn dog refers to a puppy that has just left its mother. It has neither vision (it can open its eyes after 10 days) nor hearing (hearing can only occur after 13 days), let alone stand upright and walk. For newborn dogs, mother’s colostrum is very important!

The digestive organs of newborn dogs are not fully developed and their digestive functions are not perfect. It can only eat milk at first. As the gastrointestinal and other organs develop and the functions are further improved, it gradually transitions to digesting other foods. Therefore, this constitutes the quality, form and feeding method of the puppy's food. The particularity of requirements such as times.

1. First of all, the main dietary source of newly born puppies is colostrum. Colostrum refers to the milk secreted by the female dog on the first day. Female dogs with small litters will secrete colostrum for a slightly longer time. It is very important for newborn dogs to suck enough colostrum in order to obtain acquired immunity from colostrum.

2. Colostrum contains up to 15% immunoglobulins, while regular milk only has 0.05% to 0.11%. According to experiments, newborn puppies have only 29% immunity. After eating colostrum, the immunity increases to 77%. Then the antibody concentration gradually decreased, to 45% after 1 week, to 27% at 2 weeks, to 16% at 3 weeks, and by 8 weeks the antibodies were basically gone. Therefore, newborn dogs should be allowed to wait 60 minutes after birth. Inside, take colostrum.

3. Colostrum contains high-quality protein and is also rich in vitamins. The content of vitamin A and vitamin C is 9 times that of regular milk, and vitamin D is 3 times that of regular milk. In addition, it also contains more magnesium and antioxidants. And enzymes, hormones, etc., have laxative and anti-disease effects, and can promote the discharge of meconium.

In addition, the colostrum of the dog mother is extremely suitable for strengthening the puppy's physique, generating heat, and maintaining body temperature. Therefore, for newborn dogs, mother’s colostrum is very important!

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