Last updated on January 26th, 2024 at 05:33 am
If you are looking for foods for your pets that have health-promoting effects in addition to meeting the nutrition requirement also, lactoferrin could be used in this kind of application. In this article, we discussed about the benefits of lactoferrin for dogs.
What is lactoferrin?
Lactoferrin (LF) is also referred to as lactotransferrin (LTF), a multifunctional protein of the transferrin family. It is an iron-binding globular glycoprotein with a molecular weight of about 80 kDa and is present in many secretory fluids, including milk, saliva, tears, nasal secretions, urine, seminal fluid, and bile (Source Wikipedia).
What are the sources of lactoferrin for dogs?
- In cow milk, lactoferrin (LF) is identified for the first time in 1939. It can be found in the milk of mammals like cows, goats, and humans, among others. As a result, lactoferrin can be found in a variety of dairy products. It is a protein in nature.
- The source of lactoferrin for dogs is mainly bovine lactoferrin. However, a lot of dogs truly have lactose intolerance. One serving of this protein, which is intended to be consumed daily, contains lactoferrin, which is made from numerous liters of milk. Because of this, a supplement is frequently the greatest supply of lactoferrin that is devoid of lactose.
- In markets wide range of products are available which contain lactoferrin and are used in dog foods supplements. So, if your dogs can not tolerate lactose, then you check before buying it.
What is the benefits of lactoferrin for dogs?
- Several health advantages of lactoferrin for dogs have been established. It has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-allergic effects, making lactoferrin an extremely potent protein. Apart from this, it boosts immunity by activation of the non-specific immune response, maintaining intestinal iron homeostasis, and promoting the gut health of animals.
- The bacteriostatic or bactericidal effects of lactoferrin is due to its ability to sequester free iron, which eliminates a necessary substrate for bacterial development.
- Lactoferrin is considered also a type of prebiotic. Antimicrobial activity, as well as prebiotics, may be related because promoting the growth and/or activity of microorganisms like lactobacilli and bifidobacteria may inhibit the growth and/or activity of some pathogenic microbiota. It has been hypothesized that several of these proteins have prebiotic functions based on their possible antibacterial activity.
Is lactoferrin help prevent anemia?
Lactoferrin is a multipurpose iron-binding glycoprotein that may regulate inflammation, the immune system, and iron absorption. It is beneficial to prevent anemia in both adults and young groups.
How lactoferrin for dogs does is maintaining bone health?
Studies reveal that lactoferrin can increase the activity of the osteoblasts, which are responsible for developing bone. Given that it has been demonstrated that this metal-binding protein encourages bone remodeling, it may be useful when dogs require assistance for their bone density or recover from fractures or broken bones. Furthermore, lactoferrin has been demonstrated to balance the activity of osteoclasts that may degrade bone, which indicates it aids in the regulation of bone resorption.
Read more: Phytobiotics for Dogs: A Comprehensive Overview
