Puppy food: special care based around immunoglobulins
Puppies are born with only 5% of the immunoglobulins they need, but this level rises to 95% thanks to their mother’s colostrum. However, immunoglobulins can only pass through the puppy’s intestinal wall during the first 24 hours postpartum. The immunity bestowed by the colostrum antibodies protects puppies for 1–2 months. During this period, the levels of maternal antibodies in the puppy’s blood gradually decline, so they must start producing their own.
A puppy’s diet in the first few months is known to be a determining factor in the level of immunity that their body attains. In fact, some nutrients can reinforce the puppy’s protection, the so-called immunonutrients.
Specifically, plasma immunoglobulins supplied in the puppy’s solid diet have been shown to increase the level of antibodies (Ab) in the puppy’s blood. The following graph shows the changing level of Ab in blood in puppies given a diet either with or without Ab supplementation (Advance Puppy Protect).
What are plasma immunoglobulins?
Immunoglobulins are bioactive plasma proteins which serve to identify and neutralise foreign bodies such as viruses, bacteria, toxins, and so on, thus contributing to gastrointestinal health.
- The main type of immunoglobulins are IgG (also known as IgY in birds due to their structural form). See the attached diagram.
- They are found in the bloodstream.
- The antibodies used as dietary supplements are obtained from the blood of other animals.
Do oral immunoglobulins reach the digestive system?
One means of strengthening an animal’s immune system is to supplement its regular diet with natural immunoglobulin concentrates. This has proved effective in the fight against intestinal pathogens and the promotion of immunity in general (Abreu et al., 2005; Lerner, 2007).
Research by Affinity Petcare has shown that orally ingested plasma immunoglobulins remain active throughout the digestive tract. In fact, the study found that 25% of the immunoglobulin intake were eliminated in faeces in an immunologically active form.
What is the role of immunoglobulins in the intestine?
Plasma immunoglobulins act like antibodies by binding to pathogens in the intestinal lumen and preventing their adhesion to the wall of the intestine. This prevents pathogens from producing toxins and causing gastrointestinal disorders.
Immunoglobulins affect overall intestinal health, as they reinforce the immunity of the gastrointestinal mucosa (Peyer’s patches). Considering that the gastrointestinal tract is the largest lymphoid organ, its continued integrity is vital for the puppy’s protection and care.
The action of immunoglobulins helps maintain mucosal integrity, increasing the volume and length of intestinal villi. This increases nutrient absorption and reduces water secretion, which is key to combating the gastrointestinal disorders that commonly affect puppies.
