Whey Protein for Dogs: How It Benefits Your Pet

What exactly does whey protein for dogs do? We know that many people use whey products to start their day, conclude their workouts or supplement their protein intake in various ways.

Human diet patterns in the last decades have shifted toward high protein, low carbohydrate foods. What about dogs, though? Should they also be following the same regimen?

Canines need a lot of protein, but they should mainly come from meat. Indeed, a protein powder will progressively slim down an active dog.

If that is your objective, whey protein for dogs may do the trick for your pet. However, you will only observe effects if your animal is really active.

Below we will examine the latest research into the effects of whey on dogs, so you can make an informed decision on whether or not to add it to your pet’s diet. Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

• What Is Whey Protein?
• What Is Undenatured (Non-Denatured) Whey Protein?
• How to Choose Quality Undenatured Whey Protein for Dogs?
• What Is Glutathione (GSH)?
• Obstacles to Using of Whey Protein in Pet Food
• The Takeaway
• Nutrition Strength Pure Bovine Colostrum for Dogs

Check out our Nutrition Strength Pure Bovine Colostrum for Dogs here.

What Is Whey Protein?

Whey was a minor byproduct of dairy cheese making, the liquid that separates from casein solids. This liquid was previously dumped since the producers could not find its purpose.

Whey, unlike casein, comprises a significant group of cysteine-rich proteins: alpha-lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin, serum albumin, lactoferrin and immunoglobulins, all of which remain soluble in whey following separation from casein.

Because these proteins are readily digested, they have become excellent protein supplements for bodybuilders and active dogs.

Most significantly, these proteins are potent glutathione precursors in their undenatured state because of their unusually high bonded cysteine content. Bonded cysteine comprises two cysteine molecules linked together by disulfide bridges.

When these proteins are ingested whole, with the cysteine staying linked, they survive digestion, enter the circulation and are used to create glutathione. That is the dog’s body’s own ultimate immune system booster.

Compared to cow’s milk, dog breast milk includes 40 percent casein and 60 percent whey. This composition makes canine breast milk an excellent supply of bonded cysteine and glutamylcysteine for a baby.

Long-term nursing strengthens the puppy’s immune system, protects against infection, and lowers the risk of malignancies through increasing glutathione levels.

Cow’s milk whey protein in undenatured form is the closest formulation to immune-boosting proteins found in dog breast milk.

It is made in such a manner that the crucial concentration of the three most bioactive whey proteins, lactoferrin, serum albumin, and alpha-lactalbumin, is maintained.

What Is Undenatured (Non-Denatured) Whey Protein?

These disulfide bridges stated above in the molecular structure of bound cysteine are exceedingly unstable and quickly broken by:

• Pasteurization with temperatures over 161.6 F (72 C).
• Extended oxygen exposure (oxidation).
• Agitation or rapid spinning during filtering and packing.
• Rehydration with intense mechanical blending.
• Very acidic liquids.

Thus, the denaturation of whey proteins is a breakdown in protein structure caused by the processes above. It does not harm a whey protein’s food value but decreases its bioactivity.

While highly processed, denatured whey proteins are still an excellent source of high-quality, readily digested protein, they lack immune-boosting properties.

Denatured whey proteins (and certain undenatured ones) are often further treated to dissolve rapidly in liquid, similar to instant coffee or tea blends. They may include sugar, artificial sweeteners, flavors or food colors.

A protein obtained from milk via cold filtration is high-quality undenatured whey protein. It rigorously maintains the molecular structure of attached cysteine and keeps it intact throughout the pharmaceutical-grade manufacturing process.

Undenatured whey protein for puppies may act as a cysteine delivery route, increasing glutathione levels and promoting immunological function.

How to Choose Quality Undenatured Whey Protein for Dogs?

Consider a high-quality undenatured whey protein for dogs containing bioactive bonded cysteine to boost glutathione levels, increase immunity or cure a health issue.

When giving dogs whey protein, keep the following in mind:

• Protein content. Ideally, it should be a whey protein isolate, not a concentrate, with at least 90 percent non-denatured protein. That is because more non-denatured protein leads to the production of more glutathione precursors.
• Protein composition refers to the protein’s percentages of alpha-lactalbumin, beta-lactalbumin, serum albumin, lactoferrin, and immunoglobulin. 9.5 – 10 percent of serum albumin levels benefit immune system improvement. That is because bound cysteine and glutamylcysteine groups are the greatest in serum albumin (17 / molecule and 6 / molecule, respectively). Immunoglobulins at 25 percent – 30 percent are also relevant since their presence in an undenatured whey protein is clinically essential for dogs with weakened immune systems.
• Glutathione precursors. The quantities of the amino acids cysteine, glutamate, and glycine are critical since they are the building blocks for glutathione. For dogs, cysteine levels in whey protein should be no less than 200 mg per 10 g.
• Lactose content. Lactose intolerant dogs should take undenatured whey protein at 1 percent. Lactose is essentially absent in isolates.
• There should be no added sugar.
• Fat and cholesterol content: ideally none; isolates are almost fat and cholesterol-free.
• Unwanted additions (artificial sweeteners, corn syrup, emulsifiers, lecithin, flavors and so on). These additives may impair the bioactivity of undenatured whey protein for dogs and should be avoided.
• Check whether the whey protein for dogs is an instant mix product. If it combines with fluids quickly or without clumping, it indicates denaturation and the product is less effective.

What Is Glutathione (GSH)?

We already mentioned that dogs’ whey protein is vital for producing glutathione. But what is it and what are its effects? Let’s see.

Glutathione (or GSH) is the dog’s body’s own master antioxidant that was discovered in 1889. However, scientists recently started to grasp its activities and found ways to increase its amounts.

GSH is a tiny protein molecule of three amino acids known as GSH precursors or building blocks: cysteine, glutamate, and glycine. It is created in every cell in the human body from these three precursors. It serves a variety of functions, including:

• Regulation of cell development and division. Cells go through multiple intricate processes to develop and divide. Glutathione decreases the oxides within the cell, such as hydrogen peroxide, which would otherwise hinder cell division and proliferation.
• Repair and synthesize DNA. During cell division, glutathione shields the DNA from oxidative damage, allowing DNA synthesis. When a free radical steals an electron from the DNA, glutathione fixes the altered DNA by giving up an electron (replacing the missing electron in the DNA).
• Protein production. Glutathione keeps the dog’s proteins in their appropriate shape. Its sulfur atom interacts with proteins’ abnormal sulfur-sulfur interactions, breaking them and enabling appropriate pairings to develop.
• Transport of amino acids (movement into, out of, within a cell, or between cells, using some agent such as a transporter). Glutathione is mainly found within the dog’s cells. However, many cellular y-glutamyl transpeptidases (glutathione enzyme) are outside cell membranes. This suggests that intracellular glutathione is translocated out of numerous cells, glutathione transports chemicals into and out of cells, such as amino acids.
• Catalysis by enzymes. Glutathione is the method via which several enzymes are altered (reduced, transformed, or changed from one state to another). Glutathione acts as a catalyst (bridge) in the chemical interaction between several enzymes.
• Activation of enzymes. The highly reactive sulfide bond in glutathione wakes or activates enzymes, causing them to perform their job or transition from one phase to the next.
• Toxin metabolization (metabolism or biotransformation, breaking down, activating or transforming). The enzyme glutathione S-transferase in the liver adds sulfur from glutathione to harmful compounds, making the poison more water soluble (it is diluted in water quickly). When a poison becomes water soluble, it is carried to the dog’s body’s elimination systems and expelled.
• Carcinogen metabolism. Glutathione enzymes use a chemical process to convert carcinogens into unreactive and non-genotoxic substances that may be removed without harming the cell or DNA.
• Xenobiotic metabolism. Glutathione interacts with foreign molecules to neutralize and break them down before eliminating them from the body (it is essentially a scavenger of toxic xenobiotics that have been oxidized).
• Heavy metal conjugation. Heavy metals are neutralized and eliminated from the body by glutathione.
• Systemic immune function is improved. The immune system functions optimally when glutathione levels in lymphoid cells are correctly balanced. T-cell cloning needs a substantial amount of cysteine. The cysteine for T-cell cloning is provided by macrophages (a kind of white blood cell), which are only present in adequate quintiles when glutathione levels are high. Glutathione affects binding, internalization, degradation and T-cell proliferation by boosting the number of cellular binding receptors by up to twofold. More receptors lead to more T-cells generated simultaneously (multiple T-cell cloning). Cellular GSH also influences T-cell proliferation and replication through growth-promoting cytokines.
• Improvement in humoral immunological function. Glutathione’s purpose in the humoral response is to protect the cells involved in the humoral response throughout this intricate process. “Humoral” refers to bloodstream circulation. This immunological response is mediated by B cells, transforming B cells into plasma cells that manufacture and release antibodies against a particular antigen. In a nutshell, macrophages absorb and consume the encroaching infection. The digested bits activate helper T cells, which stimulate the development of B cells programmed to recognize the particular invading pathogen.
• UV radiation resistance. Glutathione detoxifies reactive oxygen radicals produced by radiation, reducing cell damage. Glutathione also interacts covalently and noncovalently (neutralizes reactivity in various ways) with cell components that prevent apoptosis.
• Reduces radiation damage. The activity of glutathione in reducing radiation damage is the same as described above for UV radiation resistance.
• Reduces the effects of free radicals. The important cysteine molecule is essential for glutathione protection. Its sulfur atom scavenges harmful molecules (peroxides and free radicals), transforming them into innocuous like water.
• Reduces oxyradical damage. Glutathione detoxifies reactive oxygen radicals in dogs’ bodies by giving them an electron, thereby neutralizing them, or by joining with the oxyradical, again successfully neutralizing it.
• Hydrogen peroxide oxidation (H2O2). Glutathione biotransforms hydrogen peroxide into innocuous water.
• Cysteine storage and transportation. Glutathione both supplies and regulates the quantity and availability of neuronal cysteine.
• Homocysteine regulation. The processes for homocysteine metabolism are composed of the methionine cycle and the transsulfuration sequence. The transsulfuration sequence requires a substantial amount of cysteine. The fast turnover of glutathione in the liver, kidneys, small intestine, and pancreas accounts for homocysteine metabolism in these organs. Multiple enzymes are also involved in homocysteine metabolism. Excess homocysteine is a recognized contributor to artery hardening (atherosclerosis).
• Participation in nutrient metabolism and other activities.

As you can see, glutathione is essential for normal cell functioning in the dogs’ bodies. That is why our four-legged friends need specific supplements such as whey protein for dogs to improve all these functions.

There are many benefits of whey protein for dogs and we must consider these advantages as pet owners.

Obstacles to Using of Whey Protein in Pet Food

While whey protein is used in pet feeds and treats, obstacles still exist. Before using whey protein in dog meals, snacks and supplements, you need specific nutritional information.

However, researchers haven’t paid much attention to whey protein in dog diets. One veterinarian discovered in 2006 that experience and understanding of hydrolyzed proteins, especially those generated from whey, remained elementary in dog diets.

More than a decade later, scientists published an analysis of the amino acid composition and protein quality of whey in dog diets.

The crude protein content of whey protein concentrate was 76 percent, with 0.1 percent natural fiber and 0.56 percent crude fat. The researchers observed that whey protein concentrate had fewer amino acids than spray-dried forms.

As a pet owner, you must know that whey protein concentrate has a protein content of 70 percent – 80 percent. Whey protein isolate generally contains more than 90 percent protein.

Enzymes, or substances that assist reactions, are used by processors to break down whey protein hydrolysate into its component units, known as peptides, generally 80 percent protein.

Even though whey protein and dogs is a topic that is becoming more and more popular but we have to be careful about our dog’s health.

The Takeaway

Whey protein for dogs is one the best ways to receive enough amino acids when needed. Its functions are mainly related to the production of glutathione, which has many effects on the cells’ metabolism.

If you think that whey protein for dogs will improve your puppy’s health, consult your vet and take it as soon as possible.

Nutrition Strength Pure Bovine Colostrum for Dogs

Check out our Nutrition Strength Pure Bovine Colostrum for Dogs here.

Nutrition Strength Pure Bovine Colostrum for Dogs Supplement, Rich in Antibodies to Protect Against Disease, Support for Immune Function, Digestive System supplies 700 mg of colostrum, which is the first form of milk produced immediately after the delivery of the newborn.

Colostrum delivers its nutrients into your pet’s organism in a very concentrated, low-volume form to help your dogs by:

• Providing antibodies to help protect your four-legged friends against disease and keep them in best shape.
• Delivering a number of growth factors and cytokines — small messenger peptides that control the functioning of your dog’s immune system.
• Supplying peptides helpful for the treatment of gastrointestinal conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease and drug-induced gut injuries.
• Providing key components of the adaptive and innate immune systems to help keep them strong.
• Strengthening your pet’s natural defenses to keep them healthy and happy.

Our tasty grain-, soy- and corn-free bovine colostrum for dogs tablets contain no artificial preservatives, flavors or colors and are formulated with premium ingredients, including proline-rich polypeptides (PRPs), which have been shown in research to keep the immune system in balance.

Colostrum is not known to cause side effects. Our colostrum for dogs tablets encourages the colonization of friendly bacteria in the bowel and is suitable for dogs of all breeds and ages.

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