Proper nutrition during the early stages of life is essential for the healthy development of puppies and kittens. As veterinary professionals, we understand the significant impact diet can have on our young patients' overall health and well-being. Dr Marianne Lomberg, Veterinarian and Business Executive Officer for Purina in South Africa, delves into the science behind feeding practices that support optimal growth and health.

"Nutrition is the foundation of health for puppies and kittens," says Dr Marianne Lomberg. "Nestlé's approach to feeding young animals is grounded in extensive research, and it is crucial for veterinary professionals to emphasise the importance of balanced, nutrient-rich diets."

Colostrum, the initial milk produced by mother dogs and cats and fondly known as ‘nature’s first vaccine”, is rich in immunoglobulins, growth factors, and nutrients that support the development of the immune system, gut health, and overall growth.

"Giving puppies and kittens the best start is crucial to their development and overall health later in life and the only way to do this in their first few weeks is by feeding them the correct diet." comments Dr Kate May, Animal Reproduction Specialist (BVSc, MMedVet (Gyn), Dip ACT, PhD) and Senior Lecturer at Onderstepoort Veterinary Faculty.

Following research by the Purina Institute, a global professional organisation researching nutritional innovations to enable cats and dogs to live better, longer lives; scientists at Purina have incorporated colostrum into their PRO PLAN puppy and kitten foods, which has proven to offer several benefits:

Immune Support: Immunoglobulins in colostrum enhance the immune system's ability to fend off pathogens, protecting kittens and puppies from infections and diseases.3

Gut Health: Colostrum contains bioactive compounds that help to seal the gut lining, preventing harmful pathogens from entering the bloodstream and promoting overall digestive health. It also aids in establishing a beneficial gut flora, which is crucial for digestion and immunity. 2

Growth and Development: Colostrum is rich in essential nutrients, including proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fats, which are vital for the initial growth spurt in puppies and kittens. It is also packed with growth factors like IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor-1) that stimulate cell growth and differentiation, supporting the development of muscles, bones, and other tissues.1

Studies have shown that puppies and kittens fed diets supplemented with colostrum and balanced nutrients, exhibit improved growth rates, better immune responses, and overall enhanced health outcomes. [1], [2], [3] Veterinary professionals should recommend diets that prioritise these components to pet owners.

Dr Marianne Lomberg emphasises, "As veterinarians, we have the responsibility to guide pet owners towards scientifically backed nutrition options. Ensuring that our young patients receive the right nutrients during their critical growth periods can make a significant difference in their long-term health."

ENDS

[1] Vighi, G., Marcucci, F., Sensi, L., Di Cara, G., & Frati, F. (2008). Allergy and the gastrointestinal system. Clinical and Experimental Immunology, 153(S1), 3–6. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2008.03713.x

[1] Jean-Philippe, C. Beneficial effects of dietary colostrum supplementation in kittens, Nestlé Purina Scientific Update of Feline Nutrition, Issue 4, 1–8.

[1] Satyaraj, E., Reynolds, A., Pelker, R., Labuda, J., Zhang, P., & Sun, P. (2013). Supplementation of diets with bovine colostrum influences immune function in dogs. British Journal of Nutrition, 110(12), 2216–2221. doi: 10.1017/S000711451300175X

About Nestlé

Nestlé is the world’s largest food and beverage company. It is present in 187 countries around the world, and its 291,000 employees are committed to Nestlé’s purpose of unlocking the power of food to enhance quality for everyone, today and for generations to come. Nestlé offers a wide portfolio of products and services for people and their pets throughout their lives. Its more than 2,000 brands range from global icons like Nescafé or Nespresso to local favourites like Ricoffy. Company performance is driven by its Nutrition, Health, and Wellness strategy. Nestlé is based in the Swiss town of Vevey where it was founded more than 150 years ago.

About Purina PRO PLAN

Nestlé Purina PetCare creates richer lives for pets and the people who love them. Founded in 1894, Purina has helped dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives by offering scientifically based nutritional innovations.  Purina Pro Plan is a leader in the advanced nutrition category, with more than 140 targeted formulas to help your pet thrive throughout every stage of life. Purina manufactures some of the world's most trusted and popular pet care products, including Purina ONE, Pro Plan, Friskies and Tidy Cats. Purina is part of Nestlé, a global leader in Nutrition, Health and Wellness. For more information, visit www.purina.co.za 

About the Purina Institute

Representing a diverse, global team of more than 500 scientists and pet care experts, working across an extensive network of eight R&D facilities, the Purina Institute helps connect the most innovative minds in pet health. The Purina Institute is dedicated to transforming nutrition science into actionable information that veterinary professionals can put into practice to benefit their patients. Through the Institute's extensive online resources, publications and scientific programs, veterinarians and team members can arm themselves with the unbiased, science-based information they need to help pets live longer, better lives. For more information, visit PurinaInstitute.com.

 

[1] Vighi, G., Marcucci, F., Sensi, L., Di Cara, G., & Frati, F. (2008). Allergy and the gastrointestinal system. Clinical and Experimental Immunology, 153(S1), 3–6. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2008.03713.x

[2] Jean-Philippe, C. Beneficial effects of dietary colostrum supplementation in kittens, Nestlé Purina Scientific Update of Feline Nutrition, Issue 4, 1–8.

[3] Satyaraj, E., Reynolds, A., Pelker, R., Labuda, J., Zhang, P., & Sun, P. (2013). Supplementation of diets with bovine colostrum influences immune function in dogs. British Journal of Nutrition, 110(12), 2216–2221. doi: 10.1017/S000711451300175X