Alex Seilis
Feeding organ meats to dogs is a practice that taps into nature’s most nutrient-dense sources.
As a raw feeder, you may already be familiar with the benefits of including organ meats like liver, kidney, or heart in your dog’s diet. However, your dog might be missing out on a broader range of nutrients found in other glands and organs.
This is where "glandular therapy," or glandular supplements come into play. Glandular tissue offers a concentrated source of essential nutrients that support your pup's overall health.
But why is feeding glandular material so beneficial? We'll explain below. First, let's get clear on what glandulars are in the first place.
What Are Glandulars?
Glandulars are supplements made from desiccated organ meats and glands, providing a rich array of nutrients and signaling molecules. Glandular therapy refers to the use of these supplements.
These supplements aren't a new concept; they've been used in traditional health practices for over a century. In 1899, the Merck Manual recommended dried cow ovaries, cannabis indicus, and papaya enzyme for various treatments, highlighting the early use of glandulars in health practices.
Glandulars provide more than just vitamins and minerals; they contain powerful biomolecules that support the proper functioning of your dog’s organs. These signaling molecules facilitate communication between cells, coordinating actions within the body to maintain health. Dr. Royal Lee’s pioneering work in the 1940s demonstrated how to extract these molecules and create glandular supplements for immune function support and other benefits.
Feeding glandulars to your dog not only delivers rich nutrients but also supports the support and function of corresponding organs, making them a potent addition to a raw feeding regimen. By incorporating glandulars into your dog’s diet, you can harness the natural benefits of organ meats to promote optimal health and vitality.
Why Feed Organs And Glandular Tissue To Dogs?
Feeding your dog organ meats is like giving her nature’s multivitamin. Organs and glands are among the most nutrient-dense parts of an animal, packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that support overall health.
These nutrients include vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and B-vitamins, as well as important minerals like copper, iron, manganese, iodine, phosphorus, and zinc. Amino acids found in organ meats are vital for muscle development, tissue repair, and maintaining a healthy coat.
One of the unique benefits of feeding organ meats is the presence of signaling molecules. These molecules are crucial for cellular communication, allowing cells to send and receive chemical signals that coordinate the actions of organs and tissues throughout the body.
In other words ... by incorporating glandulars into your dog’s diet, you’re not only providing her with essential nutrients but also leveraging the powerful health benefits these biomolecules offer.
Food In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) have long recognized the benefits of feeding organ meats and glands. These ancient practices use specific foods to support health and balance in the body. As someone who follows TCM principles, I often recommend these foods to my animal patients to help support their health.
In TCM, when a particular gland or organ is not functioning optimally, it's believed that feeding that organ or gland may help restore balance. For example, if a dog’s liver needs support, feeding liver may offer necessary nutrients to help support its function. The approach is based on the principle that like supports like – feeding a specific organ helps nourish and support the corresponding organ in the body.
Finding fresh organs and glands for raw feeding can be challenging, but glandular supplements provide an effective alternative. These supplements deliver the benefits of organ meats in a convenient and concentrated form, making it easier to support your dog’s health.
How To Find The Best Glandular Material For Your Dog
When it comes to feeding your dog glandulars, the source and quality of the organ meats are crucial. Here are some guidelines to ensure you’re providing the best for your pet:
Country Of Origin
It's important to consider the country of origin for glandulars to avoid potential contaminants. Ensure that the glandulars are sourced from countries with stringent regulations against harmful substances. This ensures that the animals are raised in environments free from common toxins.
Avoid Products From Older Animals
Glandulars made from younger animals are generally preferable. These animals have fewer accumulated toxins and higher levels of beneficial enzymes and nutrients. Neonatal tissues, in particular, contain very little fatty tissue and can be dried at mild temperatures to preserve essential enzymes and proteins. While the thymus, for instance, is richer in beneficial compounds in neonatal animals, certain glands like the testis and ovaries should come from young adults who have fully developed these organs.
Sunshine, Grass, And Water
The highest quality glandular products come from animals raised in natural conditions, with plenty of sunshine, green grass, and clean water. These conditions lead to organ meats with higher levels of omega-3 essential fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which are beneficial for overall health. Look for glandulars sourced from animals that graze on non-chemical treated pastures and drink water free from contaminants.
The Best Organ Meats For Dogs
Organ meats offer a variety of nutritional benefits that support different aspects of your dog's health. Here's a closer look at the specific benefits of various organ meats:
Kidney: Kidneys help regulate hormone function and remove waste products from the blood. Feeding kidney supports kidney health and can help maintain overall hormonal balance in your dog.
Liver: Liver is packed with vitamins A and B, as well as minerals like iron, choline, selenium, and CoQ10. It supports digestion, brain function, heart health, and energy levels, making it an essential addition to your dog's diet.
Lungs: Lung meat is rich in iron and calcium and supports the respiratory system. Feeding lungs can enhance lung health and provide support during respiratory challenges.
Brain: Brain meat is rich in DHA and EPA, which are crucial for developing and maintaining healthy brain cells. These omega-3 fatty acids, along with selenium and copper, support cognitive function and can benefit both puppies and aging dogs.
Heart: Heart meat is an excellent source of B vitamins, taurine, magnesium, and CoQ10. These nutrients support cardiac health, boost collagen production, and contribute to healthy skin, coat, and joints.
Eyeballs: Eyeballs contain DHA, EPA, zinc, and magnesium, which support vision and brain health. These nutrients help fight oxidative stress and promote overall health.
Stomach And Intestines: These organs contain beneficial nutrients that support digestive health. They provide intrinsic factors necessary for vitamin B12 absorption and help maintain gastrointestinal function.
Trachea: Trachea is rich in natural glucosamine, which supports joint health. It also provides a chewy texture that dogs love, promoting dental health.
What Different Glands Do For Your Dog
Each gland in your dog’s body produces specific hormones and has unique health benefits when included in their diet:
Pancreas: The pancreas produces insulin and glucagon, which are crucial for regulating blood sugar levels. Feeding pancreas can support pancreatic function, especially in dogs with dietary sensitivities.
Pituitary: The pituitary gland produces hormones that regulate growth and coordinate with other glands. Including pituitary in the diet can support overall endocrine health.
Spleen: The spleen provides essential minerals that support immune function and overall health. Feeding spleen can be beneficial for dogs recovering from health challenges.
Adrenal Glands: The adrenal glands produce hormones that help manage stress and support healthy blood pressure, heart rate, and metabolism. Feeding adrenal glands can help maintain these vital functions.
Hypothalamus: The hypothalamus regulates important bodily functions such as temperature, blood glucose levels, blood pressure, and sleep. Including hypothalamus in your dog’s diet can support overall homeostasis.
Ovaries: The ovaries produce hormones related to female reproductive health. Feeding ovaries can support and promote normal hormone balance in females.
Testicles: Testicles produce hormones that support male reproductive health. Including testicles in the diet can support and promote normal hormone balance for males.
Thyroid: The thyroid regulates metabolism and calcium levels. Feeding thyroid may support metabolic health and overall vitality.
Thymus: The thymus supports the immune system by producing thymosin, which stimulates antibody production. Feeding thymus can help support a healthy immune response.
FAQ
What is the meaning of glandular? Glandular refers to anything related to glands, which are organs that produce and release substances like hormones or enzymes directly into the blood or through ducts. Glandular extracts, often derived from endocrine glands, are used in supplements to support the health of corresponding animal tissue or human tissue.
What are glandular supplements used for? Glandular supplements are used in humans and animals to support and enhance the function of the corresponding human tissue or organ, such as liver extract for liver health or adrenal extract for adrenal support. These supplements often contain plant and animal enzymes, fat soluble components, and other nutrients derived from glandular extracts.
What is thyroid glandular? Thyroid glandular is a supplement made from the thyroid extract of animals, designed to support and nourish the thyroid gland. This type of glandular extract provides specific nutrients that help maintain healthy thyroid function.
Is it safe to take glandular? Taking glandular supplements is generally considered safe when sourced from high-quality, contaminant-free sources and used appropriately. It's important to ensure that glandular extracts are free from potentially harmful contaminants and that they come from healthy, well-raised animals.
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