Bee Pollen Supplement For Dogs

For the last couple weeks, I have written about two products Honey Bees produce: Honey and Royal Jelly. This week, I will write about: 

Bee pollen is the plant pollens collected by worker bees that is combined with plant nectar and bee saliva. It is then packed into pellets in the hive and used as a food source for male drone bees. Historically, it has been touted as a complete food source. It is composed of about 40% protein , free amino acids, a multitude of vitamins, minerals, folic acid, enzymes, co-enzymes, antioxidants, Quercetin, carotenoids and rutin. Once ingested, it is rapidly and easily absorbed into the body. Within just two hours of ingestion, it can be found in the blood, cerebral spinal fluid and urine.

Throughout history, Bee Pollen has been used for a multitude of medical problems as well as to correct an unbalanced diet. It should be noted, that not much research has been done on the actual validity of the health claims other than case studies by individuals. Therefore, there is a lot of contradicting evidence. Also, most of the historical data is for humans, not canines. Bee Pollen is a modern canine supplement. But, none the less, has had rave reviews by dog owners. Here are some of the claims that it helps with:

Since bee pollen can be highly allergenic, especially for dogs (or humans) that already suffer from seasonal allergies, it is recommended that the initial dosage should be just one pellet of bee pollen. Owners should then monitor their dog for any signs of allergic reaction. If there is no reaction, the next dose should be two pellets the next day. Owners should go VERY slowly and gradually increase the dosage up to 1tsp for every 30 lbs of body weight per day.

Again, I would always consult with your veterinarian before beginning a new supplement. If you would like to read more about Bee Pollen, here are some links that I have found:

The Effects of Bee Pollen  on Energy and Weight Loss, Collins, Kendra: http://www.vanderbilt.edu/AnS/psychology/health_psychology/beepollen.htm

About Bee Pollen, Schecter, Steve N.D.: http://beepollen.info/

Bee Pollen, WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-78-bee+pollen.aspx?activeingredientid=78&activeingredientname=bee+pollen

Health Benefits of Bee Pollen for Cats and Dogs, Raw To The Bones:http://www.rawtothebones.com/health-benefits-bee-pollen-cats-dogs/

Bee Pollen, Wong, Kathy N.D.: http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/herbsvitaminsa1/a/Bee_Pollen.htm

Bee Products Have a Special Meaning to Dogs, The Whole Dog Journal: http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/10_9/features/Bee-Honey-Products-Help-Canines_15967-1.html?pg=3