Casein

What is casein?

Casein is the main component of milk proteins and makes up about 80% of the total protein. It consists of several subgroups, of which alpha-S1 casein is the largest. Casein is dissolved from milk by an enzymatic reaction and can be administered as a powder or capsule.

How does casein work in dogs?

Casein has a calming effect in dogs because it is converted to casozepine in the body. Casozepine is a peptide hormone that binds to the GABA-A receptor in the brain and enhances the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA. GABA is responsible for the regulation of anxiety, stress, sleep and mood. Casozepine therefore works in a similar way to benzodiazepines, which are often prescribed as tranquillizers, but without their side effects such as dependency or sedation.

When can casein be useful for dogs?

Casein can be useful for dogs suffering from various forms of anxiety or stress. For example, casein can help with

• Firework anxiety
• separation anxiety
• travel anxiety
• relocation stress
• veterinary anxiety
• Staying in a boarding kennel
• Adaptation to a new environment or people
• Behavioral problems such as aggression, stereotypies or eating disorders

How is casein for dogs dosed and administered?

The dosage of casein depends on the weight of the dog and the severity of the symptoms. The following table provides a guide:

The dosage can be doubled if necessary to achieve the desired effect. The capsules can be administered whole or opened with food or a treat. It is important that the capsules are enteric coated so that the casein is not broken down in the stomach but reaches the small intestine where it is converted to casozepine.

For short-term use (e.g. a visit to the vet, travel, fireworks), casein should be administered at least two days in advance. For long-term use (e.g. separation anxiety, behavioral problems), casein should be administered for at least four weeks.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of casein for dogs?

Casein has several advantages for dogs who suffer from anxiety or stress:

• It is natural and hypoallergenic
• It has a calming and mood-enhancing effect
• It improves the quality of sleep
• It has no side effects such as sedation or dependence
• It can be combined with other supplements or medications

However, casein also has some disadvantages for dogs:

• It is not suitable for all dogs, e.g. those with lactose intolerance or kidney problems
• It can lead to digestive problems such as diarrhea or flatulence
• It can reduce the effect of other milk proteins such as whey or lactose
• It can be expensive, especially for larger dogs or higher doses
• It may not eliminate the cause of anxiety or stress, only relieve the symptoms