In the world of holistic pet care, we frequently discuss the pivotal role diet plays in promoting longevity and vitality. Whether we’re addressing serious conditions like cancer or aiming to ensure our dogs thrive well into their senior years, one thing is clear: fresh, species-appropriate nutrition is the foundation of wellness. If you’re unfamiliar with the profound benefits of feeding whole, natural foods, particularly organ meats, this may be a transformative perspective.

Organs such as the liver, pancreas, kidneys, spleen, brain, ovaries, and testicles, along with muscle organs like the heart, tongue, trachea, and thymus, are nature’s powerhouses of nutrition. These organ meats contain a concentrated array of essential vitamins (A, B, D, E, K) and minerals (zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, and selenium) that are crucial for optimal cellular function and immune system support. Additionally, they offer rich sources of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for reducing inflammation and promoting cognitive and cardiovascular health—far superior to the Omega-6-heavy content found in regular muscle meat. For example, the heart is the richest natural source of Coenzyme Q10, a vital compound that supports energy production and heart health, while the adrenal glands boast the highest concentration of vitamin C.

Despite this, when faced with a dog suffering from organ dysfunction or disease, many pet owners instinctively turn to detox protocols, herbal supplements, or, more concerning, synthetic pharmaceuticals. But what if we told you there’s a simpler, more biologically congruent way to help these compromised organs heal? Enter glandular therapy, a time-honored practice rooted in the principle that “like heals like.”

Glandular Therapy: The Science Behind “Like Heals Like”

Glandular therapy is an approach that leverages the therapeutic potential of consuming specific organs to heal corresponding organs within the body. The science behind this practice is both simple and profound: when a dog consumes an organ (such as the liver), the proteins, peptides, and enzymes from that organ selectively target and support the same organ in the consumer. In other words, if a dog has liver dysfunction, feeding them liver from a healthy animal provides bioavailable nutrients that specifically nourish and repair the liver.

This principle of “like heals like” dates back centuries and has a strong foundation in both naturopathic and homeopathic medicine. Dr. Weston A. Price, a renowned researcher and author of Nutrition and Physical Degeneration, extensively documented the health benefits of traditional diets rich in nutrient-dense, whole foods, particularly organ meats. His work emphasized the importance of respecting the biological wisdom embedded in natural diets and avoiding synthetic interventions whenever possible. He believed that true healing is about nourishing the body with the same elements it needs to repair itself, rather than introducing foreign substances that may interfere with natural processes.

Unlike synthetic supplements and pharmaceuticals, which often come with the risk of side effects or further imbalance in the body, glandular therapy is rooted in whole food nutrition. When properly sourced, it carries minimal risk and offers the potential for profound healing by providing essential nutrients that are otherwise difficult to obtain in sufficient quantities.

The Case Against Synthetic Supplements and the “Pet Health Industry”

In 2016 alone, pet owners in the United States spent a staggering $580 million on supplements, many of which were synthetic. While these supplements are marketed as essential for boosting health, they often fall short when it comes to delivering the same level of bioavailable nutrients as whole foods. Not all supplements are created equal, and many contain fillers, artificial ingredients, or are simply not well-absorbed by the body.

Pet owners who are genuinely trying to do the best for their pets may unknowingly rely on these synthetic options, thinking they are providing the highest level of care. However, artificial supplements do not offer the same synergistic benefits that whole food-based glandular therapies provide. Unlike synthetic supplements that attempt to isolate and replicate individual nutrients, glandular therapy provides a full spectrum of bioactive compounds in their natural form, which the body recognizes and uses efficiently.

How Glandular Therapy Works

When a dog suffers from organ dysfunction—whether it’s a thyroid disorder, heart disease, or kidney failure—glandular therapy can provide critical support for recovery. Here’s how it works:

1.  Sourcing Organ Meats: The first step is sourcing high-quality, human-grade organs from healthy animals. Ideally, these animals should be pasture-raised, hormone-free, antibiotic-free, and grass-fed to ensure the highest nutritional content and purity.
2.  Consumption: Once sourced, these organ meats can either be fed raw, dehydrated, or freeze-dried, depending on the needs and preferences of the pet owner. The goal is to provide the dog with the most bioavailable form of the organ, ensuring that it can easily be absorbed and utilized by the corresponding organ in the dog’s body.
3.  Selective Transport of Nutrients: The proteins, peptides, and cofactors from the consumed organ are selectively transported to the corresponding organ in the body. For instance, when a dog with a heart condition consumes heart tissue, the bioavailable CoQ10 and other heart-specific nutrients directly support the dog’s heart function.
4.  Organ Regeneration and Repair: Over time, this targeted nutrition allows the compromised organ to repair itself, leading to improved function or, in some cases, a return to full health. For dogs with long-standing or chronic conditions, this process can take time, but with consistent support, glandular therapy has the potential to significantly improve outcomes.

Practical Application of Glandular Therapy

For those interested in incorporating glandular therapy into their dog’s healing protocol, there are several practical considerations to keep in mind:

•   Sourcing: As previously mentioned, quality is everything. Always choose human-grade organ meats from reliable sources. New Zealand, known for its high standards of animal welfare and farming practices, is a top choice for glandular supplements due to the purity and health of their livestock.
•   Dosing: When introducing glandular therapy, it’s important to start slowly, particularly if the organ in question is significantly compromised. Gradually increasing the dosage allows the dog’s body to adjust and prevents any potential detoxification effects. This slow titration also reduces the risk of a Herxheimer reaction, where the body experiences temporary symptoms as it eliminates toxins.
•   Monitoring: While glandular therapy is a natural approach, it’s essential to monitor your pet’s response. For chronic conditions like hypothyroidism, adrenal fatigue, or cardiac issues, regular check-ups and diagnostic tests will help gauge the therapy’s effectiveness.

Recommended Glandular Therapy Brands

•   Pet Health Nutrition Center (PHNC): Known for their high-quality, bovine glandular supplements from New Zealand livestock, PHNC is a trusted source for thyroid and adrenal glandular therapy, particularly for pets.
•   Ancestral Supplements: This human-grade brand offers a wide range of glandular options sourced from New Zealand. Though their availability can be inconsistent, their products are excellent for pet owners looking to provide organ-specific support.
•   Dr. Ron’s Ultra Pure: Offering single-organ supplements from bovine, porcine, and ovine sources, Dr. Ron’s is ideal for those looking for highly targeted glandular therapy without unnecessary fillers.

Organ-Specific Therapy: Addressing Common Ailments

•   Thyroid Disorders: For hypothyroid dogs, supplementing with thyroid glandulars supports the thyroid’s ability to regulate metabolism and energy levels.
•   Heart Disease: Feeding hearts and heart glandulars provides bioavailable CoQ10 and taurine, essential for cardiovascular health.
•   Digestive Issues: Dogs with pancreatic insufficiency can benefit from pancreas glandulars, while those with GI disorders may see improvement with glandulars targeting the intestines or stomach.
•   Autoimmune Conditions: Organ meats rich in myelin sheath components can support dogs with neurological or autoimmune diseases, aiding in the protection and regeneration of nerve cells.

Conclusion: Food is Medicine, and Like Heals Like

Ultimately, glandular therapy aligns with the core principle that food is medicine. By feeding the corresponding organ to a dog with organ dysfunction, we provide the most natural and effective form of support available. This approach minimizes the need for synthetic supplements or pharmaceuticals, which often come with side effects and further imbalances.

“Like heals like” is not just a saying—it’s a philosophy backed by centuries of naturopathic wisdom and scientific evidence. By respecting the body’s innate ability to heal itself with the right support, we can help our pets achieve optimal health and longevity.

The Deep Roots of Glandular Therapy: Historical and Modern Validation

The concept of “like heals like” may seem novel to some, but it is actually rooted in centuries-old medical practices, dating back to early Eastern and Western medical traditions. Naturopaths and homeopaths alike have long used glandulars as part of their approach to healing, based on the recognition that the body inherently knows how to use nutrients from corresponding organs to repair itself. Dr. Weston A. Price’s groundbreaking work in the early 20th century brought this ancient wisdom into the modern scientific spotlight.

Price’s work, Nutrition and Physical Degeneration, documented how indigenous cultures that adhered to traditional diets rich in organ meats experienced far fewer instances of chronic diseases and degeneration than populations consuming more processed, Westernized diets. He observed that these groups enjoyed stronger immune systems, fewer birth defects, and higher overall vitality—a testament to the healing power of nutrient-dense whole foods, especially organ meats.

Modern research continues to validate these principles. Studies show that glandular supplements contain peptides and cofactors that selectively target the same organ in the body. For instance, research into bovine thyroid supplements has demonstrated their ability to support thyroid health in patients with hypothyroidism by providing the raw materials necessary for thyroid hormone production.

A Synergistic Approach: Glandular Therapy and the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

Many natural rearing practitioners have also explored the benefits of pairing glandular therapy with cannabinoid-based treatments such as full-extract cannabis oil (FECO). The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a key role in maintaining balance and homeostasis in the body, regulating processes such as immune response, inflammation, and cellular repair.

When combined with glandular therapy, the activation of the ECS can enhance the body’s ability to utilize the nutrients provided by the organ supplements. This dual approach allows for a more holistic healing process that addresses both the underlying deficiencies in the compromised organ and the body’s systemic needs for balance.

For example, dogs suffering from adrenal insufficiency may benefit from adrenal glandulars in combination with cannabinoids that help regulate stress and immune function. Together, these therapies create what is known as the “Entourage Effect,” where multiple healing modalities work in synergy to amplify the overall benefit.

Organ Quality Matters: Sourcing for Maximum Benefit

When it comes to glandular therapy, not all organ meats are created equal. The quality of the organ directly impacts its therapeutic potential. Organs harvested from conventionally raised livestock—those that are given antibiotics, hormones, or fed grain-based diets—may not offer the same benefits as organs from pasture-raised, grass-fed animals. The latter have a more optimal balance of Omega-3 to Omega-6 fatty acids, higher levels of essential vitamins and minerals, and are free from harmful chemical residues.

New Zealand remains a global leader in producing high-quality glandular supplements due to its strict farming regulations, which prohibit the use of growth hormones and ensure that livestock are raised on natural pastures. For this reason, most reputable glandular supplements on the market use organs sourced from New Zealand.

Beyond animal husbandry practices, the method of processing the organs is crucial. Lyophilization, or freeze-drying, preserves the bioavailability of the nutrients in the organ tissues by gently removing moisture without applying heat. This process ensures that the vitamins, minerals, and cofactors remain intact and biologically active. In contrast, heat-treated organ supplements can lose much of their nutritional value, rendering them less effective for therapeutic purposes.

Glandular Therapy for Targeted Healing: Common Use Cases

While glandular therapy can be used as a preventative health measure, it shines in its ability to target specific health concerns in pets. Below are some of the most common conditions where glandular therapy proves beneficial:

•   Thyroid Dysfunction: Hypothyroidism, especially common in certain dog breeds like Golden Retrievers and Doberman Pinschers, can be supported with thyroid glandulars. These supplements provide thyroid-specific nutrients, including iodine, tyrosine, and selenium, which help restore normal thyroid function and balance hormone production.
•   Adrenal Fatigue: Dogs experiencing adrenal fatigue or Cushing’s disease benefit from adrenal glandulars, which supply the adrenal glands with much-needed cholesterol, vitamin C, and adrenal peptides. These components support cortisol production and help regulate the dog’s stress response.
•   Pancreatic Insufficiency: For dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), supplementing with pancreas glandulars provides digestive enzymes that the pancreas is no longer able to produce, improving nutrient absorption and reducing symptoms like diarrhea and weight loss.
•   Heart Disease: Heart conditions, including congestive heart failure and mitral valve disease, can be supported with heart glandulars rich in CoQ10, taurine, and other heart-specific nutrients that improve cardiac function and protect the cardiovascular system.
•   Liver Dysfunction: Liver glandulars are packed with vitamins A and D, as well as iron and copper, which help detoxify the liver and promote regeneration of healthy liver tissue in dogs suffering from hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver enzyme imbalances.
•   Neurological Conditions: Brain and myelin sheath glandulars are particularly useful in supporting dogs with neurological disorders like epilepsy or degenerative myelopathy, as they provide essential fatty acids and nervous system-specific proteins that protect and nourish the brain and spinal cord.

Conclusion: A Natural, Effective Path to Healing

The core philosophy behind glandular therapy—“like heals like”—is a powerful reminder that nature provides us with the tools to heal our pets in a way that is both natural and effective. By focusing on feeding specific organs to repair corresponding organ systems, we tap into the body’s innate wisdom to heal itself.

While synthetic supplements and pharmaceuticals may offer temporary relief, they often come with unintended consequences. Glandular therapy, on the other hand, offers a holistic, nutrient-dense solution that supports the body’s natural processes without the risk of side effects. With high-quality sourcing, proper dosing, and thoughtful monitoring, glandular therapy has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach pet health, ensuring our dogs live long, vibrant lives with minimal intervention.

In a world where convenience and quick fixes often overshadow traditional wisdom, glandular therapy invites us to return to the basics—to trust in the natural healing power of food and to honor the biological design of our pets. By doing so, we provide them with the tools they need to truly thrive, not just survive.

The Holistic Power of Glandular Therapy: A Return to Nature’s Design

Glandular therapy represents more than just a return to traditional methods; it signifies a reconnection to nature’s most intricate healing mechanisms. In its simplicity, the practice is profound: by feeding an animal the organs it requires for repair, we are supporting not only the diseased or weakened organ but also the entire system in which it functions. This holistic approach contrasts sharply with conventional medicine, where treatments often focus solely on symptom management or specific conditions rather than addressing the body as a whole.

In practice, glandular therapy taps into the body’s innate intelligence. Organs contain not only the nutrients and cofactors required for their own function, but also regulatory peptides that communicate directly with the corresponding organs in the body. These peptides, often referred to as “organ-specific peptides,” are crucial for the repair, rejuvenation, and maintenance of the organ’s health. Their presence in glandular supplements enables a targeted healing approach, where the damaged or compromised organ receives the exact building blocks it needs to restore its function.

In cases of chronic illness or degeneration, this natural and targeted support can be the key to long-term recovery and vitality. Whether it is the thyroid gland that needs support in hypothyroid dogs, or the heart in dogs with cardiac issues, glandular therapy offers an elegant solution rooted in biology’s inherent wisdom.

The Role of Epigenetics in Glandular Therapy: A Multi-Generational Impact

One of the most exciting aspects of glandular therapy is its potential role in epigenetics—the study of how behaviors and environment can cause changes that affect the way genes work. Epigenetics suggests that environmental factors such as diet, toxin exposure, and lifestyle choices can influence gene expression, not only in the individual but also in future generations.

By incorporating glandular therapy into a pet’s health regimen, particularly in breeding animals, breeders and pet owners are potentially influencing the health of future generations. Nutrients from specific organs can modulate gene expression and improve the health of offspring, ensuring that future generations are more resilient to chronic disease and environmental stressors. This is especially critical in a world where processed foods, environmental toxins, and synthetic chemicals have become the norm, leading to widespread degenerative conditions in pets.

As more research unfolds, we are beginning to understand that the decisions we make today in terms of nutrition and health practices can shape not only the immediate well-being of our pets but also the genetic legacy they pass down. This intergenerational impact underscores the profound power of natural rearing and glandular therapy in promoting health for future generations.

Practical Applications: How to Introduce Glandular Therapy into a Dog’s Diet

For those considering introducing glandular therapy into their dog’s regimen, there are a few practical considerations to ensure optimal results:

1.  Start with Quality Sourcing: Always prioritize organs from grass-fed, pasture-raised animals, free from antibiotics, hormones, and other chemicals. As previously mentioned, New Zealand livestock remains one of the best sources due to stringent agricultural standards. Avoid products that come from animals raised in industrial farming conditions, as these can carry residues that negate the therapeutic benefits.
2.  Use a Gradual Introduction: Just as with any new supplement or dietary change, it is crucial to introduce glandulars slowly, especially if your pet has a compromised or severely diseased organ. Starting with a smaller dose allows the body to adjust and prevents any potential detoxification reactions. Gradually increase the dosage over time until the full therapeutic dose is reached.
3.  Monitor for Detoxification Reactions: Detoxification, also known as a Herxheimer reaction, may occur as the body begins to heal and eliminate toxins. Symptoms can include lethargy, diarrhea, or skin reactions. These signs are usually temporary and indicate that the body is cleansing itself. It is important to pause dose increases until the detox reactions subside, allowing the body time to process and eliminate the accumulated toxins.
4.  Focus on Specific Health Concerns: Glandular therapy is most effective when targeted to specific health issues. For example, if your dog suffers from hypothyroidism, supplementing with thyroid glandulars can be particularly beneficial. If your dog has heart disease, heart glandulars should be prioritized. By focusing on the specific organ that needs support, you can maximize the therapeutic benefits.
5.  Consider Pairing with a Holistic Approach: Glandular therapy is most effective when used as part of a comprehensive, holistic approach to health. This may include a raw, species-appropriate diet, regular exercise, stress reduction, and the avoidance of unnecessary toxins or pharmaceuticals. By supporting the body on multiple fronts, you provide your pet with the best possible chance of healing and thriving.

Glandular Therapy and the Future of Veterinary Medicine

As the interest in holistic and natural treatments continues to grow, glandular therapy is poised to play an increasingly prominent role in the future of veterinary medicine. Unlike synthetic pharmaceuticals that often come with side effects and limited long-term benefits, glandulars offer a natural, bioavailable solution that works in harmony with the body.

The veterinary community is slowly recognizing the value of integrative medicine, which combines the best of conventional and alternative therapies. Glandular therapy bridges these two worlds by providing a natural yet scientifically validated approach to healing. As more veterinarians embrace the potential of glandular therapy, pet owners will have greater access to these powerful tools for promoting health and longevity.

Conclusion: A Timeless Healing Tradition for Modern Times

Glandular therapy, grounded in the ancient wisdom of “like heals like,” offers a timeless approach to healing that is as relevant today as it was centuries ago. In an era where synthetic supplements and pharmaceuticals dominate the health landscape, glandular therapy invites us to return to nature and trust in the body’s innate capacity for healing.

By feeding our pets the specific organs they need to repair and restore their own compromised systems, we are not only addressing the symptoms of disease but also supporting the root cause of the imbalance. This holistic approach offers a path to healing that is gentle, effective, and sustainable.

Whether you are caring for a dog with chronic illness, supporting a breeding program, or simply striving to give your pet the best possible health, glandular therapy is a powerful tool that can transform the way you approach pet care. Through thoughtful sourcing, proper dosing, and a commitment to holistic health, you can harness the healing power of glandulars to ensure your pet thrives for years to come. In doing so, you are honoring the natural design of their bodies—and providing them with the best gift of all: a vibrant, healthy life.