Daily Tribune

LIFE

Pups have all the charm

‘Colostrum plays a real role in early immune function, and probiotics make a big difference in how well puppies digest their food. But it needs to go with a complete diet and regular checkups. It’s a supplement, not a substitute.’

Pauline Joyce Pascual · Aug 5, 2026, 12:52 AM

New treats a goat milk-based daily chew specially formulated to support puppies during their earliest months of growth. — PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF DR. SHIBA

Bringing home a puppy comes with plenty of firsts —from learning how to sit and mastering potty training to discovering their favorite treats. But beyond the adorable milestones, the first year of a dog’s life is also when their immune system, digestion and joints are developing the most, making proper nutrition just as important as playtime.

Dr. Shiba has introduced PowerPup, a goat milk-based daily chew specially formulated to support puppies during their earliest months of growth.

“In the clinic, we see a lot of puppies with problems that could’ve been managed earlier, usually gut sensitivity or joint stress from growth spurts,” said Dr. Roxanne Ignacio, veterinarian at Jads4 Animal Clinic. “Colostrum plays a real role in early immune function, and probiotics make a big difference in how well puppies digest their food. But it needs to go with a complete diet and regular checkups. It’s a supplement, not a substitute.”

Designed for puppies up to 12 months old — while remaining safe even for older dogs — PowerPup combines several essential nutrients into a single soft chew. Each serving contains colostrum for early immune support, a five-strain probiotic blend to promote gut health, glucosamine and chondroitin for growing joints, and a vitamin complex with B-complex vitamins and folic acid to help support brain development. Instead of juggling multiple supplements with different dosages, pet parents can simply offer one daily chew.

Its goat milk base also makes it a puppy-friendly choice. Naturally lower in lactose than cow’s milk, goat milk is generally easier on young and sensitive stomachs thanks to its smaller fat globules, while still offering a flavor that appeals even to picky eaters. The chew can be served as a treat or crumbled over meals and is made with wholesome ingredients including pumpkin, flaxseed, sweet potato, carrot, mushroom, and coconut glycerin — without artificial fillers.

“We’ve spent years building products for adult dogs, and the question we kept getting from customers was what to give their puppies. PowerPup is our answer, combining key ingredients for puppy development into a single highly palatable treat,” said Philipp Renner, Founder and CEO of Dr. Shiba. “The vision for Dr. Shiba has always been to be there for every stage of a dog’s life. We are excited to further expand our puppy range over time.”

As more Filipino pet parents treat their pups like family, products that make early nutrition simpler and more accessible are becoming part of everyday puppy care — helping lay the foundation for healthier, happier dogs long after the puppy stage is over.