The following information is a summary and review based on Dr. Candy’s professional experience and recommendations. Any summary or statement has not been provided nor influenced by the manufacturer.
Hi friends, I’m Dr. Candy Akers, and today I want to talk about a supplement that often flies under the radar but can make a big difference in your dog’s overall health: Spleen Desiccated by Standard Process.
This natural supplement is made from nutrient-rich bovine spleen tissue and has been used for decades in both human and veterinary holistic care. It offers a powerful way to support your dog’s immune system, digestion, and blood health using the body’s own natural mechanisms.

What Is Spleen Desiccated?
Spleen Desiccated is a glandular supplement, meaning it’s made from a specific animal organ—in this case, the spleen—carefully dried to preserve its nutrients. The term desiccated simply means “dehydrated without losing nutrients.”
Standard Process sources this ingredient from grass-fed cows raised under strict quality standards. The result is a whole-food supplement that provides the same vital nutrients found in fresh organ meats—without the mess or guesswork of preparing raw organs at home.
Why the Spleen Matters in Dogs
The spleen is a key player in immune function and blood health. It filters the blood, removes old or damaged red blood cells, and helps the body respond to infections. When your dog’s spleen isn’t functioning optimally, it can affect energy, digestion, and even skin condition.
Glandular therapy, an approach I often use in my holistic practice, follows the traditional principle of “like supports like.” Feeding the nutrients of a healthy organ can help support the same organ in the body. In this case, spleen tissue supports spleen function and the broader immune system.
Key Benefits of Spleen Desiccated for Dogs
Here’s how I’ve seen this supplement help dogs in my practice and why it’s worth considering:
1. Immune System Support
The spleen produces and stores white blood cells that fight infection.
Spleen Desiccated helps provide natural cofactors—vitamins, peptides, and minerals—that strengthen the immune system and improve resistance to illness.
2. Digestive and Nutrient Support
By helping recycle nutrients from the blood, the spleen contributes to digestion and nutrient absorption. Dogs with chronic digestive issues often benefit from spleen support as part of a broader gut-healing protocol.
3. Healthy Blood and Energy Levels
Spleen tissue is rich in heme iron and vitamin B12, both essential for making healthy red blood cells. This can be especially helpful for dogs with anemia, low energy, or recovering from illness or surgery.
4. Skin and Coat Health
Nutrients such as vitamin A, zinc, and amino acids support healthy skin and coat regeneration. I’ve seen itchy or dull coats improve after a few weeks of consistent supplementation.
5. Joint and Mobility Support
Spleen tissue naturally contains glucosamine and chondroitin, compounds that help lubricate and protect joints. Dogs with mild stiffness or early arthritis can often benefit from added glandular support.

Key Ingredients and Their Roles
Spleen Desiccated by Standard Process contains only a handful of high-quality ingredients chosen for safety and nutritional value:
- Bovine and Ovine Spleen: Rich in iron, B vitamins, and peptides that nourish immune cells and support circulation.
- Honey: A natural antioxidant and mild digestive aid that supports gut balance.
- Arabic Gum (Acacia fiber): Adds gentle dietary fiber to support digestion.
- Calcium Stearate: Keeps the blend smooth and consistent (does not affect nutrition).
This clean formula provides whole-food organ nutrition without synthetic additives or fillers.
When I Recommend Spleen Desiccated
I often suggest Spleen Desiccated as part of a holistic wellness or recovery plan for dogs dealing with:
- Chronic infections or weak immune response
- Low energy or anemia
- Digestive imbalances
- Skin irritation or dull coat
- Mild joint discomfort
- Seasonal allergies or inflammation
For dogs with immune-related or chronic issues, I may also pair this supplement with cold laser therapy, which helps improve circulation and cellular repair. Together, these approaches can support the body’s natural healing systems.

How to Give Spleen Desiccated
Every dog is different, so I always recommend confirming dosage during a holistic consultation. However, general guidelines are:
| Dog Size | Suggested Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Small (1–20 lbs) | 1 tablet | twice daily |
| Medium (21–50 lbs) | 1.5 tablets | twice daily |
| Large (51+ lbs) | 2 tablets | twice daily |
Tips for giving the supplement:
- You can crush the tablets and mix them with food.
- Some dogs take them like treats, especially if paired with a bit of broth or wet food.
- Provide fresh water after each dose.
- Be consistent—give it at the same time each day.
Remember: supplements work best alongside a balanced, whole-food diet and regular veterinary care.
Possible Side Effects and Safety Tips
Spleen Desiccated is very well tolerated by most dogs, but it’s always good to start slow and monitor your pet.
Possible mild reactions may include:
- Temporary loose stool or mild digestive upset
- Rare allergic reactions such as itching or swelling
If your dog experiences any discomfort, stop the supplement and contact your veterinarian. Start with a smaller dose for a few days to let the system adjust.
Safety reminders:
- Always introduce one new supplement at a time.
- Keep tablets stored in a cool, dry place.
- Consult your vet before combining with other supplements or medications.

Why I Trust Standard Process
Standard Process is one of the few supplement companies that still uses whole-food, organ-based nutrition. Their sourcing and quality control are exceptional, and the formulas align perfectly with holistic principles.
I’ve used their products for years in my veterinary practice because they consistently help pets restore balance from the inside out—without overloading their systems with synthetic compounds.
Supporting Your Dog’s Health Naturally
If you’re exploring natural ways to strengthen your dog’s immune and digestive systems, Spleen Desiccated by Standard Process is a safe and effective choice. It’s one of those foundational supplements that can quietly improve your dog’s resilience, comfort, and energy over time.
You can purchase Spleen Desiccated directly through Journeys Holistic Life, where I provide trusted Standard Process products and personalized guidance for your dog’s needs.
For a tailored plan—including how to combine supplements with cold laser therapy, diet changes, and lifestyle support—you can schedule an online holistic pet consultation with me. Together, we’ll design a plan to help your dog feel their best, naturally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Spleen Desiccated by Standard Process is a whole-food supplement made from nutrient-rich bovine spleen tissue. It’s formulated to naturally support your dog’s immune and digestive systems. This supplement draws on time-tested glandular nutrition to help the body strengthen its own spleen and immune response.
The spleen plays a key role in filtering blood, producing immune cells, and recycling nutrients. The spleen tissue in this supplement provides peptides, minerals, and B-vitamins that nourish these same functions in your dog’s body.
By supporting the spleen, it helps promote:
– A stronger immune response to illness and stress
– Better nutrient absorption and digestive balance
– Healthy red blood cell production and energy levels
Spleen Desiccated is given orally—either directly as a tablet or crushed and mixed into your dog’s food. I recommend following your veterinarian’s dosing instructions based on your dog’s size and health needs. Consistency matters, so give it at the same time each day for the best results.
Spleen Desiccated is generally very safe and well-tolerated. Occasionally, a dog may experience mild digestive upset when starting a new supplement. If you notice any changes in appetite, stool, or behavior, pause the supplement and contact your veterinarian.
Although Spleen Desiccated was originally formulated for people, veterinarians have safely used it for both dogs and cats for many years. Each species has unique nutritional needs, so please check with your vet before giving this supplement to pets other than dogs.




