New Supplement Reverses Aging in Dogs, Study Shows

A new supplement called “LeapYears” from animal health company Animal Biosciences, Inc., is shown to reverse aging in dogs, according to a clinical study.

The demand for supplements for your furry friends may be more than you expect. The global pet supplement market was worth about $1.3 billion to $2.5 billion in 2023, which is expected to increase by over 5 percent annually.

Animal Biosciences, Inc., based in Boston, Massachusetts, announced the breakthrough on Thursday in a press release. The new study “shows the first clinical evidence that it is possible to reverse age-related decline in dogs,” the release said.

How does “LeapYears” work?

The soft chew supplement “significantly improves owner-assessed cognitive function and may have broader effects on frailty, activity and happiness as reported by owners,” according to the study.

It is important to note that the study has been published on a preprint server known as BioRxiv. Preprint servers contain early version works that have yet to be peer-reviewed. Animal Biosciences told Newsweek via email on Thursday: “It has been submitted to scientific reports for peer review.”

The supplement is a combination NAD+ precursor and senolytic.

Dr. Ginny Rentko, the chief veterinary medical officer at Animal Biosciences, Inc. who worked on the study with Sinclair, explained the science behind the supplement in an email to Newsweek: “It works at the cellular level to restore your dog’s health by enhancing NAD+ production and clearing out damaged cells. Senescent cells consume increased amounts of NAD+, depleting cellular reserves.

“LeapYears supports the natural clearance of cells that no longer function properly, leaving room for healthier ones to utilize NAD+ more efficiently. It is the only dog supplement that targets and removes aged, damaged cells to help dogs age better.”

Dr. David A. Sinclair, Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School and co-founder of Animal Biosciences said in the press release, “I am very proud of the teams at NCSU and Animal Biosciences, who, after years of collaborative research and a clinical trial, have developed the first supplement proven to reverse aging in dogs.”

The supplement “preserves healthy brain function, keeping an older dog mentally sharp, alert and more engaged. Dogs have shown increased focus and engagement in family activities,” Rentko told Newsweek.

Seniors or puppies; who benefits?

Rentko said that “LeapYears” can be used to both treat older dogs and as a preventative measure in younger dogs.

“Cellular aging is at the root of many of the diseases of older dogs. Older dogs receive the most obvious benefit from Leap Years. However, it is in middle age when NAD concentrations start to wane.

“There are dogs for whom it would be beneficial to start LeapYears earlier than this, depending on a dog’s particular medical conditions which negatively impact aging. Many pet parents proactively start their dog on LeapYears once their dog reaches maturity to address the underlying cause of aging in dogs as early as possible,” Rentko said.

While “LeapYears” is still in clinical trials, with any dog supplement, it is important for owners to talk to their veterinarian before giving the supplement to their dogs. The American Kennel Club warned in an article on their website from November 2023 that supplements could have a “harmful effect” if your dog is on medication.

The American Kennel Club also said that there have been some “successful results” of using dog supplements.

“There has been minimal research on their [dog supplements] long-term effects, but some studies and anecdotal evidence have shown successful results, whether in the form of a shinier coat, peppier step, better digestion, or improved cognitive function.”

When buying supplements for your furry friend, the American Kennel Club advises owners to look for a reputable brand that has conducted clinical studies or earned certification from an independent organization.

Update 2/29/24, 5:22 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with comment from Dr. Ginny Rentko.