Spirited Paw, a pet nutrition brand under Standard Process, has launched a new product called Healthy Mind. This brain health supplement is designed for aging dogs that show signs of cognitive changes.
Healthy Mind is packed with nutrients from organic beets, brussels sprouts, buckwheat, and Swiss chard, all aimed at supporting memory health.
Katrina Verdeur, who leads product development for Spirited Paw, shared her approach to creating supplements for brain health. She emphasizes the importance of scientific research, traditional remedies, and key ingredients that support cognitive function. “Once we identify the essential ingredients, we add organic crops to enhance the formula,” she explains.
Spirited Paw’s ingredients come from a large farm in Palmyra, Wisconsin. Verdeur notes, “We carefully select ingredients that are beneficial for cognition and healthy aging.”
As dogs age, they often experience cognitive decline. Common signs include difficulty following commands, reduced playfulness, and more frequent accidents at home. Research indicates that over 25% of dogs aged 11 to 12 years may face brain health issues. Cognitive changes can begin as early as age six, highlighting the importance of addressing these concerns.
Healthy Mind includes phosphatidylserine, essential B vitamins, and vitamin E—ingredients that are said to support memory and mood. Verdeur adds, “Phosphatidylserine naturally decreases in the brain as dogs get older. Supplementing helps boost its levels, which is crucial for brain health.”
Another key ingredient is medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) oil, known for its benefits in human cognitive supplements. Recent studies suggest MCTs can provide energy to aging dog brains without impacting glucose usage, which tends to decline as pets age.
B vitamins in the supplement also play a role in supporting brain health by aiding neurotransmitter production and energy metabolism.
Verdeur highlights a growing demand for pet mental health products, particularly in North America and Europe. As more pet owners recognize signs of cognitive dysfunction, they are likely to seek out supportive supplements.
Looking ahead, Verdeur anticipates that chewable supplements will remain popular, as they blend the appeal of treats with nutritional benefits. “Formats that pets enjoy can help expand the reach of health products,” she notes. She also sees potential in other areas, such as early spay/neuter support, metabolic health, and natural flea prevention.
In addition to Spirited Paw’s innovations, other companies like ADM are focusing on gut health for pets. ADM’s recent trial showed that their Priome supplement helps improve metabolic health in dogs, further demonstrating the rise of pet nutrition research. Surveys reveal that many pet owners have purchased probiotics for their pets, reflecting a broader trend of health awareness that has crossed over from human to pet wellness.
As the market for pet supplements continues to grow, the emphasis on brain and gut health stands out, promising better quality of life for our beloved pets.
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Dog Supplements, Pet Nutrition, Dog Brain Health, Cognition
