Canine

Learn about the benefits of natural astaxanthin for canine mobility, vision, immune function, and cardiovascular health. Find astaxanthin products your dog will love.

Supplementation as a Tool for Maintaining Canine Health

There are 65 million households in the U.S. where pet parents have chosen dogs as their faithful companions. Pet parents know that quality nutrition and supplementation help dogs live healthier longer, which is why a third of all U.S. households with dogs use supplements. Natural astaxanthin supplementation supports health and wellness for every stage of a dog’s life. It comes from a plant based, vegetarian and vegan friendly microalgae, called Haematococcus pluvialis, which is a sustainable source of natural astaxanthin cultivated by AstaReal in Washington state.

Astaxanthin Studies and Standards

AstaReal® Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant verified safe and effective in numerous studies, and which may provide health benefits for companion animals. This plant-based antioxidant has been studied in dogs, cats, horses, and other livestock. For dogs, studies show benefits at 0.1 mg/kg body weight, and AstaReal is the preferred supplier, verified by NASC (National Animal Supplement Council).

Whole Body Benefits Through Mitochondrial Support

In humans and companion animals, natural astaxanthin deposits in cell membranes with more than half being found in mitochondrial membranes, where energy is made. By supporting mitochondria (the powerhouses of the cell) and helping to fight free radicals, natural astaxanthin provides whole body benefits (1). Published studies demonstrated the following health benefits for companion animals:

Immune support: natural astaxanthin helped reduced oxidative stress and improve the function of immune cells in both dogs and cats (2).
Muscle recovery: a recovery supplement containing carbs, protein, and astaxanthin helped dogs recovery faster from exercise (3).
Joint mobility: muscles help to support joint alignment and take pressure off of them. By supporting aging muscles and addressing exercise-induced inflammation, natural astaxanthin can help support mobility.
Vision health: supplements containing astaxanthin together with other ingredients have slowed down the progression of refractive error in dogs, and reduced symptoms of dry eye. Human clinical studies with AstaReal® Astaxanthin alone have improved dynamic focus and reduced eye strain from computer use (4).
Cardiovascular health: natural astaxanthin improved blood lipid profiles in healthy dogs and humans in several studies. Dogs supplemented with natural astaxanthin showed reduced markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in blood (5).

AstaReal has the potential to be a hero ingredient in the supplement category, and in treats and foods. Astaxanthin supplements can be found as liquids, powdered food toppers, chews and treats.