Longevity Science · Research summary
Vitality, appetite and ageing-related assessments in senior dogs
← Longevity Science · Canine observations · 2026
A 28-day exploratory study reported improved owner-rated vitality and appetite, alongside lower composite ageing-assessment scores, in senior dogs receiving equine placental extract.
Uncontrolled exploratory study in senior dogs; owner-rated outcomes, not established efficacy.
What the researchers observed
Vitality and appetite ratings improved at days 14 and 28, alongside lower composite ageing-assessment scores. These observations are encouraging for further research into everyday wellbeing in senior dogs.
Mean vitality on a 0–10 scale: 5.0 at baseline, 6.7 at day 14 and 7.5 at day 28. Mean appetite: 5.3, 7.1 and 8.4 respectively. These are group ratings, not a predicted improvement for an individual pet.
How this connects to your routine
The research addresses an everyday concern: an older dog showing less enthusiasm and appetite. Equine placental extract is also the shared ingredient in our placenta collection, but this study does not establish benefits for every format or for cats. Choose a product using its species, size and serving information.
Understanding the study
- Study design: Exploratory 28-day single-arm pre–post study
- Participants or model: 20 geriatric pet dogs enrolled; 19 assessed at day 28
- Preparation: A JBP equine placental extract produced by enzymatic hydrolysis, given orally as a liquid once daily. The paper does not identify one of the six current retail SKUs.
What this study cannot tell us
There was no comparison group or blinding, and the outcomes included subjective owner ratings. The authors describe the findings as preliminary and hypothesis-generating; they do not establish efficacy, reversed ageing or a longer lifespan. Exploratory activity-monitor data were not statistically analysed because of the small sample.
Safety observations
Body weight, temperature and measured blood markers did not change significantly. The report records haematuria before supplementation and one death suspected to relate to rodenticide exposure; neither was considered related to the study product. This small study cannot establish long-term safety.
Read the original research
Exploratory evaluation of equine placental extract supplementation on ageing indicators in geriatric dogs: a single-arm pre–post study
Naoya Morita and Eiichi Hirano
BMC Veterinary Research · 22:311 · 2026
DOI: 10.1186/s12917-026-05475-y ↗
Research relationships
Both authors are employees of Japan Bio Products, which funded the study and supplied the test product. Shokukanken conducted the study and data analysis; the funding body collaborated on study design and reviewed and approved the study report.
Explore the everyday concerns
Back to the reading library · Compare our placenta collection
Research findings depend on the preparation, species and study design. These summaries provide context for informed conversations with your veterinarian; research doses do not replace product label directions.