Standard Process targets market gap with brain supplements for aging dogs

Standard Process highlights cognitive health as an emerging target for supplements for aging dogs, saying that pet owners are increasingly wary of this area of well-being. The brand notes formulations mirror human brain health supplements, for example, featuring the same functional botanicals and nutrients people consume for mental clarity, resilience, and behavioral health.

The US-based supplements brand recently launched Canine Cognition Support to build out its Veterinarian Formulas line, designed to support clarity, alertness, and healthy aging in dogs.

The synergistic blend contains clinically researched ingredients, including ginkgo biloba, lion’s mane mushroom, ginseng, vitamin B6, and CoQ10, along with Swiss chard and buckwheat grown on the Standard Process’s certified organic farm. Standard Process claims these ingredients are scientifically tested and proven to support healthier aging in dogs.

The company notes that more veterinarians are looking for science-backed, whole food-based options proven to support cognitive vitality to address the increasingly common canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome.

Nutrition Insight speaks to Jody Griffiths, senior veterinary education specialist at Standard Process, about the current consumer awareness around canine brain health, the efficacy of certain performance ingredients for dogs, and what signals of cognitive challenges pet owners should look out for.

What is the current consumer awareness for pet brain health supplements, and which markets are most receptive to these claims?
Griffiths: Consumer awareness of pet cognitive health is increasing, largely driven by more frequent discussions between veterinarians and pet owners about age-related behavioral changes. Because early cognitive changes can be subtle and may not always be apparent during a clinical visit, veterinarians often rely on pet owners to observe and report these shifts at home — prompting greater owner engagement and awareness over time.

Despite this growing recognition, education gaps remain, particularly around the biological pathways involved in cognitive health and how nutrition can be used effectively to support them. Veterinary professionals and animal nutritionists play a key role in closing these gaps by translating emerging science into practical guidance for both colleagues and pet owners.

Acceptance of nutrition as a meaningful component of cognitive health support is steadily expanding within the veterinary community. Clinicians are often the first to integrate this perspective, informed by continuing education and research, with consumer awareness typically following as educational efforts reach pet owners. As a result, markets with strong veterinary-led education, proactive care adoption, and premium nutrition engagement tend to be the most receptive to brain health claims for pets.

How does Standard Process’ Canine Cognition Support formulation perform?
Griffiths: Canine Cognition Support was developed using a multi-pathway formulation strategy that reflects the complex biology of age-related cognitive changes. Rather than targeting a single mechanism, the formulation combines botanicals and nutrients that support circulation, cellular energy metabolism, neurotransmitter activity, antioxidant defense, and immune balance — systems collectively involved in maintaining normal cognitive function.

Ginkgo biloba is included for its role in supporting healthy cerebral blood flow and antioxidant activity, both of which are important for nutrient delivery and oxidative balance in neural tissue. Ginseng further supports overall circulatory health, contributing to systemic and neurological vitality.

Lion’s mane mushroom provides a complementary mechanism through its support of immune system balance and function. Emerging research highlights the importance of neuro-immune interactions in maintaining normal brain health, particularly with aging.

At the cellular level, coenzyme Q10 supports mitochondrial function and energy metabolism, critical for neurons due to their high energy demands. Alpha GPC supports the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in memory, learning, sleep regulation, and mood.

Together, these ingredients address multiple biological pathways associated with cognitive health. Research supporting these mechanisms indicates they help promote alertness, awareness, and normal behavior in dogs as part of healthy aging.

Why is canine cognitive dysfunction becoming a bigger concern for veterinarians and pet owners today?
Griffiths: Canine cognitive dysfunction is receiving increased attention as companion animals live longer and age-related conditions become more prevalent. Advances in veterinary care, nutrition, and preventive medicine have extended lifespan, but longevity also increases the likelihood of cognitive changes that affect behavior, awareness, and quality of life.

Changes such as altered sleep-wake cycles, disorientation, or reduced social interaction may progress gradually and can be hard to notice, delaying intervention.

Greater awareness and standardization of assessment tools have improved clinicians’ ability to identify cognitive changes earlier in the aging process. This has led to increased interest among veterinarians in proactive monitoring and early supportive strategies rather than waiting for advanced clinical signs.

Adding further momentum, newly established professional guidelines have emerged to support the diagnosis, staging, and monitoring of canine cognitive dysfunction. These guidelines provide a shared clinical reference point that was previously lacking, helping align practitioner understanding and reinforcing the importance of early recognition and intervention for aging canine patients.

What early signs of cognitive decline should dog owners watch for as their pets age?
Griffiths: Early cognitive decline in dogs often presents as subtle behavioral changes that may be easy to overlook. Owners may notice reduced interest in play, decreased engagement with family members, or a general decline in attentiveness. These shifts can emerge gradually and may initially resemble normal aging rather than an underlying cognitive change.

DISHAA — an acronym for Disorientation, Interaction changes, Sleep-wake cycle disruption, House soiling, Activity changes, and Anxiety — provides a structured way to recognize and track these behaviors over time. Increased anxiety often emerges as a secondary effect, reflecting the cumulative impact of changes across these domains.

Small but consistent changes across the DISHAA framework are particularly important indicators. Even mild alterations in orientation, social interactions, sleep-wake patterns, house-training habits, or overall activity levels can signal early cognitive decline.

Early recognition of these signs allows for timely discussion with a veterinarian and supports earlier intervention strategies aimed at maintaining quality of life as dogs age.

How do you predict the cognitive health space for pets will evolve in the coming years, including any emerging or innovative product formats?
Griffiths: As companion animals continue to live longer, cognitive health is expected to become an increasingly important focus within geriatric veterinary care. Greater longevity brings a higher prevalence of age-related conditions, prompting veterinarians and pet owners alike to prioritize proactive strategies that support brain health and quality of life in senior animals.

As awareness and education expand, the cognitive health category is likely to see continued advancement in care protocols and product development. Pet owners are increasingly seeking natural, nutrition -based approaches, creating demand for formulations that align with proactive care philosophies and long-term wellness support rather than reactive intervention.

Research advancements in human aging and cognitive health are also expected to influence innovation in the pet space. As insights from human neuroscience, nutrition, and healthy aging research are translated into animal health applications, new ingredient combinations and delivery formats may emerge to better support cognitive function in aging pets. Together, these trends suggest a growing, science-driven category shaped by longevity, education, and cross-disciplinary research.