The New Age of Pet Longevity

How science-backed supplements are redefining the golden years for dogs and cats, blending human biohacking with veterinary care.

By La Petite Editorial, ~14 min read

  • Pet longevity is shifting from treating disease to targeting aging itself.
  • NAD+ boosters, antioxidants, and novel fatty acids are leading the charge.
  • Brands like La Petite Labs, Leap Years, Zesty Paws, Longevity15, and ThorneVet are pioneering.
  • Early trials show promise—especially in slowing cognitive decline.
  • The field is young: supplements support healthspan, not immortality.

The Race to Extend Rover’s Golden Years: Inside the New Science of Canine Longevity

Our beloved dogs age far too quickly – a painful truth for every pet parent. In recent years, however, a wave of scientific innovation is targeting the aging process itself in our furry companions. Researchers and veterinarians are exploring ways to help dogs not only live longer, but stay healthier and more “puppy-like” in their golden years.

From boosting cellular energy to clearing away aging cells, these cutting-edge approaches are giving hope that we may be able to slow – or even modestly reverse – some aspects of aging in dogs.

This feature dives into the burgeoning field of canine longevity science, examining five pioneering supplements leading the charge: Leap Years, Zesty Paws Healthy Aging, Longevity15, ThorneVet Longevity Complex, and Hollywood Elixir™ by La Petite Labs. We’ll explore the science behind each, the evidence so far, and what it all means for the dogs we love.

At La Petite Labs, our question is practical: if the mechanisms are clear, how do we turn them into a safe, elegant, one-scoop daily ritual?

“Age is not a disease—but what if we could treat it as one?”

Why Dog Aging Is the New Frontier in Pet Care

Anyone who has cared for a grey-muzzled senior dog knows the bittersweet experience – the slowing gait, the whitening face, perhaps some forgetfulness or stiffness setting in. Yet dogs today are living longer than ever, thanks to better nutrition and veterinary care. The idea of “healthy aging” for dogs means ensuring not just longevity but a high quality of life in those extra years.

Traditionally, veterinarians have focused on managing age-related diseases (like arthritis or cognitive decline) as they arise. But a new paradigm is emerging: what if we could proactively support a dog’s biology against aging itself?

In human medicine, the science of aging has produced intriguing tools—from molecules that boost cellular energy to drugs that clear away senescent (old, dysfunctional) cells. Now, similar approaches are reaching pets. Many aging mechanisms are shared between humans and dogs, so targeting processes like declining repair capacity or chronic inflammation could help dogs stay sharper and more mobile for longer.


Veterinary researchers are testing this idea in earnest. The Dog Aging Project is tracking thousands of dogs to uncover longevity factors, even trialing rapamycin for lifespan extension. In 2023, North Carolina State University reported encouraging results from a supplement trial that slowed aspects of aging in senior dogs. With scientific momentum building, supplement companies—some launched by human longevity leaders—are racing to market products featuring NAD+ boosters, antioxidants, and novel fatty acids. The question remains: which of these anti-aging supplements for dogs truly deliver?

“We’re not just adding years to dogs’ lives—we’re adding life to their years.”

La Petite Labs — Hollywood Elixir™

The Ultimate Longevity Formula

Hollywood Elixir™ was built to combine and surpass the leading strategies in pet longevity. Where most supplements target a single pathway, La Petite Labs integrates them all into a one-scoop daily ritual for both dogs and cats.

Why it matters:


  • More complete than ThorneVet: Every major antioxidant and polyphenol, plus synergistic cofactors, in a formulation designed for cross-pathway balance.

  • Beyond Longevity15: Tackles not just inflammation and oxidative stress but also cellular health and mitochondrial resilience — the full triad of aging biology.

  • Stronger than Zesty Paws: Two complementary forms of NAD+ support, engineered for sustained cellular energy, not just a single precursor.

  • More transparent than Leap Years: No proprietary code names, no hidden blends. Every ingredient is disclosed, third-party tested, and dosed for veterinary-grade integrity.

What’s distinct: Hollywood Elixir™ is the only longevity supplement that spans multiple aging hallmarks in one transparent, rigorously tested daily format. It’s formulated with veterinary nutritionists, delivered in preservative-free sachets for dose-true compliance, and designed not as hype but as the foundational base layer of modern pet longevity care.

leap years anti-aging supplements for pets

Leap Years®

Targeting Aging at the Cellular Source

One of the most talked-about newcomers is Leap Years, a daily soft-chew supplement that bills itself as “the first combination supplement for dogs that addresses the root causes of aging, starting at the cellular level.”

Leap Years was developed by Animal Biosciences, co-founded in 2017 by Harvard geneticist Dr. David Sinclair and his brother, with the explicit goal of extending healthy lifespans of pets. After five years of R&D drawing on discoveries from Harvard Medical School, the company formulated Leap Years as a two-part “cellular health system” focused on two hot targets: NAD+ levels and senescent cells.

How it works: An NAD+ precursor (a form of Vitamin B3) aims to replenish cellular NAD+ for energy production and DNA repair; a senolytic—described as a fruit/vegetable antioxidant— is given intermittently (two days/month) to help clear senescent “zombie” cells.

Evidence: In a placebo-controlled trial at NC State (2024), 70 senior dogs received full dose, low dose, or placebo over six months. Owner-scored cognition significantly improved at 3 months in treated groups, with positive trends in activity, frailty, and overall “happiness.” Effects plateaued by month six—encouraging but not miraculous—marking a first peer-reviewed signal that targeting fundamental aging processes can improve function in older dogs.

Considerations: Premium pricing and vet-linked availability; individual results vary; consult your veterinarian.

zesty paws healthy aging anti-aging supplements for pets

Zesty Paws® Healthy Aging

Bringing NAD+ Boosters to the Masses

Zesty Paws Healthy Aging takes a simpler, more accessible route to the NAD+ story. Launched in late 2023, it centers on Niagen® (NR)—a branded Vitamin B3 analog that readily converts to NAD+—to support cellular energy and DNA repair. The daily powder comes in single-serve sachets; a bacon-flavored paste aids palatability for picky dogs.

What’s inside: 60 mg of NR per dose plus a probiotic blend and co-factors for digestion and muscle support in seniors—acknowledging the gut–immune–vitality connection.

Evidence: No dedicated dog RCT yet for this product; it leverages human NR literature and the general NAD+ rationale (and benefits seen in the Leap Years study using a vitamin B3 class booster).

Who it’s for: Owners seeking a mainstream, lower-barrier introduction to NAD+ support, as part of a holistic senior plan (diet, activity, vet screens). Always consult your vet, especially for dogs with underlying conditions.

longevity 15 fatty acid anti-aging supplements for pets

Longevity15™

A New “Longevity Nutrient” Emerges (C15:0 Fatty Acid)

Longevity15 brings the novel fatty acid C15:0 (pentadecanoic acid)—popularized via human supplement fatty15™—to dogs. Discovered and championed by veterinary epidemiologist Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson, C15:0 is an odd-chain saturated fat found in trace amounts in certain foods.

Why C15:0: Research suggests this fatty acid stabilizes cell membranes, down-modulates inflammatory pathways, and reduces oxidative stress—three pillars of healthy aging. In practice, membrane resilience may ripple into better metabolic function, organ health, and energy.

Format: Pre-measured, cheese-flavored sachets with size-based dosing (toy → XL) for accuracy and safety; widely available via retailers.

Evidence: Growing translational science in lab and human settings; long-term dog studies are early. Safe and well-tolerated so far. A cautious, promising “healthspan support” addition—best discussed with your vet, especially for dietary sensitivities.

thornevet longevity complex anti-aging supplements for pets

ThorneVet® Longevity Complex

A Cocktail of Proven Nutrients

ThorneVet’s Longevity Complex stacks multiple longevity levers in bacon-flavored soft chews: NR (NAD+ precursor); polyphenols (resveratrol, quercetin, curcumin/EGCG) for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support; astaxanthin for oxidative stress and mitochondrial performance; and taurine, linked to longevity pathways and immune balance.

Rationale: Cross-pathway coverage—NAD+/sirtuins, senescence/immune modulation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial resilience—mirrors how aging operates systemically.

Evidence: Strong ingredient-level literature; no product-specific RCT yet. Reputable quality control and transparent labeling are differentiators.

Cautions: Vet guidance for pets on anticoagulants or with specific conditions. Generally well-tolerated at labeled doses.

“We don’t just want pets to live longer—we want them to live better.”

Trend Drivers: Why Longevity Is Rising Now

loved like family anti-aging supplements for pets are for beloved companions

Pets as Family

Over two-thirds of owners now describe their pets as family, and the numbers back up that sentiment: spending on senior pet care continues to grow faster than any other category. What’s shifting is not just how long pets live, but how well. Owners are reframing value in terms of everyday quality: brighter mornings, steadier energy, clearer eyes, more play, and more connection.

This cultural pivot explains why longevity supplements resonate so strongly. They don’t promise immortality or fantasy—they promise more “good days” in the years we already have. By targeting core aging mechanisms like NAD+ decline, senescent cell buildup, membrane fragility, and oxidative stress, these products connect science to what families actually feel in their living rooms. The result is a once-niche idea—anti-aging for pets—now moving steadily toward inevitability.

biohacking spillover trend driver for anti aging supplements for pets

Biohacking Spillover

Human geroscience created the playbook. NAD+ boosters, senolytics, and mitochondrial support are familiar concepts to longevity enthusiasts who already track sleep, steps, and HRV scores. The pet world is now mirroring that arc—carefully adapting, testing, and validating what works across species.

The translation is not copy-and-paste. Dogs and cats metabolize differently, and palatability matters more than novelty. What unites the fields is a shared metric: vitality signals. For humans, it’s sharper mornings or steadier energy; for dogs, it’s curiosity, eagerness on walks, smoother transitions from rest, or an improved play drive. Pet longevity borrows both the rigor and the skepticism of human biohacking, but it raises the bar for practicality. Any intervention must not only be safe and evidence-based—it must also be easy to deliver, day after day.

Preventive Veterinary Care

Veterinary medicine has always favored prevention: keep weight in check, brush teeth, run labs, and catch disease early. Longevity supplements extend that mindset one layer deeper, aiming at the mechanisms that drive frailty, cognitive decline, and inflammatory spirals before they manifest as diagnoses.

The key is framing. These supplements do not replace exams, bloodwork, or medications. They sit alongside the basics, creating an upstream buffer against the biology of aging itself. This is the philosophy La Petite Labs embraces: first habits, then diagnostics, then targeted supplementation. The goal is not to “push pills” but to design routines that families can keep—rituals that make it easy to support cellular health every single day. In doing so, longevity supplements become less about disruption and more about continuity: the natural next step in preventive care.

Practical Playbook: What Owners Can Do

Longevity isn’t about magic bullets—it’s about building routines that compound over time. Here are the levers every owner can pull, organized as a practical checklist:

Diet

  • Prioritize high-quality protein and omega-3s; minimize empty fillers.
  • Keep body condition lean; adjust calories beginning in midlife to avoid creeping weight gain.

Exercise & Enrichment

  • Commit to daily, joint-safe movement: short, frequent sessions beat weekend marathons.
  • Add cognitive play—scent games, puzzle feeders, new walking routes—to keep the brain engaged.

Routine Vet Care

  • Establish baseline labs in midlife; move to senior panels annually thereafter.
  • Don’t skip dental hygiene, arthritis screening, and weight curve tracking—these are early indicators of decline.

Targeted Supplements

  • Work with your veterinarian to match mechanisms to needs:

    NAD+ precursors for energy and repair.
    Senolytics to reduce senescent-cell burden.
    C15:0 for membrane resilience.
    Polyphenols and taurine for oxidative stress and immune balance.

  • Introduce one change at a time; track shifts in behavior, mobility, and sleep quality.

“A single daily powder like Hollywood Elixir™ can serve as the cellular base layer—grounding the basics of diet, exercise, and vet care.”

Our Philosophy on Longevity

Hollywood Elixir™ distills complex biology into one daily ritual.

We target three core pressures of aging—NAD+ drift, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial fatigue—with a networked approach: dual NAD+ support, broad-spectrum antioxidants, and resilient cofactors. Delivered in preservative-free sachets, every dose is stable, pure, and true.


At La Petite Labs, we’re pro-vet, transparent, and cautious with claims. What we promise is simple: not miracles, but more good days together—energy steadier, eyes brighter, companionship longer.

Explore Hollywood Elixir™→

Responsible Skepticism: Limits & Unknowns

Do these extend lifespan?

Not proven. Current data point more toward healthspan signals—vitality, cognition, activity—than raw lifespan.

How is this different from vitamins?

Vitamins correct deficiencies. Longevity formulas aim at mechanisms of aging—NAD+ decline, senescent cells, oxidative stress, mitochondrial drift.

What’s the quality of evidence?

Encouraging. Leap Years’ placebo-controlled trial showed cognitive benefits; other interventions rely on strong mechanistic science but need long-term, independent studies.

Any risks or interactions?

Generally well tolerated. Always check medications (e.g., anticoagulants) and pre-existing conditions with your veterinarian.

Is this hype?

Biology is plausible and promising, but expectations must remain sober. At La Petite Labs, we design for incremental, repeatable better—not miracles.

FAQ

When should I start a longevity routine for my dog?

Begin in midlife (often ~6–7 years for medium dogs; earlier for giant breeds, later for small breeds). Establish baselines with your vet, then add a daily longevity routine focused on cellular health and weight management.

Do cats benefit similarly from these approaches?

Yes—cats experience similar cellular aging pressures (NAD+ drift, oxidative stress, mitochondrial fatigue). Use cat-appropriate dosing and formulations; always check with your veterinarian.

How long until I might notice changes?

Most owners who see benefits report subtle improvements in 3–6 weeks (curiosity, play drive, smoother transitions from rest), with steadier gains by 8–12 weeks when paired with diet, movement, and vet care.

Can these supplements replace prescription meds?

No. They’re adjacent to, not replacements for, veterinary care and medications. Think of them as preventive support targeting upstream biology.

What’s the difference between longevity supplements and regular vitamins?

Vitamins correct deficiencies. Longevity supplements target mechanisms of aging—e.g., NAD+ pathways (energy/repair), senescent-cell burden, and oxidative stress/mitochondrial function.

How do I choose between NAD+, senolytics, C15:0, or polyphenols?

Start with the goal and the dog in front of you (with your vet):

  • NAD+ precursors → Best as a base layer for midlife and seniors with low energy/slow recovery; supports cellular repair and cognition.
  • Senolytics → Consider for early cognitive decline, frailty, or “inflammaging.” Often used pulsed; add only after a stable base routine and with vet guidance.
  • C15:0 → Useful when you see metabolic sluggishness, systemic inflammation, skin/coat or joint complaints; targets membrane resilience and inflammatory signaling.
  • Polyphenols (resveratrol, quercetin, curcumin, EGCG) → Broad oxidative-stress/immune balance support; complements any of the above and is commonly well-tolerated.

How to layer: Begin with a cellular base (NAD+ + antioxidant network) for 4–8 weeks, then add C15:0 if inflammation/metabolism need support; consider senolytics last as a targeted adjunct. Make one change at a time, use powders for precise dosing, and track behavior, mobility, and sleep.

What ingredients should I avoid in anti-aging pet supplements?

Steer clear of xylitol, artificial colors, BHA/BHT, unnecessary fillers, and high-heat processes that can degrade delicate actives.