Most people recognize aging in a dog by outward signs—graying fur, gentler play, longer naps. But aging does not begin at the surface. It begins inside the body, at the cellular level, in the systems responsible for producing energy.
At the center of that process is NAD⁺ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide). NAD⁺ is not a vitamin, not a stimulant, and not an antioxidant. It is a coenzyme—an essential molecule that enables hundreds of metabolic reactions involved in cellular energy production. Without sufficient NAD⁺, cells cannot efficiently convert nutrients into usable energy.
In dogs, as in other mammals, NAD⁺ levels naturally decline with age. As this happens, cells become less efficient at producing energy and maintaining normal function. Over time, this contributes to slower recovery, reduced stamina, and subtle changes in how older dogs move through the world.
Understanding NAD⁺ for dogs offers a clearer explanation for why energy changes with age—not suddenly, but gradually, as cellular efficiency declines. It also helps explain why aging is not merely cosmetic, and why supporting internal metabolism matters more than surface-level signs.
Thoughtful, food-first NAD⁺ support focuses on helping maintain existing metabolic pathways, supporting steadier energy and more comfortable aging.
This article explores that biology with clarity and restraint—examining how NAD⁺ functions in dogs, how it changes with age, and why gentle metabolic support can play a meaningful role in healthy aging.