Zesty Paws Healthy Aging Review: Functional Products for Dogs
Published on September 17, 2024
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We all want our canine companions to be by our side for years and years. That’s why supplements like Zesty Paws Healthy Aging NAD+ Precursor for dogs have become more popular with pet parents.
As people, we’re proactive about our health to live long, healthy lives. We work out, eat healthy, and take supplements. Now, we’re starting to do the same for our dogs.
As dogs age, they may experience cognitive decline, joint pain, arthritis, and slower metabolism. Thankfully, advancements in veterinary science have found ways to help dogs, even on a cellular level.
What Is Zesty Paws?
Zesty Paws is an award-winning pet supplement brand with products for cats and dogs that help keep your bestie feeling zesty. Made with high-quality ingredients and delicious flavors in unique and fun formats, Zesty Paws makes caring for your pet’s health and well-being easy.
Whenever you are shopping for pet supplements, it’s important to check that you’re buying from a trustworthy brand that’s independently reviewed. Zesty Paws has earned the Quality Seal from the National Animal Supplement Council because it follows labeling guidelines, complies with quality control guidelines, and submits to random product testing. The brand also follows Good Manufacturing Practices.
Zesty Paws Healthy Aging NAD+ Precursor
Zesty Paws launched the innovative Healthy Aging NAD+ Precursor product in 2023, beginning with its original format of a capsule of Niagen® paired with the brand’s Pill Wrap Probiotic Paste. Niagen is a form of vitamin B3 that helps to support heart, metabolic, cellular, brain, and joint health.
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a naturally occurring coenzyme that regulates metabolism. NAD+ is important in supporting skin, digestion, and cardiovascular health in humans and dogs. NAD+ helps cells repair themselves.
As dogs age, NAD+ naturally declines, leaving dogs with slower cellular repair. NAD+ precursors help to refill the diminishing supply so cells can repair themselves, leading to a healthier and supported aging process.
Zesty Paws also offers a second format of this innovative supplement in the form of a powder that is easy to mix, pour, and serve.
You should always speak with your veterinarian before giving dogs supplements, especially if they’re on medication. Your veterinarian will help you make the best choices for your pooch.
Putting Zesty Paws To The Test
I’ve used Zesty Paws products before and am very familiar with them. I’ve seen good results from their Urinary Tract Bites, so I had high hopes for this new product to support longevity and vitality.
I first analyzed the branding. The black and silver wrapping looks sleek and professional. NAD+ and Niagen were not words I recognized before researching more, so I appreciated that the branding mentioned how these ingredients helped dogs with “skeletal muscle support” and “brain and heart health.”
Here’s my honest review of Zesty Paws and the Healthy Aging NAD+ Precursor:
Testing the Healthy Aging NAD+ Precursor Capsules and Pill Wrap Paste
The capsules and the pill wrap come together in one box. The capsules are about one centimeter long. The paste has a thick, dough-like consistency that smells like bacon. It comes in a plastic pot with a screw-top lid so that it won’t dry out. There’s more than enough paste to cover all 60 capsules. I never felt like I would run out of paste.
I first let my dog Wright sniff the paste. He seemed interested, so I think the bacon flavor is enticing. That’s what I expected based on other Zesty Paws reviews, especially given the simple fact that dogs love bacon.
The paste is thicker than peanut butter, but serving it was really easy. I just took a capsule and scooped a bit of paste with my fingers—the same way you’d disguise a pill with peanut butter. Wright ate it up without realizing that there was a capsule inside.
Testing the Healthy Aging NAD+ Precursor Powder
The powder format of this supplement is more straightforward. I pulled out a small powder sachet, ripped it open, and poured it over his food. The powder sachets are easy to open. The powder smells fresh and clean, almost unscented, and each box contains 30 sachets.
Of the two products, I preferred the powder, as it was easier to serve and less messy for me.
Wright seemed to love the flavor of both products. He never hesitated to gobble up a paste-covered capsule or the powder-coated kibble. However, he seemed most interested in the powder and was eager to eat his kibble even when he could see it on his food. Both products were easy to serve.
Although I didn’t notice any difference in his energy level after only a few uses, I think it helped his digestion. I noticed no tummy troubles after giving him this new dog supplement. Ultimately, I felt better about doing what I could to keep him healthy longer.
Things We Like:
- Two forms to choose from. Not all dogs like pills (I’ve known dogs that would eat pill pockets around the pills), so having the option of a powder is ideal.
- The clear labeling and instructions. Zesty Paws has clear feeding guidelines, so you know exactly how much to give your furry friend.
- Easy-to-store products. The small packaging is easy to store and easy to pack. Just make sure you keep it away from kids and other pets.
- It’s a trustworthy dog supplement. Using the Healthy Aging NAD+ Precursor made me feel like I was taking proactive steps to keep Wright healthy. I feel comfortable recommending it to friends and family.
Things to Consider
The probiotic paste is messier to use than a traditional pill pocket. That can make serving in a dog bowl easier, but it also means you must take more time to hide the capsule in the brown paste.
The powder is also bright white, so thoroughly mix it into your dog’s food to disguise it. It’s much easier to disguise in liquid dog food, but you can cover it up with your regular kibble.
How To Help Your Aging Dog
Regular veterinary checkups are the most important way to help your aging dog. If you’re one of the 52% of Americans sharing life with a senior dog, you know how important it is to stay on top of any prescribed medication and lifestyle changes.
Regular Vet Visits
Aging in dogs looks different for every pooch. That’s why it’s so important to visit your veterinarian regularly. Your veterinarian will perform regular checkups where they can check for any underlying medical conditions, including popular aging issues like dog joint health and heart health.
“Regular vet visits are key to catching any health issues early,” said Deborah Linder, D.V.M. at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. “Veterinarians can help create a care plan tailored to each dog’s specific needs.”
Follow a Healthy Diet
A lot of data shows how important a healthy diet is for canines. Research has found that supplements with B vitamins, fish oil, and antioxidants have cognitive benefits, just as another study shows that therapeutic diets help dogs with cognitive dysfunction (like dementia). The Dog Aging Project also found that dogs fed once daily had lower scores on a cognitive dysfunction scale and better physical health overall.
Feeding your dog pet food that follows the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guidelines should provide them with all the nutrients they need.
“I recommend families always talk to their veterinarian before giving any supplements to their dog,” Dr. Linder adds. “They can advise on what’s safe and helpful for each dog’s specific situation.”
Regular Physical Activity
The Dog Aging Project found that physical activity is connected with better cognitive outcomes in dogs. No matter the age of your canine companion, you can find a way to keep them active with regular walks, games of fetch, and agility training.
Zesty Paws Health Aging NAD+ Precursor FAQs
Where can I purchase Zesty Paws Healthy Aging NAD+ Precursor?
Shop Chewy and Amazon to find these dog supplements.
Can puppies use Zesty Paws Healthy Aging NAD+ Precursor?
Dogs of all ages and sizes can use Zesty Paws Healthy Aging NAD+ Precursor.
Zesty Paws Health Aging NAD+ Precursor: Our Verdict
Zesty Paws Healthy Aging NAD+ Precursor is a great choice if you want your canine companion to be a part of your family for years to come. These supplements are easy to serve your dog as a pill or a powder, which I would happily give to any dog.