PQQ for Dogs: A Promising Supplement for Canine Health and Longevity

As dog lovers, we're always on the lookout for ways to help our furry friends live their best, healthiest lives. And while a balanced diet, regular exercise, and plenty of love are the foundations of canine wellness, sometimes a little extra nutritional support can make a big difference.

Enter Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ) Disodium Salt - a natural compound that's been the subject of exciting research for its potential health benefits. PQQ is a powerful antioxidant found in small amounts in foods like kiwi, green peppers, and parsley. But it's the supplemental form, PQQ Disodium Salt, that's been making waves in the world of animal health.

From boosting cognitive function to supporting energy metabolism to even potentially slowing the effects of aging, PQQ is showing promise as a supplement for dogs. While most of the research has been done in other species, the results are intriguing for our canine companions.

Let's dive into the science behind PQQ and explore how it may help keep your pup feeling their best.

What is PQQ?

PQQ is a compound that was first discovered in 1979. It's a redox cofactor, meaning it helps facilitate important reactions in the body, particularly those involved in energy production.

In nature, PQQ is produced by certain bacteria and is present in small amounts in some foods. But the form that's been studied for its health benefits is PQQ Disodium Salt, a synthetic salt form that's more stable and bioavailable.

PQQ has a few key properties that make it interesting from a health perspective:

• It's a potent antioxidant, able to scavenge free radicals and protect cells from oxidative damage.
• It supports the function of mitochondria, the powerhouses of the cell that generate energy.
• It's involved in cellular signaling pathways that regulate growth, development, and survival.

These properties have led researchers to investigate PQQ's potential benefits for a range of health conditions, from cognitive decline to heart disease to aging. And while most of the studies have been done in humans and lab animals, there's growing interest in how PQQ may support canine health.

Potential Benefits of PQQ for Dogs

So, what does the science say about PQQ and dog health? While research specifically in canines is limited, studies in other species suggest some promising potential benefits.

1. Cognitive Function

One of the most exciting areas of PQQ research is its potential to support brain health and cognitive function. Several studies have found that PQQ supplementation can improve memory, attention, and overall cognitive performance.

• In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in healthy adult humans, PQQ Disodium Salt supplementation for 12 weeks significantly improved measures of memory, attention, and cognitive flexibility compared to placebo.
• A study in aged rats found that PQQ supplementation improved performance on cognitive tests and helped prevent age-related decline in brain function, particularly in attention and working memory.
• PQQ has been shown to stimulate the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), a protein that's crucial for the growth, maintenance, and survival of brain cells.

While we need more research to confirm these effects in dogs, the cognitive benefits of PQQ are promising, especially for senior dogs who may be experiencing age-related mental decline.

2. Energy Metabolism and Mitochondrial Function

PQQ's role in supporting mitochondrial function may offer benefits for energy metabolism and physical performance. Mitochondria are essential for producing ATP, the energy currency of the cell. By optimizing their function, PQQ may help support vitality and stamina.

• In a study on broiler chickens, dietary PQQ Disodium Salt supplementation improved feed efficiency, increased muscle development, and supported antioxidant capacity, likely by enhancing mitochondrial efficiency.
• PQQ has been shown to stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis, the production of new mitochondria, which can help cells meet increased energy demands.
• By supporting mitochondrial function, PQQ may help counteract the age-related decline in energy metabolism that can contribute to frailty and reduced physical function.

For dogs, this could translate to better exercise tolerance, more energy for play and activity, and improved muscle function, especially as they age.

3. Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects

As a potent antioxidant, PQQ may help protect cells from oxidative stress and inflammation, two key drivers of many chronic diseases.

• Studies in broiler chickens have found that PQQ supplementation can improve antioxidant capacity, reduce markers of oxidative stress, and modulate inflammation in various tissues.
• PQQ has been shown to activate the Nrf2 pathway, a master regulator of the body's antioxidant defenses, helping cells better cope with oxidative stress.
• By reducing inflammation and oxidative damage, PQQ may support the health and function of various organ systems, from the brain to the heart to the joints.

For dogs, this could mean better overall health and resilience, and potentially even a slower rate of age-related decline.

4. Other Potential Benefits

While more research is needed, PQQ shows promise for supporting canine health in a few other key areas:

• Cardiovascular health: PQQ has been shown to improve blood lipid profiles and reduce the risk of heart disease in animal models.
• Immune function: PQQ may help regulate immune responses and protect against infections.
• Bone health: Some studies suggest PQQ may stimulate bone formation and protect against osteoporosis.
• Liver function: PQQ has been shown to protect the liver from oxidative damage and support detoxification pathways.

As research continues, we may discover even more ways that PQQ can support our dogs' health and wellbeing.

Is PQQ Safe for Dogs?

Based on the available evidence, PQQ appears to be safe and well-tolerated in the species studied so far. No major adverse effects have been reported in the animal or human trials.

However, as with any supplement, it's important to talk to your veterinarian before giving PQQ to your dog. They can help you determine if it's appropriate for your individual pup and recommend a safe dosage.

When choosing a PQQ supplement for your dog, look for a high-quality, pure PQQ Disodium Salt product from a reputable company. Avoid supplements that contain other ingredients that may not be safe for dogs.

It's also important to remember that supplements are not a substitute for a balanced diet, regular exercise, and good veterinary care. PQQ should be used as part of a holistic approach to your dog's health, not as a sole solution.

The Bottom Line

PQQ Disodium Salt is a promising supplement that may offer a range of benefits for canine health, from supporting cognitive function to boosting energy metabolism to protecting against oxidative stress and inflammation.

While more research is needed to fully understand its effects in dogs, the available evidence from other species is encouraging. As a potent antioxidant and modulator of cellular function, PQQ has the potential to support your dog's health and vitality at every stage of life.

If you're interested in adding PQQ to your dog's wellness regimen, talk to your veterinarian first. With their guidance and a commitment to sourcing a high-quality supplement, PQQ may be a valuable tool in your quest to help your furry friend live their best, healthiest life.

Because at the end of the day, our dogs give us so much - unconditional love, loyalty, and companionship. They deserve every opportunity to thrive, and if a little PQQ can help make that happen, it's worth exploring.

With science on our side and love in our hearts, we can give our dogs the best possible chance at a long, healthy, and tail-wagging life.

References:

1. Liu, G., Sun, G., Liao, X., Huang, J., Guo, M., Zhang, L., Guo, Y., Lu, L., & Luo, X. (2020). Effect of dietary supplementation of pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium on growth performance, meat quality and antioxidative ability of broilers. Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 19(10), 2613-2622. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2095-3119(19)62851-0
2. Shiojima, Y., Takahashi, M., Takahashi, R., Moriyama, H., Bagchi, D., Bagchi, M., & Akanuma, M. (2021). Effect of Dietary Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Disodium Salt on Cognitive Function in Healthy Volunteers: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Study. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 40(8), 690-699. https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2021.1962770
3. Rucker, R., Chowanadisai, W., & Nakano, M. (2009). Potential physiological importance of pyrroloquinoline quinone. Alternative medicine review: a journal of clinical therapeutic, 14(3), 268-277.
4. Wang, J., Zhang, H. J., Samuel, K., Long, C., Wu, S. G., Yue, H., Sun, L. L., & Qi, G. (2015). Effects of dietary pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium on growth, carcass characteristics, redox status, and mitochondria metabolism in broilers. Poultry science, 94(2), 215-225. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps/peu050
5. Sun, Q., Hong, Y., Yang, Z., He, P., Chen, C., Wang, J., & Weng, Q. (2022). An Efficient UPLC-MS/MS Method for the Determination of Pyrroloquinoline Quinone in Rat Plasma and Its Application to a Toxicokinetic Study. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 27(22), 7947. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27227947
6. Ishak, N. S. M., & Ikemoto, K. (2023). Pyrroloquinoline-quinone to reduce fat accumulation and ameliorate obesity progression. Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences, 10, 1200025. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmolb.2023.1200025

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical or veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon or perceived as specific medical or veterinary advice.

We recognize there may be different points of view or opinions on some aspect or even the premise of this article. Our goal at LongTails is to provide the best, clearest, and most helpful information possible to help keep your dog happy, healthy and safe.