The Inflammaging
Field Guide

A whole-body look at the low-grade inflammation that builds with age, and how specific, standardized ingredients support a healthy inflammatory response over a dog's lifetime.

BEGIN BRIEFING

The Silent Clock

Modern veterinary science has fundamentally shifted its understanding of aging. It is no longer viewed merely as the chronological passage of time, but as a cumulative biological process known as "Inflammaging."

This is a chronic, sterile, low-grade inflammation that simmers beneath the surface of a dog's physiology. It builds quietly for years, often long before the familiar signs of age like stiffness, lower energy, or graying ever appear.

The Fragmented Approach: Most owners end up with a cabinet full of separate products, a joint chew here, a probiotic there, a skin-and-coat supplement somewhere else. Each one works in isolation. None of them work together.

Longevity & Vitality takes a different approach: one daily chew built around three connected pillars. Immune support (Turkey Tail), a healthy inflammatory response (Curcuvet® and Quercefit® phytosomes), and gut-barrier and gut-brain support (EpiCor® and Fibalance®). The idea is simple: support the whole system at once, not one thing at a time.

The Mismatch Hypothesis

To understand why dogs are aging faster, we can look at the widening gap between their biology and their environment.

Dogs share roughly 99.9% of their DNA with the grey wolf.1 That biology evolved on a protein-rich, low-carbohydrate diet. Yet the modern "Industrial Dog" is fed a diet built largely around ultra-processed carbohydrates (kibble), twice a day.

"This constant metabolic friction creates systemic heat. We call this inflammation."
Ancestral
Industrial
Carbohydrate Load Up to 1100% higher2,3
Ancestral: ~6% Kibble: up to 70%
Omega-6:3 Ratio Up to 30:14
Ancestral: balanced Kibble: 5:1 to 30:1+
The Metabolic Result: a steady metabolic load that keeps the body's inflammatory signaling switched on. Longevity & Vitality is designed to help buffer this modern biological friction.

Redefining Aging: The Invisible Corrosion

To understand the goal, it helps to understand the biology. Inflammaging is shaped by four physiological drivers that act like a "silent background radiation."

The 4 Drivers of Inflammaging

Chronic, low-grade 'false alarm' state. The fire that smolders but never dies out.

The aging immune system becomes 'senile', losing the ability to distinguish self from foe.

Biological rust. Free radicals overwhelm defenses, damaging DNA and cell membranes.

When the gut lining becomes more permeable, compounds like LPS can cross into circulation and add to the body's inflammatory load.5-7

Select a driver to explore the pathology.

The Sub-Clinical Gap

The tricky thing about inflammaging is how quiet it is. By the time the classic signs of aging show up, the process has often been building for years. Reactive supplements come late because they address what is already visible rather than supporting the body earlier.

The Foundation-First Idea

Giving glucosamine to a stiff joint is like delivering lumber to a worksite before the ground is level. The raw material matters, but the foundation matters first. The goal is to support the body's own signaling balance, not just hand it building blocks.

One Symptom, One Product

For decades, the industry has run on a "one symptom, one product" philosophy. It leaves owners managing a whole shelf of disconnected jars, and it creates three real problems.

Antagonistic Interactions

Without a unified formulation strategy, ingredients compete for absorption. High doses of certain minerals in one supplement can inhibit the uptake of others, creating biological waste.8,9

Missing Cofactors

A probiotic (bacteria) administered without a compatible prebiotic (fiber) often fails to colonize. The fragmented model sells the bacteria but forgets the fuel.

Compliance Fatigue

Managing multiple jars, scoops, and pills creates "dosing fatigue." Doses get missed, and consistency, the single most important factor in a daily routine, is lost.

Mobilization Without Inflammation

We do not "boost" the immune system; we train it. A constantly boosted system is prone to over-reaction. We lean on a concept called "trained immunity" using beta-glucans from Trametes versicolor (Turkey Tail).10,11

These molecules bind to Dectin-1 receptors on immune cells, helping keep the immune system's everyday surveillance primed and ready, without the metabolic cost of chronic activation.

  • Standardization: ≥40% beta-glucans (1,3/1,6 architecture).
  • Dosing: a meaningful, standardized level of beta-glucans in every chew.
SOURCING & QUALITY

Built on Standardization

Quality starts before the extract. Our Turkey Tail is log-grown fruiting body, not mycelium grown on grain, and dual-extracted with both hot water and ethanol to capture the full range of beta-glucans.

  • Log-grown fruiting body only
  • Dual-extracted: hot water and ethanol
  • Standardized to ≥40% beta-glucans
  • Third-party tested for purity

The Delivery Mechanism

Generic botanical powders are hydrophobic and poorly absorbed across the gut wall ("The Dust Problem"). Phytosome technology wraps the active ingredient in sunflower lecithin, mimicking the cell membrane for passive diffusion.

INTESTINAL LUMEN (WATER LAYER)
BLOODSTREAM
Raw
Blocked by mucosal barrier
Lipid
Absorbed
< 1% Raw Absorption12
Rapid Excretion

Working Upstream: the NF-κB Pathway

Most everyday approaches act downstream. Curcumin is studied for its activity further upstream, at a signaling pathway called NF-κB, a central regulator of the body's inflammatory response.

Curcuvet® (curcumin phytosome) delivers curcumin in a highly absorbable form, so it can help support a healthy, balanced inflammatory response.

The "Dust" Paradox

On its own, standard turmeric is poorly absorbed. Curcuvet® wraps curcumin in sunflower phospholipids (a phytosome) for up to 29x greater absorption than standard curcumin extract.13

Quercetin: The Metabolic Shield

In the Longevity & Vitality formula, Quercefit® quercetin is not just another ingredient; it is a metabolic multiplier. It plays two useful roles:

Histamine Balance

Quercefit® quercetin is studied for its role in supporting a normal, balanced histamine response.14,15

Metabolic Sparing (1 + 1 = 3)

Curcumin is naturally cleared quickly by the liver. Quercetin temporarily occupies those liver enzymes, helping curcumin stay active in the bloodstream longer.

Mechanism: Metabolic Shielding

Quercetin acts as a competitive inhibitor of liver sulfotransferases, working like a "bodyguard" that helps curcumin stay active in the bloodstream longer.

The Foundation of Resilience

The gut microbiome is not merely a digestive organ. It is an endocrine system, an immune regulator, and a direct connection to the brain via the vagus nerve. Supporting this axis is central to supporting healthy aging.

Postbiotic Era (EpiCor®)

We moved beyond fragile probiotics. EpiCor® is a fermented whole-food postbiotic studied for its role in supporting the gut's mucosal immune defenses, including secretory IgA, helping support steady day-to-day immune readiness.16-19

Prebiotic Fiber (Fibalance®)

Fibalance® (PHGG) is a low-FODMAP prebiotic fiber that the canine gut microbiome ferments readily, feeding beneficial bacteria and their short-chain fatty acid output to support a balanced microbiome and healthy, well-formed stools.20

The Gut-Brain Link

In a 348-dog, 60-day in-home study, dogs given EpiCor® were 165% more likely to be rated by their owners as less anxious than placebo dogs (P=0.02).19 Butyrate can cross the blood-brain barrier and calm the microglia behind neuro-inflammation.21-24 Fibalance® feeds those butyrate-producers.25,26

How It Works Inside the Cell

The formula is designed to support the body across three biological stages tied to the drivers of inflammaging.

Genomic Support

Curcumin is studied for its activity at the NF-κB pathway, part of how the body regulates its inflammatory signaling.

Healthy Cellular Aging

Quercetin is studied for its role in supporting normal cellular housekeeping as part of healthy aging.

Barrier Support

Butyrate (from fiber fermentation) fuels the cells that line the colon and supports the integrity of the tight junctions between them.

Molecular Synergy

The formula's components work in concert, not isolation

How the Pillars Work Together

Longevity & Vitality does not look at the joint, the gut, and the immune system as isolated silos. It supports the dog as a unified network.

Train & Sustain (Immunological)

Turkey Tail primes the immune system; EpiCor supports it. Readiness without depletion.

Gut-Joint Support (Structural)

Supporting the gut barrier (Fibalance®) and a healthy inflammatory response (Curcuvet®) work together to support comfortable, active movement.

Gut-Oral Support (Microbiome)

In the same 60-day in-home study, dogs given EpiCor® were 211% more likely to be rated by their owners as having less breath odor than placebo dogs (P=0.007), the study's strongest single result.19 Breath odor comes from odor-producing oral bacteria, which a healthy salivary-IgA mucosal response is understood to help keep in check, a mechanism shown separately in EpiCor-fed dogs but not measured breath-to-mechanism in one trial.16-19

1 + 1 = 3

A closed-loop biological system.

Longevity & Vitality is not a collection of individual supplements. It is a deliberately built system where each component supports the others. This "entourage effect" creates combined effects that work better together than any single ingredient alone.

Curcumin NF-κB pathway
→
Quercetin Extends Window
→
Beta-Glucans Trains Immunity
↩

Amplification

Quercetin occupies the liver enzymes that would otherwise clear curcumin, helping extend its active window.

Dual Training

Beta-glucans and EpiCor work on different immune pathways, supporting a balanced response that neither would reach alone.

Barrier Synergy

PHGG supports the gut environment where the other compounds are absorbed, helping the whole formula work better together.

The Ritual

The Countertop Anchor

Longevity & Vitality is built for a simple daily ritual: just one serving, once a day, with love.

This simplicity is intentional. No complex dosing schedules. No multiple products. No forgotten afternoon supplements. Just one small daily habit that supports your dog's long-term health.

"The Habit Stack"

Morning meal plus Longevity & Vitality. A daily investment in longevity that takes 10 seconds and pays dividends for years.

Ingredients and Amounts (Per Chew)

Ingredient Per Chew Role
Turkey Tail extract 600 mg Immune support. Standardized to ≥40% beta-glucans.
Curcuvet® (curcumin phytosome) 75 mg curcuminoids Supports a healthy inflammatory response. Phytosome for improved absorption.
Quercefit® (quercetin phytosome) 40 mg quercetin Supports a normal histamine response. Works alongside curcumin.
Fibalance® (PHGG) 275 mg Low-FODMAP prebiotic fiber. Supports digestive balance.
EpiCor® postbiotic 50 mg Fermented postbiotic. Supports gut-immune balance.

Amounts reflect the current Longevity & Vitality formula. Individual response may vary. Consult your veterinarian for specific recommendations.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and is not a substitute for veterinary care.

Intended for intermittent or supplementary feeding only.

References

  1. Wayne RK. Molecular evolution of the dog family. Trends Genet. 1993;9(6):218-224.
  2. Bosch G, Hagen-Plantinga EA, Hendriks WH. Dietary nutrient profiles of wild wolves: insights for optimal dog nutrition? Br J Nutr. 2015;113(S1):S40-S54.
  3. vonHoldt BM, et al. Genome-wide SNP and haplotype analyses reveal a rich history underlying dog domestication. Nature. 2010;464:898-902.
  4. Beynen AC. Omega 6:3 ratio in dog food. Bonny Canteen. 2020;1:38-49.
  5. Cani PD, et al. Metabolic endotoxemia initiates obesity and insulin resistance. Diabetes. 2007;56(7):1761-1772.
  6. Flavonoids in mitigating the adverse effects of canine endotoxemia. Front Vet Sci. 2024.
  7. Gastrointestinal bacterial translocation and systemic inflammation in dogs with advanced myxomatous mitral valve disease. 2024 (PMC12643309).
  8. National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press; 2006.
  9. Whittaker P. Iron and zinc interactions in humans. Am J Clin Nutr. 1998;68(2):442S-446S.
  10. Arts RJW, et al. β-glucan induces trained immunity against M. tuberculosis. Cell Host Microbe. 2018.
  11. Braian C, Karlsson L, Lerm M. Selected β-glucans act as immune-training agents. J Innate Immun. 2023;15(1):751-764.
  12. Anand P, Kunnumakkara AB, Newman RA, Aggarwal BB. Bioavailability of curcumin: problems and promises. Mol Pharm. 2007;4(6):807-818.
  13. Cuomo J, Appendino G, Dern AS, et al. Comparative absorption of a standardized curcuminoid mixture and its lecithin formulation. J Nat Prod. 2011;74(4):664-669.
  14. Belcaro G, Cesarone MR, Scipione C, et al. Quercetin Phytosome reduces the wheal response to histamine injection. Esperienze Dermatologiche. 2020;22(1):5-9.
  15. Naso M, Trincianti C, Tosca MA, Ciprandi G. Quercetin and its lecithin-based formulation: potential applications for allergic diseases based on a narrative review. Nutrients. 2025;17(9):1476.
  16. Palić D, Rowe EW, Kimura K, Roth JA, Noxon J, May E, Madson D. Effect of EpiCor fermentate on immune response, safety, and welfare of dogs. Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine; 2011.
  17. Jensen GS, Patterson KM, Barnes J, Schauss AG, Beaman R, Reeves SG, Robinson LE. A double-blind placebo-controlled, randomized pilot study: consumption of a high-metabolite immunogen from yeast culture has beneficial effects on erythrocyte health and mucosal immune protection in healthy subjects. Open Nutr J. 2008;2:68-75.
  18. Lin CY, Alexander C, Steelman AJ, Warzecha CM, de Godoy MRC, Swanson KS. Effects of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product on fecal characteristics, nutrient digestibility, fecal fermentative end-products, fecal microbial populations, immune function, and diet palatability in adult dogs. J Anim Sci. 2019;97(4):1586-1599.
  19. Gasper J, Norton SA, Naqvi SA, Sardi MI. PSVIII-17 In-home validation of a canine supplement containing a Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product. J Anim Sci. 2023;101(Suppl 3):459-460.
  20. Biagi G, Cipollini I, Grandi M, Zaghini G. Influence of some potential prebiotics and fibre-rich foodstuffs on composition and activity of canine intestinal microbiota. Anim Feed Sci Technol. 2010;159:50-58.
  21. Fock E, Parnova R. Mechanisms of blood-brain barrier protection by microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids. Cells. 2023;12(4):657.
  22. Sun J, et al. Antidepressant-like effects of sodium butyrate and its possible mechanisms of action in mice exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress. Neurosci Lett. 2016;618:159-166.
  23. Sun J, Lu L, Lian Y, Xu S, Zhu Y, Wu Y, Lin Q, Hou J, Li Y, Yu Z. Sodium butyrate attenuates microglia-mediated neuroinflammation by modulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway and microbiome-gut-brain axis in cardiac arrest mice. Mol Brain. 2025;18:13.
  24. Ziabska K, Gargas J, Sypecka J, Ziemka-Nalecz M. The impact of the histone deacetylase inhibitor sodium butyrate on microglial polarization after oxygen and glucose deprivation. Pharmacol Rep. 2022;74:909-919.
  25. Abe K, et al. Partially hydrolyzed guar gum is associated with improvement in gut health, sleep, and motivation among healthy subjects. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2023;72(2):189-197.
  26. Abe A, et al. Effectiveness of partially hydrolyzed guar gum on cognitive function and sleep efficiency in healthy elderly subjects: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. Nutrients. 2024;16(8):1211.

References describe general biological mechanisms and background on the ingredients discussed. They are not claims about Longevity & Vitality, and some findings derive from non-canine or preclinical models.