The Canine NAD+ Revolution: NMN, NR, & NAD Injections for Brain Health & Energy

Interest in NAD+ supplements for dogs has exploded as pet parents watch the human “longevity” world experiment with NMN, NR and NAD infusions. It is tempting to think that the same capsules and injections improving energy in humans might keep our dogs sharp and playful into old age.

There is some real science here, but also a lot of marketing and many unanswered questions. Throughout this article, remember: always check with your dog’s veterinarian before starting any NAD+ product, especially injections or high-dose supplements.

What Is NAD+ and Why Does It Matter For Your Dog?

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a coenzyme found in every living cell. It plays several critical roles:

• Helps convert food into cellular energy (ATP) inside mitochondria
• Supports DNA repair and genomic stability
• Regulates cell signaling and stress responses
• Influences circadian rhythms and metabolism

In many species, including rodents and humans, NAD+ levels decline with age, and that decline has been linked to age-related diseases, reduced energy and neurodegeneration.

Although we do not yet have the same depth of data in dogs, veterinarians and pet supplement companies often infer that a similar age-related decline in canine NAD+ may contribute to:

• “Slowing down” and lower stamina
• Longer recovery after activity
• Cognitive changes that resemble human dementia

That idea is plausible based on what is known in other animals, but it has not been conclusively proven in dogs. Most of the strong mechanistic data comes from cell cultures, rodent models and human research rather than large, controlled canine trials.

Meet the Molecules: NMN, NR and NAD+ Itself

The “NAD+ revolution” in dogs is mostly about boosting the body’s own NAD+ production rather than giving pure NAD+ directly.

NAD+

• The active coenzyme used in energy production, DNA repair and many enzymatic reactions.
• Declines with age in multiple species.
• In humans, NAD+ can be given orally, intravenously or via injection, but the body often breaks it down and reassembles it, so many experts favor precursors instead.

NMN (Nicotinamide mononucleotide)

• A nucleotide made from vitamin B3 (niacinamide) and ribose.
• Serves as a direct precursor that the body converts into NAD+.
• In dogs, NMN is usually given orally as a supplement.

NR (Nicotinamide riboside)

• Another form of vitamin B3 and an NAD+ precursor that can be converted into NMN and then NAD+.
• Used in several canine products as a “premium” NAD+ booster ingredient.

Why use precursors at all?
The body has a tightly regulated NAD “salvage” cycle. Supplying precursors like NMN or NR may be a more natural way to support NAD+ levels than pushing large amounts of NAD+ itself, which may be broken down in the gut or bloodstream before it reaches tissues.

What The Science Actually Shows So Far

Evidence from rodent and laboratory models

Most of the compelling data about NAD+ and brain health comes from non-canine models:

• NAD+ precursors have shown benefits in rodent models of aging, Alzheimer-like disease, traumatic brain injury, vascular dementia and other neurodegenerative conditions. Benefits include reduced oxidative stress, better mitochondrial function and improved cognitive performance on maze tests.
• NAD-related compounds can influence myelination, the insulation around nerve fibers, in mouse brain tissue and live animals, which is important for fast, coordinated nerve signaling.

These results are exciting, but they are not the same as proof in pet dogs living normal lives. Many of these rodent studies use:

• Very high doses
• Controlled environments
• Specific genetic models or induced injuries

Translation to real-world dosing in dogs is still uncertain.

Evidence in dogs

Here is what we currently know in dogs as of 2025:

• A subacute toxicity study of oral NMN in beagle dogs for 14 days found that the compound was generally well tolerated at the doses used, with only mild changes in some lab parameters such as creatinine and uric acid.
• A small three-month clinical trial in 23 middle-aged to geriatric dogs receiving daily NMN reported that the supplement was tolerated and described improvements in some clinical signs, but the study was small and not widely published in peer-reviewed journals.
• Several veterinary-oriented companies and resources describe NR as safe and potentially helpful for healthy aging, energy and metabolic support in dogs, but they mainly rely on extrapolation from human and rodent data plus limited internal or small-scale trials.
• Articles aimed at pet owners highlight potential benefits of NAD+ supplements for energy, recovery and cognitive function, but openly acknowledge that robust, long-term, controlled clinical trials in dogs are lacking.

In short: short-term safety looks promising at appropriate doses, but hard evidence for long-term brain and energy benefits in dogs is still thin.

Potential Benefits People Hope For In Dogs

Based on animal and human research, plus anecdotal reports, pet parents and some veterinarians hope NAD+ support could help in three main areas.

1. Brain health and canine cognitive dysfunction

Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) has similarities to human Alzheimer disease, including disorientation, disrupted sleep, changes in interaction and altered house-training. Since NAD+ is involved in:

• Mitochondrial function
• Oxidative stress responses
• Inflammation and cell survival

researchers suspect that supporting NAD+ might help preserve neurons or slow decline. Rodent studies in models of Alzheimer-like disease show neuroprotection and improved behavior when NAD+ precursors are used.

In dogs, however:

• We do not yet have large, blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trials showing that NMN, NR or NAD+ injections significantly slow CCD progression.
• Most claims are based on owner reports, small pilot studies or extrapolation.

If your dog shows signs of cognitive decline, a veterinary exam is essential. Conditions like pain, vision loss, hearing loss, hypertension, kidney disease and brain tumors can mimic dementia and require different treatments.

2. Energy, stamina and recovery

Because NAD+ sits at the center of cellular energy production, it is reasonable to think that supporting NAD+ might help older dogs who:

• Tire more easily
• Take longer to recover after walks or play
• Seem less enthusiastic about activity

Some NAD+ supplement companies report improved activity and “vitality” scores in internal or small trials, and owners anecdotally report more playfulness and quicker recovery.

However, changes in energy can also come from:

• Better management of pain or arthritis
• Weight loss
• Adjusted exercise routines
• Changes in diet

It is hard to separate the specific effect of NAD+ precursors from these other factors without well-controlled clinical trials in dogs.

3. Metabolic and organ health

NAD+ is deeply involved in glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism and detoxification, including processes in the liver and kidneys. NR and other precursors have shown beneficial metabolic effects in animal models and some human studies.

For dogs, articles and product literature often claim:

• Better metabolic resilience
• Support for liver and kidney function
• Healthier weight or insulin sensitivity

At this stage, most of these claims are hypotheses supported by non-canine data rather than definitive canine clinical proof.

Safety, Side Effects and Unknowns

Despite the optimistic marketing, NAD+ support is not completely risk-free.

What we know so far

• In short-term studies, oral NMN has been generally well tolerated in dogs, with only mild lab changes at tested doses.
• Company and vet-oriented resources describe NR as “well tolerated” in dogs, again mainly based on extrapolation plus limited observational data.
• NAD+ supplements and precursors may cause mild gastrointestinal upset (soft stools, decreased appetite, vomiting) in some dogs, especially at higher doses or with sudden introduction.

Important unknowns

• Long-term safety in dogs over many years is not well studied.
• Effects in dogs with pre-existing kidney, liver, heart or neurologic disease are poorly defined.
• Potential interactions with other medications, such as anticonvulsants, heart drugs, chemotherapy or immunosuppressants, are not fully characterized.

Because NAD+ influences cell growth and DNA repair, some researchers have raised theoretical concerns about using strong NAD+ boosters in individuals with current or past cancers, since fast-growing cells might also benefit from enhanced metabolism. Human experts caution that individuals with certain cancer risks should avoid high-dose NAD+ supplementation until more is known.

Whether those concerns apply directly to dogs is not clear, but this is exactly why your veterinarian’s input is crucial, especially if your dog has a history of cancer.

NAD+ Injections For Dogs: Cutting Through The Hype

NAD+ injections and infusions have become popular in human wellness clinics, where they are claimed to boost energy, focus, mood and recovery. In humans:

• NAD+ can be given intramuscularly or as a slow IV infusion.
• Side effects may include flushing, headache, dizziness, chest tightness or increased heart rate, depending on dose and infusion speed.
• Evidence for long-term anti-aging benefits in humans is still limited, despite strong interest.

For dogs, there are no large, peer-reviewed clinical trials evaluating NAD+ injections for cognitive function, energy or longevity. Any use in dogs today is essentially:

• Off-label and experimental
• Based on human protocols that do not account for canine physiology
• Potentially risky if dosing, infusion speed or monitoring are not carefully tailored

On top of that, injections have built-in risks:

• Pain and stress
• Injection site infection or inflammation
• Risk of dosing errors

Because of these gaps, many veterinarians who are open to NAD+ prefer oral precursors like NMN or NR, where at least some canine safety data exist, and dosing can be adjusted more gradually.

If you encounter a clinic offering NAD+ injections for dogs outside a formal research setting, it is wise to ask very direct questions and involve your regular veterinarian.

How To Talk With Your Veterinarian About NAD+

If you are considering NMN, NR or NAD+ injections for your dog’s brain health and energy, bring your vet into the conversation early. Some vets will be enthusiastic and up to date on longevity research; others may be cautious or skeptical. Both attitudes can be useful.

Before the visit, gather:

• The exact product names you are considering (with ingredient lists)
• Marketing claims you have read
• Any dosing suggestions from the manufacturer

Helpful questions to ask:

1. Do you see any reason not to use an NAD+ booster in my dog, given their age, breed and health history?
2. If you were to consider it, would you prefer NMN, NR or another approach, and why?
3. What dose, schedule and form (chew, capsule, powder) would you consider reasonable for my dog’s weight and condition?
4. Should we check baseline bloodwork (kidney, liver, glucose, lipids) before starting and at follow-up intervals?
5. Are there any medications or supplements my dog is taking that might interact with NAD+ support?
6. If we do not use NAD+ right now, what else can we do to support my dog’s brain health and energy?

Always follow your veterinarian’s guidance. If your vet is unfamiliar with NAD+ research but open to learning, you can share scientific review articles and reputable veterinary resources, then decide together.

Choosing A Product When Your Vet Gives The Green Light

If your veterinarian believes an NAD+ precursor is reasonable for your dog, selection and monitoring still matter.

Look for:

• Clear labeling of active ingredients (for example, “nicotinamide mononucleotide 125 mg per capsule”).
• Third-party testing or quality certifications for purity and potency when possible.
• Dosing guidance specifically for dogs, not just human directions.
• Companies that are transparent about the limits of research instead of promising miracles.

Practical tips:

• Start at the low end of any vet-approved dose range and increase only if your veterinarian agrees.
• Give supplements with food unless your vet suggests otherwise.
• Keep a simple journal of changes in activity level, sleep, appetite, stool quality, behavior and any new symptoms.
• Recheck bloodwork as recommended, especially in older dogs or those with underlying disease.

Dogs Who May Not Be Good Candidates

While each case is individual, many vets would be cautious with NAD+ boosters in:

• Puppies and adolescent dogs whose bodies and brains are still developing
• Pregnant or nursing dogs
• Dogs with active cancer or a strong history of cancer, unless a veterinary oncologist specifically recommends it
• Dogs with uncontrolled seizures or severe heart, liver or kidney disease, where any new supplement could complicate management
• Dogs already on multiple medications with narrow safety margins

In these situations the risk-benefit calculus is more complex, and only your dog’s veterinarian can make an informed recommendation.

Where NAD+ Fits In Whole-Dog Brain Health And Energy

Even if NMN, NR or NAD+ injections turn out to be helpful in well-designed canine studies, they will never be the entire answer. For most dogs, the foundation of brain health and energy still includes:

• Regular aerobic exercise tailored to their joints and heart
• Daily mental enrichment (training games, scent work, puzzles, varied walks)
• High-quality, balanced nutrition that matches life stage and medical needs
• Weight management, since excess weight stresses joints, heart and metabolism
• Pain control for arthritis or other chronic conditions
• Good sleep, predictable routines and low stress at home
• Management of other diseases that impact brain function (for example, heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure)

NAD+ support, if it has a role, is likely to be one tool among many, not a substitute for solid day-to-day care.

Bottom Line: Hopeful, But Not Settled Science

The idea of a “canine NAD+ revolution” is exciting. NAD+ sits at the heart of cellular energy and repair, and in lab and rodent models, its precursors clearly influence aging and brain health. In dogs:

• Short-term safety of oral NMN at reasonable doses looks encouraging.
• NR is being used in several veterinary products with no major safety concerns reported so far, though rigorous independent data remain limited.
• NAD+ injections are popular in humans but have almost no robust published evidence in dogs and carry additional risks related to the injection process and dosing.
• Strong, long-term, placebo-controlled trials showing clear benefits for canine cognition, energy and lifespan are still missing.

If you are curious about NMN, NR or NAD+ injections for your dog, the most responsible step is simple:

Discuss the idea with your dog’s veterinarian, share what you have read, and let them help you weigh the possible benefits against the very real unknowns.

No supplement can replace thoughtful veterinary care, movement, enrichment and love, but with careful oversight, NAD+ support may eventually prove to be a useful piece of the healthy-aging puzzle for some dogs.

Sources and Further Reading

Scientific and medical literature:

• Abdulrazzaq Qader M, et al. Therapeutic potential of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide precursors for cognitive diseases in preclinical rodent models. BMC Neuroscience, 2025. (BioMed Central)
• Biomedicine review: Therapeutic perspective of NAD+ precursors in age related disease. (ScienceDirect)
• NAD+ augmentation and neurodegeneration review. (ScienceDirect)
• Subacute Toxicity Study of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide via Oral Administration in Mice and Beagle Dogs. Frontiers in Pharmacology. (Frontiers)

Veterinary and pet-focused resources:

• TotalVet Online Veterinarian. Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) for Dogs: What You Need to Know. (TotalVet)
• LongTails. NMN for Dogs: A Comprehensive Review of Benefits and Safety and NMN vs Nicotinamide Riboside for Dogs: Which NAD+ Booster is Best? (LongTails.com)
• LongTails and ThorneVet ingredient pages on nicotinamide riboside for dogs and cats. (Thorne Veterinary Services)
• Pawever Labs and similar educational articles on NAD+ for dogs, energy and healthy aging. (Pawever)
• General pet owner guides on NAD+ supplements and vet-supervised use. (PetsCare)

Human-focused but relevant context:

• San Francisco Chronicle. Overview of NAD supplements, trends and limitations of human evidence. (San Francisco Chronicle)
• Educational materials on NAD+ injections and potential side effects in humans from pharmacies and IV therapy providers. (Physicians' Choice Infusion Pharmacy)

Because research is evolving quickly, it is worth asking your veterinarian to check the most recent literature and position statements from veterinary specialty colleges or pharmacology experts before making decisions for your individual dog.