The science
How we read a paper — and how we grade what it’s worth.
This site is built on one idea: the most evidence, honestly communicated. Here is how every study in the library gets read, and exactly what each badge on this site means.
How we read the evidence
Go to the primary source
Not the press release, not the podcast summary — the paper. Every compound in this library begins with the study that actually ran, and the study is linked so you can check us.
Ask which species, and how many
A lifespan result in mice is not a lifespan result in dogs. We record the species, the design, and the sample size on every entry, because those three facts decide how much a finding is worth.
Separate mechanism from outcome
A beautiful mechanism is not a result. Spermidine has one of the best-characterized mechanisms in the field and still failed its largest cognitive trial. We say so on its page.
Grade it, then say the gap out loud
Every compound and every study carries an evidence badge. Where the pet-specific evidence is thin — which is most places — the badge and the text say it plainly.
The evidence-stage legend
Every compound and every study on this site carries one of these badges. It tells you how much weight the research can actually bear.
Multiple randomized human trials with consistent, replicated results. In pets the effect is inferred from conserved biology and species-appropriate dosing.
Human trials exist but are mixed or early-stage; the mechanism is well characterized.
Promising mechanism with mostly preclinical or small-sample human data. We flag the uncertainty.
Signals so far come from animal models. We carry these forward cautiously and say so.
Every compound, graded
The whole library at a glance, each with its stage and what the research actually supports. Read the full write-up →
| Compound | Evidence stage | What it supports |
|---|---|---|
| Rapamycin (sirolimus) | Emerging evidence | Studied for healthy aging, cardiac function, and immune resilience. A prescription drug — veterinary supervision is not optional. |
| Urolithin A | Strong human evidence | Supports mitochondrial health and muscle function. |
| Calcium alpha-ketoglutarate (Ca-AKG) | Animal-model evidence | Supports cellular energy metabolism. |
| Spermidine | Emerging evidence | Supports cellular renewal (autophagy). |
| Fisetin | Early evidence | Supports healthy aging and cellular balance. |
| Resveratrol | Emerging evidence | Antioxidant support. |
| Turkey tail (PSP/PSK) | Strong human evidence | Supports the normal function of immune cells (NK cells, macrophages). |
| Reishi (Ganoderma) | Emerging evidence | Supports immune-system balance. |
| Curcumin (BCM-95) | Emerging evidence | Supports a healthy inflammatory response. |
In public, with the receipts
The commitments we keep
- We never claim a compound diagnoses, treats, cures, or prevents disease.
- We grade evidence honestly: human and mouse data is usually stronger than pet data, and we say so rather than blurring the line.
- Ongoing trials are labeled ongoing. We do not describe results that do not exist yet.
- We publish the disappointing results — the failed trials are part of the evidence.
- We sell nothing on this site, so the grade has nothing to protect.
- Every health page ends by pointing you to your veterinarian.
The content on this site is for informational purposes only and is not veterinary advice. These statements have not been evaluated by a food or drug regulatory authority and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet's health.