They key to the success of HardyPet is in the ingredients and how they work together to target some of the most challenging ailments faced by our furry friends. The selection of these powerful ingredients, and their ratios, was determined by a team of top veterinarians, food chemists, and researchers. The development process was assisted through careful testing and numerous clinical trials.

Below are a few of the trials which were used to isolate the most safe and effective formulations for the HardyPet family of supplements:

STUDY #1: Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Canine Osteoarthritis
Type: A Randomized, Double-Masked, Practice Based, Unpublished
Duration: 6 months
Year of Study: 2006

Overview: Participants in this study were given HardyPet supplements in an effort to determine the effect on mean serum eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) concentrations. EPA is a well known determining factor in promoting joint health in canines. EPA concentrations were measured in the dogs fed either a control (placebo containing less than 0.01% EPA) or test (HardyPet containing 0.48% EPA) for 180 days (*p<0.0002). Note that serum EPA concentrations rise rapidly within 45 days of feeding a supplement with enhanced EPA levels.

Results: Dogs HardyPet supplements had significantly higher serum concentrations of total omega-3 fatty acids and EPA. The test groups also had significantly improved ability to rise from a resting position and in running and playing at 6 weeks, and improvements in walking at 12 and 24 weeks compared to control dogs. Dogs fed the control supplement showed no significant improvement in the clinical variables assessed by dog owners when compared to dogs fed HardyPet Supplements

Conclusion: The ingredients in HardyPet supplements dramatically improve the ability of dogs with Osteoarthritis to move, run, play, walk, and live their lives with less pain.

STUDY #2: Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Force Plate Gait
Type: Feeding Study, University Based, Unpublished
Duration: 6 months
Year of Study: 2007

Overview: Participants in this study were given HardyPet supplements in an effort to determine the effect on the ability of dogs with Osteoarthritis to bear their weight when walking. Mean vertical peak force as a measure of weight bearing in dogs fed either a control supplement or a test supplement (HardyPet which is high in total omega-3 fatty acid and EPA concentrations).

Results: Based on clinical orthopedic examinations, a significantly greater percentage of dogs fed HardyPet exhibited a reduction in pain when the affected joint was palpated and were evaluated as “improved” versus dogs fed the control Supplement. Mean vertical peak force increased significantly in dogs fed HardyPet, indicating a greater ability to bear weight on the affected limb. At the conclusion of the 180-day trial, 82% of dogs fed HardyPet showed increased weight bearing compared to 11% of dogs fed the control supplement.

Conclusion: The ingredients in HardyPet supplements help dogs with osteoarthritis show improved weight bearing compared to those fed the control supplement (p=0.04).

STUDY #3: Evening Primrose Oil effect on skin allergies
Type: A Randomized, Double-Masked, University Based, Unpublished
Duration: 6 months
Year of Study: 2005

Overview: Participants in this study were given HardyPet supplements in an effort to determine the effect on atopic dogs with pruritis and multiple diagnosed allergies. Levels of EPA, DHA, and GLA concentrations were measured and the effect on signs of allergic reactions noted. Particpating dogs were fed either a control supplement (containing <0.5% Evening Primrose Oil) or a test supplement (HardyPet with concentrated Evening Primrose Oil that is high in omega-3 fatty acid and EPA concentrations).

Results: Based on clinical examinations, a significantly greater percentage of dogs fed HardyPet exhibited a reduction in pruritis and hair loss versus dogs fed the control supplement. At the conclusion of the 180-day trial, 78% of dogs fed HardyPet showed improved skin condition, ichting, and hair loss compared to 15% of dogs fed the control supplement.

Conclusion: The ingredients in HardyPet supplements help dogs with alleric skin reactions to eliminate symptoms including itchy skin, hair loss, and infections caused by scratching.

STUDY #4: Antioxidants effect on immune function
Type: A Randomized, Double-Blind, University Based, Unpublished
Duration: 6 months
Year of Study: 2005

Overview: Participants in this study were given HardyPet supplements in an effort to determine the effect on dogs diagnosed with weakened immune function. Levels of Lymphocyte concentrations were measured and the effect on signs of immune function noted. Particpating dogs were fed either a control supplement (containing <1% antioxidants) or a test supplement (HardyPet with high levels of multiple antioxidants).

Results: Based on clinical examinations, a significantly greater percent of dogs which were fed HardyPet exhibited a reduction in measurable free radicals and healthier lymphocite production.It was also noted that the test group showed a significantly lower level of neoantigens over the course of the study which would indicate the suppression of tumor activity in those subjects diagnosed with cancers.

Conclusion: The ingredients in HardyPet supplements help dogs with suppressed immune systems improve immune function with the infusion of multiple pharmaceutical grade antioxidants.