PhytoGaia is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with a renowned contract research organisation (CRO) — and spearheaded by a veterinary researcher in Malaysia — to conduct a controlled 8-week clinical study evaluating the effects of oral supplementation with PetGaia on skin and coat health in companion dogs.
This first-of-its-kind study will assess key parameters, including skin redness, dryness, itchiness, lesion formation, as well as coat shine, softness, shedding and smoothness.
PetGaia is a branded natural palm fruit extract, a synergistic complex of tocotrienols, alpha-tocopherol, plant-derived squalene and phytosterols — recognised for their antioxidant and dermal-supporting properties.
PetGaia is extracted using a non-chemical, non-solvent and non-biodiesel process, ensuring clean-label compliance, allergen-free formulation and high palatability — key considerations for pet brands and manufacturers formulating safe and effective products.
Scientific rationale and precedent
Preclinical and human research provides a strong scientific foundation for the use of tocotrienols and squalene in skin and hair support:
- in rodents, dietary tocotrienols protect skin from oxidative stress and promote hair follicle regeneration
- In humans, oral tocotrienol supplementation improves hair count and scalp health in randomised studies, and also reduces reactions such as erythema, oedema, itching and blistering compared with areas treated with a simple vehicle or vitamin A
- Reviews indicate that tocotrienols and squalene may work synergistically to support skin health, skin barrier function, reduce inflammation and protect against oxidative damage.
Building on this foundation, PetGaia is now being evaluated in this 8-week controlled RCT in dogs, the first non-invasive study in companion animals to assess its effects on skin and coat health.
“This 8-week controlled study is designed to generate robust, evidence-based data on PetGaia’s skin effects in dogs."
"Working with a renowned CRO ensures the trial is scientifically rigorous, producing insights that formulators and manufacturers can confidently use in product development and claim substantiation,” said Dr Ariati Aris, Scientific Affairs Specialist at PhytoGaia.
“As a dog owner (a French Bulldog and a Bichon Frisé), I’ve seen first-hand how sensitive skin can be, especially in my Frenchie who is prone to food reactions and coat issues."
"This personal experience motivates me to support this study. PetGaia is a natural, science-backed approach to improving skin and coat health and, as such, I’m excited to see how the results can benefit both pets and the brands that formulate with it,” added Mr Bryan See, Vice President of PhytoGaia.
The results of this clinical study are expected to provide actionable, science-backed insights that formulators, brands, and manufacturers can directly apply in the development of pet supplements promoting healthy skin and improved coat quality.
PhytoGaia looks forward to sharing these findings with industry partners, veterinarians and pet health professionals, helping guide the creation of clean, innovative, evidence-based products for companion animals.
PhytoGaia is also a Preferred Supplier of the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC), reflecting the company’s commitment to quality, safety and transparency in the pet nutrition industry. PetGaia’s formulation uses sustainably sourced palm fruits, reinforcing its positioning as a clean, innovative and reliable ingredient for pet wellness products.
