New Research: Plasma Positively Impacts Mobility-Related Outcomes in Adult Dogs

Ankeny, Iowa, USA – March 18, 2026 –> Understanding how nutrition influences mobility, inflammation, and joint-associated biomarkers continues to be an important area of focus in companion animal nutrition. A new study published in the Journal of Animal Science, based on collaborative research between APC and China Agricultural University, evaluated the inclusion of plasma in extruded diets for senior dogs experiencing mobility challenges.
 

This work is part of APC's broader research initiative exploring the connections between nutrition, gastrointestinal health, systemic biomarkers, and healthy aging in companion animals.
 

Mobility and joint health remain two of the most sought-after functional areas in pet nutrition. In this 42-day study, senior dogs with mobility challenges were evaluated across multiple endpoints, including lameness scoring, diet digestibility, and select serum and synovial fluid biomarkers associated with immune signaling, oxidative capacity and joint health.

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Differences were observed between dietary groups across several measured outcomes, including mobility assessments and select biomarker responses.
 

Key findings included:
 

• Mobility assessments: Improved lameness scores compared to control diets over the study period.
   
• Inflammatory markers: Favorable changes in select cytokine-related biomarkers associated with immune signaling.
   
• Joint-related biomarkers: Improvements in metalloproteinase activity and other joint-associated measures evaluated in serum and synovial fluid.
   
• Digestibility: Crude protein digestibility was improved, confirming nutritional performance of the diet.

'These findings add to the growing body of research evaluating how functional plasma proteins may support mobility-related outcomes, overall health, and longevity in adult dogs,' said Jerry Frankl, President and CEO of APC. 'We remain committed to collaborating with leading research institutions and advancing science-based nutrition strategies that promote healthy aging and long-term vitality in companion animals.'
 

To read the full study: https://academic.oup.com/jas/article/doi/10.1093/jas/skag043/8487757

Source: APC