PEA and Astaxanthin in Companion Animal Nutrition: A Veterinary Overview

*This article is intended for veterinary professionals only. It is not promotional and does not constitute veterinary medical advice.*

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a lipid compound produced by the body in response to physiological stress and tissue disruption. As part of a family known as ALIAmides, PEA has received considerable attention in recent years for its role in maintaining balance within the immune and inflammatory systems.

In the UK, non-micronised PEA is permitted for use in veterinary supplements and is not classified as medicinal by function under current VMD guidance. However, scientific interest continues to grow around its relevance in supporting animal wellbeing, particularly when combined with complementary nutritional ingredients such as astaxanthin, a naturally derived antioxidant from marine algae.

Understanding PEA's Role in the Body

PEA is involved in the body's response to cellular stress and works through multiple mechanisms, including interactions with:

• G-coupled protein receptors such as GPR55 and GPR119
• TRPV1 receptors, linked to environmental and thermal stimuli
• Mast cells and microglia, which participate in immune and neuroimmune signalling

These interactions suggest a broader physiological role in supporting homeostasis—particularly in tissues such as the skin, joints, gastrointestinal tract, and nervous system. PEA is also considered part of the endocannabinoid-like system, where it may help modulate the body's response to prolonged or exaggerated stimuli.

Veterinary literature has explored PEA's potential contributions to maintaining immune and inflammatory balance in companion animals, and it continues to be studied across multiple systems in dogs and cats.

Micronised vs. Non-Micronised PEA: What's the Difference?

To enhance oral absorption, PEA has been formulated in micronised and ultra-micronised forms. These smaller particle sizes have been the focus of some published research studies in dogs, cats, and rodents.

The PEA used in the UK veterinary supplement market is considered non-micronised under current VMD classification. While it differs from ultra-micronised versions in physical characteristics, it remains biologically relevant and continues to be explored in veterinary nutrition as a component of wellbeing support.

PEA in Veterinary Research: Insights from Dr. Matt Gurney

Veterinary anaesthesia and pain specialist Dr. Matt Gurney, in his Zero Pain Philosophy article, describes the growing interest in PEA's biological activity and relevance to veterinary science.

According to Dr. Gurney, PEA is synthesised in response to tissue stress and interacts with:

• TRPV1 receptors, associated with thermal and chemical signalling
• Cannabinoid-like G-coupled receptors (GPR55 and GPR119)
• Mast cells and microglia, involved in immune and neuroimmune communication

He highlights that PEA has been studied for its ability to modulate the activity of mast cells and glial cells, which play key roles in maintaining immune balance. These mechanisms are of interest in animal models exploring how the body responds to persistent environmental or physiological stress.

Ongoing veterinary research, including pilot studies by Dr. Gurney and colleagues, is investigating how PEA may be incorporated into broader wellness strategies for dogs already receiving tailored care. Their work focuses on markers such as comfort, quality of life, and caregiver-observed outcomes.

These investigations aim to inform future controlled studies, adding to the growing interest in the nutritional and biological relevance of PEA in veterinary contexts.

Reference: Gurney, M. (2023). What is PEA? Zero Pain Philosophy.

Key Areas of Veterinary Interest

Scientific discussions around PEA and companion animal health often focus on systems where physiological balance is especially important:

• Joint and mobility health: Maintaining comfort and flexibility in ageing or active dogs
• Skin and immune function: Supporting the skin's natural barrier and immune balance in pets with sensitivities
• Cognitive support: Interest continues in PEA's interaction with microglial cells and its potential role in maintaining neurological resilience in older pets

Veterinary professionals are increasingly interested in using nutritional approaches to support dogs and cats experiencing age-related changes or environmental stress, as part of a broader strategy for long-term comfort and care.

Complementary Nutritional Support: Astaxanthin from Algae

Several veterinary formulations now combine PEA with antioxidant-rich compounds, such as astaxanthin—a carotenoid naturally sourced from marine algae.

Astaxanthin is recognised for its potent antioxidant activity, and in veterinary nutrition it is used to support:

• Cellular defence against oxidative stress
• Skin and coat health
• Immune system balance

When combined with PEA, it forms a complementary duo that contributes to overall physiological wellbeing, especially in dogs and cats with increased nutritional demands due to age, lifestyle, or underlying sensitivities.

Research and Clinical Outlook

While non-micronised PEA is not currently licensed as a veterinary medicine, it remains under active observation in the veterinary scientific community. Its interactions with various biological systems make it a compound of interest in discussions around nutritional support for pets with ongoing health needs.

In the context of multimodal care, veterinary teams may consider supplements containing PEA and antioxidant compounds as part of their approach to long-term wellbeing, always in combination with appropriate clinical management and owner education.

Summary: A Nutritional Approach to Everyday Veterinary Challenges

• Non-micronised PEA is not classified as medicinal by the VMD and can be used in the UK as a nutritional supplement to support comfort and wellbeing
• Veterinary literature continues to explore its role in maintaining homeostasis across multiple systems
• When paired with astaxanthin-rich algae extract, PEA offers a targeted nutritional profile that supports animals facing environmental or age-related challenges

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary medical advice. PEA is not licensed as a veterinary medicine in the UK and is not presented as a treatment, cure, or preventative for any disease. Any use of nutritional supplements should be discussed as part of a veterinary care plan.