When a friend gifted me a supplement called palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) in 2023, I decided to try it with Rodrigo, my senior dog. I was excited -I’d read that PEA is a powerful anti-inflammatory and thought it might ease his arthritis pain, calm his allergies, and even support cognitive health.
I’ll admit, I didn’t dig too deeply into the research. I skimmed one article on a trusted website, read a few glowing reviews from pet parents, and thought, “Why not?” When I shared my plans on social media, the feedback was mixed: some raved about it, others said they saw no results.
The First Signs Looked Promising
Within 48 hours, Rodrigo’s mobility noticeably improved, and his allergy-related eye discharge completely disappeared. I was thrilled — it felt like I’d stumbled across the fountain of youth.
But by day three, digestive issues appeared. At first, I didn’t connect the dots. I assumed the supplement would help soothe his gut because of its anti-inflammatory reputation.
Instead, the problems snowballed.
Rodrigo’s Symptoms
Over the ten days I gave him PEA, Rodrigo experienced:
Gas, loose stools, and eventually several days of diarrhea
Stool covered in thick mucus (sometimes mostly mucus)
Constant grass eating
Loss of appetite - he was hungry, but food made him sick
Poor nutrient absorption - stools were abnormally large instead of the smaller “raw-fed” poops
Strong, medicine-like odor in his stool
Restlessness at night and mild depression
At that point, I stopped everything - including PEA - and focused on figuring out what was happening.
What is Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)?
PEA is a naturally occurring fatty acid amide, part of the endocannabinoid family. In simple terms: it’s a compound made from fat, found in foods like egg yolks and peanuts, and also produced naturally in the body.
PEA is synthesized in response to inflammation and nervous system stress. It helps regulate pain, immune responses, and inflammation, partly by interacting with cannabinoid receptors that maintain balance in the body.
Research suggests PEA has:
Anti-inflammatory effects
Pain-relieving properties
Neuroprotective benefits
In people, it’s been studied for conditions like chronic pain, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, and neurodegenerative disorders. PEA is available as a dietary supplement and is generally considered safe and well-tolerated.
Potential Benefits of PEA for Dogs
Although research in dogs is still limited, early studies and anecdotal reports suggest PEA may help with:
Pain relief – chronic, inflammatory, or neuropathic pain
Inflammation – arthritis, allergies, or IBD
Neuroprotection – support for nerve-related disorders
Skin health – reducing itchiness and inflammation from allergies or dermatitis
Immune support – modulating immune responses in allergic or autoimmune conditions
The Cons of PEA for Dogs
Like any supplement, PEA isn’t without caveats.
Limited Research in Dogs
Most studies have been conducted in humans. A few veterinary studies are promising:
A 2017 study showed improved mobility and reduced pain in arthritic dogs.
A 2012 study found improvements in dogs with atopic dermatitis.
However, we still require additional evidence to understand dosing, long-term safety, and effectiveness fully.
Limited Data on Side Effects
In human studies, PEA’s side effects are usually mild (occasional nausea or stomach upset). Still, dogs can respond differently, and Rodrigo’s experience shows that digestive upset is possible.
Potential Interactions
PEA isn’t known for many drug interactions, but because it influences pain and inflammation pathways, caution is warranted. Always check with a veterinarian before combining it with other meds or supplements.
My Takeaway on PEA
Every choice we make for our dogs comes with risks. We do our research, weigh the pros and cons, and hope for the best. But sometimes, as I learned with Rodrigo, things don’t go as planned.
While many people report excellent results with PEA, others, including myself, have experienced negative effects. I can’t say with 100% certainty that PEA caused Rodrigo’s decline, but the timing and symptoms line up too closely to ignore.
If I had known that digestive issues were possible, I would have stopped much sooner.
My advice: If your dog already has gut sensitivities, start with a fraction of the recommended dose - maybe 1/3 - and slowly work up while closely watching for changes.
How I Supported Rodrigo’s Recovery
My focus was on healing Rodrigo’s gut. I was a mix of progress and setbacks, but his stool eventually normalized, and he began eating again - though less than usual.
Here’s the approach I took with my dog:
1. Gentle, Bland Foods
I started with a bland diet of cooked ground turkey, sweet potato puree, and Olewo carrots. These gave him fiber, bulk, and something he didn’t associate with being sick.
Gradually, I added sardines, lightly cooked organ meats, and small amounts of his favorite commercial raw and air-dried foods. Meals were small and simple to avoid overwhelming his gut.
2. Limited Supplements
I pared back supplements to only what supports digestion and healing:
Gut Soothe (Adored Beast Apothecary): Pre- and probiotics to reduce gut inflammation
Healthy Gut (Adored Beast Apothecary): Digestive enzymes to aid absorption
Wolf (Adored Beast Apothecary): A species-appropriate probiotic for rebuilding gut flora
Medicinal mushrooms (Real Mushrooms Immune Chews): Rodrigo thinks they’re treats, but they also provide prebiotics and immune support
CBD oil (Earth Buddy Pet): To reduce inflammation, relax the gut lining, and support nutrient absorption
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) shows promise as a supplement for dogs - especially for pain and inflammation - but it isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. While many dogs tolerate it well, others (like Rodrigo) may experience serious digestive upset.
If you’re considering PEA, do your homework, start low and slow, and always pay attention to your dog’s unique response.
For me, this experience was a reminder that even natural, “safe” supplements can have unintended consequences. Our best defense as pet parents is research, observation, and the willingness to pivot when something isn’t working.
Image source: DepositPhotos.com