How a Pet Clinical Trial Can Elevate Your Product

As the pet care industry becomes increasing popular with supplements, calming chews, functional treats, and wellness devices flooding the market, pet owners are becoming more discerning than ever. They’re no longer swayed by vague promises or flashy packaging; they want real, science-backed proof that a product actually works. That’s where pet clinical trials come in.

Much like human trials, these studies test products in real-world settings, using actual pets and measurable outcomes. Whether you're a pet brand looking to stand out or a pet parent seeking safe, effective solutions, clinical trials are shaping the future of animal wellness. Let’s explore what they are, why they matter, and how they can give your brand, or your buying decisions, a serious credibility boost.

What Is a Pet Clinical Trial?

A pet clinical trial is a research study designed to assess the safety and effectiveness of a product, such as a supplement, functional food, grooming product, or therapeutic, on companion animals like dogs and cats. Unlike pharmaceutical trials, which are regulated differently, these trials are typically aimed at non-drug products in the pet wellness space.

Pet clinical trials can focus on outcomes such as improved coat health, reduced anxiety, joint support, digestion, or enhanced immunity. For pet brands, they serve as a scientific backbone for marketing claims and consumer trust.

Why Are Pet Clinical Trials Important?

1. Back Up Product Claims with Science

As competition increases in the pet wellness industry, especially in categories like pet supplements, CBD chews, and functional treats, claims like “clinically tested to reduce anxiety” or “supports joint health” must be substantiated. A pet clinical trial gives you the evidence to ethically and legally make these claims.

2. Build Consumer Trust

Pet owners want to know that the products they give their furry companions are not only safe but effective. Third-party validated pet clinical trials add legitimacy and transparency, increasing confidence among consumers, veterinarians, and retailers.

3. Differentiate in a Crowded Market

In a market flooded with me-too products, showing that your brand has invested in a clinical trial for pets sets you apart. It tells a story of credibility, quality, and care for animals, not just profits.

What Types of Products Can Benefit from Pet Clinical Trials?

• Pet Supplements – for joint health, digestion, skin and coat, immune support

• Functional Pet Foods and Treats – with added nutrients or superfoods

• CBD and Calming Products – for stress and behavioral support

• Oral Care and Grooming Products – for dental hygiene, shedding, and odor control

• Pet Wearables or Devices – such as fitness trackers or anxiety-reducing tools

If your product makes a functional or wellness claim, it can likely benefit from a pet clinical trial.

What Does a Pet Clinical Trial Involve?

While protocols vary, most pet clinical trials include:

• Recruiting qualified animals (usually dogs or cats) with specific conditions or characteristics

• Baseline health assessments

• Randomized treatment with the product or placebo

• Objective and subjective outcome tracking (via vet and owner feedback)

• Statistical analysis of the data

• Final clinical report suitable for marketing claims

Some trials are conducted in veterinary clinics, while others may be done in a decentralized or in-home format, which is increasingly popular and cost-effective.

Affordable and Ethical Pet Clinical Trials

Clinical research doesn’t have to be expensive or invasive. New models for affordable pet clinical trials leverage in-home monitoring, remote data collection, and smaller sample sizes focused on pilot studies. These make it more accessible for startups and small pet brands to engage in real science without massive budgets.

Plus, trials are designed to be ethical and safe for the pets involved. They often include owner consent, veterinary supervision, and can even result in health benefits for the participating animals.

Pet Clinical Trials and Marketing Compliance

As the FTC cracks down on unsubstantiated health claims, pet brands need to ensure their marketing is backed by credible evidence. A pet clinical trial, especially when conducted by a third party, offers exactly that. It allows brands to use language like "clinically tested" or "shown to improve" with confidence.

A Smart Move for Smarter Pet Care

If you're a pet brand looking to stand out, a pet clinical trial could be your best investment. Not only do these studies validate your product's performance, but they also demonstrate your commitment to animal wellness and scientific integrity.

Whether you're launching a new calming chew, a skin and coat supplement, or an advanced pet food formula, integrating a clinical trial into your product roadmap is a smart move, for your brand and for the pets you serve.

Are you a part of a pet brand with products in the health and wellness space? Learn our process on how we work with pet health companies to run clinical trials!