How is PEA Made? Learn about Palmitoylethanolamide for Senior Dogs

Palmitoylethanolamide, usually shortened to PEA, is a naturally occurring fat-like compound found in the bodies of people, dogs, and other mammals. The body makes PEA on its own, where it plays a role in normal processes related to comfort and inflammatory balance.

Supplemental PEA can be made from plant-derived fatty acids. The PEA used in Amiquip is made from sustainably sourced palm-kernels, then purified and micronized into very small particles to support better absorption.

Despite the abbreviation, PEA does not come from peas or pea flour.

What Is Palmitoylethanolamide?

Palmitoylethanolamide is a naturally occurring compound that belongs to a group called N-acylethanolamines. 

PEA is naturally found in nearly all of your dog's tissues. PEA is also found in small amounts in some foods (and even in breast milk). 

Researchers have studied PEA for decades because of its role in the body's normal systems related to comfort, nervous system function, immune system function and inflammatory response. That has made it an especially interesting ingredient for senior dogs.

What Is PEA Made From?

The PEA used in Amiquip begins with fatty acids derived from palm kernels.

Those fatty acids provide part of the molecular structure needed to make palmitoylethanolamide. During manufacturing, they are processed under controlled conditions, and the final ingredient is purified palmitoylethanolamide, not palm oil. Palm-kernel-derived fatty acids are simply the starting materials used to make the PEA molecule.

Is the Palm Used for Amiquip's PEA Sustainably Sourced?

The micronized PEA in Amiquip is sourced from a member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil, or RSPO, and the palm-kernel-derived raw materials used for our PEA are sustainably sourced.

Palm is an efficient source of plant-based oils, but poorly managed palm production has been linked to deforestation, habitat loss, and other environmental problems. RSPO works with growers, manufacturers, environmental organizations, and other groups to promote more responsible practices throughout the palm supply chain.

When we selected the PEA used in Amiquip, we looked at both the quality of the finished ingredient and the sourcing of the raw materials behind it.

What Does Micronized PEA Mean?

The PEA used in Amiquip is micronized, which means the PEA particles are reduced to a very small size.

The ingredient itself does not change chemically. Micronization simply changes the physical size of the particles.

Micronizing PEA is helpful because PEA does not dissolve especially well in water. Smaller particles provide more surface area, which helps the ingredient disperse and dissolve more easily in the digestive system.

Why Is PEA Used for Senior Dogs?

PEA is particularly interesting for senior dogs because it is involved in biological systems related to normal comfort and inflammatory balance.

As dogs age, changes in comfort can affect much more than how they feel while resting. A dog that is less comfortable may move less, hesitate before jumping, lose interest in longer walks, or spend more time lying down.

These changes often happen gradually. A dog may simply take a little longer to stand up, stop jumping onto a favorite piece of furniture, or turn around earlier during a walk.

Part of what makes PEA fascinating is that it works within biological systems that dogs already have. It is not a stimulant designed to temporarily make an older dog appear more energetic.

For a healthy aging formula, that makes it a natural fit. Supporting normal comfort can help older dogs remain more willing to move, explore, play, and participate in everyday life.

Final Overview

The PEA used in Amiquip is:

• Made from sustainably sourced palm-kernel-derived raw materials

• Supplied by a company that is a member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil

• Purified for consistency and quality

• Micronized into very small particles to support better absorption

• Included in a formula designed specifically for aging dogs

When we chose our PEA, we looked beyond the ingredient itself. We considered where the raw materials came from, how the PEA was manufactured, along with the purity and potency of each batch.

Frequently Asked Questions About PEA

Does PEA come from peas?

No. Palmitoylethanolamide is usually abbreviated as PEA, but it is not pea protein, pea flour, or an extract of peas.

Is PEA natural?

Yes. Palmitoylethanolamide occurs naturally in the bodies of humans, dogs, and other mammals. Small amounts are also found naturally in certain foods.

Supplemental PEA is manufactured so that it can be provided in a purified, consistent, and concentrated form.

What is PEA made from in Amiquip?

The PEA used in Amiquip is made using sustainably sourced palm-kernel-derived fatty acids as starting materials.

Is PEA the same thing as palm oil?

No. Palm-derived fatty acids can be used as raw materials to manufacture PEA, but the finished ingredient is purified palmitoylethanolamide.

What does micronized PEA mean?

Micronized PEA has been processed into very small particles. The smaller particle size increases surface area and helps the ingredient disperse and dissolve more easily after it is swallowed.

Why is micronized PEA better?

PEA has relatively poor water solubility. Micronization reduces the particle size, which can improve its dissolution characteristics and support more efficient absorption.

Why is PEA interesting for older dogs?

PEA is involved in the body's normal systems related to comfort and inflammatory balance. Because comfort can influence mobility, activity, and quality of life, PEA has become an interesting ingredient for healthy aging in dogs.