Welcome to the Dog is Human Clinical Trial
We are glad that you are interested in our clinical trial. On this page, you’ll find an overview of the trial and answers to frequently asked questions.
Before Your
Study Begins...
Please keep your dog’s routine as consistent as possible. This means the same diet, same treats, same medications, and even things like play routines, outdoor access, and shampoo brands.
If there’s a significant change in your dog’s routine and environment before the study begins, please let us know as soon as possible at research@dogishuman.com.
Keep an eye out for your study package. It should arrive within 2 weeks after your confirmation email.
Starting the study soon but the package has not yet arrived? It could be a delivery issue. Contact us at research@dogishuman.com.
When Your
Package Arrives
Check Your Package
Make sure that your package includes the study instructions and enough chews for 10 weeks based on your dog’s weight.
Dog Weight (lbs)# of Jars
0–25 lbs1 Jar Total
25–75 lbs2 Jars Total
75+ lbs3 Jars Total
Complete the Baseline Survey
Keep an eye out for your baseline survey in your email inbox. Please complete it as soon as possible, and definitely before your start date.
While the surveys are best viewed on a laptop, desktop, or tablet screen, the baseline survey requires taking and uploading photos of your dog. You may use your phone to take photos and transfer them to another device for uploading.
Study Overview
Your Start Date
The first day of your study will be a Monday. Check your email or the paper instructions sent to you for the exact start date. Starting on your assigned date, give chews to your dog daily, depending on their weight:
Make sure you have completed the baseline survey before your start date. The baseline survey can be found in your email inbox, which you should receive 3 days before your start date.
Dog Weight (lbs)Daily Serving
0–25 lbs1 Chew Daily
25–75 lbs2 Chews Daily
75+ lbs3 Chews Daily
During the Study
You’ll complete a total of 6 surveys during the study period: one baseline survey (must be completed before the start date) and five surveys at the end of weeks 1, 2, 4, 7, and 10.
Timeline of Surveys
Baseline SurveyBefore the Study
Survey #1End of Week 1
Survey #2End of Week 2
Survey #3End of Week 4
Survey #4End of Week 7
Final SurveyEnd of Week 10
Except for the study chews, please do not change your dog’s diet, treats, medications, shampoo, routine, lifestyle, or usual veterinary care unless advised by your veterinarian. If there’s a significant change in your dog’s routine or environment during the study, please let us know as soon as possible at research@dogishuman.com.
This is a paid study. The baseline survey and final survey are worth $20 each, and all other surveys are worth $15, for a potential total of $100 to be paid as an Amazon gift card. To receive compensation, each survey must be completed within 3 days of receiving it. Please complete surveys carefully, paying close attention to your dog’s itch levels and overall behavior.
While the surveys are best viewed on a laptop, desktop, or tablet screen, the final survey requires taking and uploading photos of your dog. You may use your phone to take photos and transfer them to another device for uploading.
Your dog’s health and safety come first. If you notice anything concerning, such as severe vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of an allergic reaction, please contact your veterinarian and notify us at research@dogishuman.com as soon as possible.
After the Study
Depending on your adherence to the study instructions and completion of surveys, we’ll calculate the amount of the Amazon voucher you’ve earned. It could add up to $100. If you’re assigned to the placebo group during the study, you’ll be offered the active supplements to try at no cost!
After completing the study, you may choose whether to continue using the study chews.
FAQs
Eligibility & Screening
Why didn’t my dog qualify?
Dogs may be excluded for reasons related to age, food allergies, certain health or skin conditions, conflicting meds or supplements, diet, or location. We also can enroll only one dog per household and have a limited number of spots in the study.
Can I participate if my dog is taking other supplements?
It depends on the supplement. Some supplements may interfere with the study results, so please tell us about all supplements your dog currently receives during screening. Do not start new supplements during the study unless advised by your veterinarian.
Can I enroll more than one dog?
No, we can only accept one dog per household.
How long until I hear back after filling out my dog’s information?
We review on a rolling basis and follow up on your eligibility status within two weeks.
Getting Started
I’m in — what’s next?
We’ll ship your chews and send a confirmation, then a reminder with full instructions before your start date. Your package will also contain an insert with instructions.
What if there’s an issue with my study package?
Reach out to us at research@dogishuman.com at your earliest convenience.
When will it arrive / can I start early?
Your assigned start date will be provided by email. Please do not start the chews before this date, even if you receive them early. Your chews should arrive before your start date.
How long does the study take?
The study runs for 10 weeks.
The Chews
How many chews should I give?
1 chew for dogs under 25 lbs, 2 for 25–75 lbs, and 3 for over 75 lbs, once daily.
When and how do I give it?
Once each morning, with food or as a stand-alone treat.
Can I give the chew at a different time of day?
We recommend giving the chew in the morning, but another time of day is also acceptable. Please give the chew at approximately the same time each day whenever possible. Consistency helps us accurately evaluate the study results.
My dog won’t eat it?
Try it with a meal or favorite food, and if refusal continues for several days, email research@dogishuman.com.
Can I hide it in food or break it up?
Yes, as long as your dog eats the full daily dose.
I missed a day or a few?
An occasional miss is okay, but avoid skipping four or more days in a row. Please report how many days were skipped in our surveys.
What’s in it / is it safe?
All ingredients are human-grade, AAFCO-approved and considered safe; email us with specific ingredient questions.
Real supplement or placebo?
Neither you nor our team knows your dog’s group until the study ends.
My chew looks or smells different. Does that mean it is placebo?
Both versions look and smell alike, so appearance doesn’t reveal the group.
Run out / not enough?
You’ll get enough for 10 weeks, but contact us right away if you’re low at research@dogishuman.com.
Can my other dog eat these?
No, the chews are only for your enrolled dog. We have given you enough for 10 weeks.
Can I give extra chews if my dog likes them?
No. Please only give the assigned daily amount. Giving additional chews may affect the study results.
Can I store the chews at room temperature?
Yes. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep them out of reach of children and other pets.
Can someone else give the chews to my dog?
Yes. Another household member can give the chew as long as they follow the study instructions and give the correct daily amount.
The Surveys
How many / when?
6 surveys: baseline plus weeks 1, 2, 4, 7, and 10.
How long is each?
Each survey takes approximately 20 minutes.
Didn’t get the email?
Check spam and add our address to safe senders; if still missing, email research@dogishuman.com.
Can I use my phone?
Best on laptop/desktop/tablet, though a phone is handy for photo uploads for the baseline and final surveys.
Why are photos required?
Photos help us evaluate changes over time and ensure consistent documentation. Please follow the photo instructions provided in each survey.
I missed the 3-day survey window?
Late surveys don’t earn payment, and missing two in a row may end participation, so complete each promptly.
Can someone else complete the surveys?
All surveys must be completed by the same person. Ideally, the person who knows your dog best should complete the surveys.
Compensation
How much / how will I be paid?
Up to $100, as an Amazon gift card.
When?
After the study, within about a month of completion.
What happens if I withdraw early?
You will receive compensation only for eligible surveys completed before withdrawal.
Rules During the Study
Change food/treats/meds?
Please keep diet, meds (including flea/tick meds), routine, and lifestyle the same for 10 weeks unless your vet advises otherwise. Please do not introduce new food/treats/meds during the study.
Can my dog still receive treats and supplements?
Yes, continue giving your dog’s usual treats and supplements if they were already part of their routine. Please do not introduce new ones or change their amount during the study.
Bathe/groom/medicated shampoo?
Regular bathing is fine; just note if/when you used medicated or hypo-allergenic shampoo in the surveys. Please avoid changing grooming products or frequency.
Can my dog travel or attend daycare/boarding?
Yes, but please let us know in the surveys, especially when there are major changes in your dog’s activity level, environment, diet, or routine during the study.
Can my dog participate in training classes?
Yes, if they have been attending the classes before the study starts. Please do not introduce major new routines during the study.
Vet wants to change meds?
Follow your vet’s guidance, then tell us at research@dogishuman.com since it may affect the study.
Health Concerns
My dog has an upset stomach / reaction to the supplement.
Stop if worried for your dog’s safety, contact your vet as needed, and report it to research@dogishuman.com.
New health issue mid-study?
Let us know; some conditions requiring treatment may mean ending participation for your dog’s wellbeing.
Emergency contact?
Contact your vet first (we can’t provide veterinary care), then notify research@dogishuman.com.
Will this supplement treat my dog’s condition?
This study is designed to evaluate whether the supplement affects specific health outcomes. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
My dog is not improving, and I suspect that I received placebo chews. Will I get sent the real product?
We can’t switch mid-study because this would affect the scientific validity of the research, but placebo-group dogs get the real multivitamin for free afterward.
Withdrawal & Removal
How do I withdraw?
Email research@dogishuman.com anytime.
Why might you remove my dog?
Missing too many surveys, not giving your dog the study chews frequently enough, a new condition arises needing treatment, or introducing prohibited meds/supplements.
After the Study & Results
Why don’t I know whether my dog received the active chew?
Keeping the study blinded helps ensure that expectations do not influence survey responses and allows us to evaluate the results fairly.
When will I learn whether my dog received the active or placebo chew?
We’ll email your assignment within a few weeks of you finishing.
What if I am in the placebo group?
Dogs in the placebo group will have the opportunity to receive the active multivitamin at no cost after the study.
Will you share results?
Research analysis takes time. We’ll share findings across all participants once they’re ready.
Can I continue giving the chews after the study ends?
After completing the study, you may choose whether to continue using the study chews.
Privacy, Data, & Communication
What happens to my photos and survey data?
De-identified info may be used for research. Personal information is never shared. You will have the opportunity after the study to opt-in to using your dog’s photos for marketing; you can still participate in the study without this marketing opt-in.
Will my personal information be shared/published?
No, never.
Why do you need my address?
Only to ship your supplements and materials.
How often will you email?
We send study emails throughout the 10 weeks when there is a survey to complete.