You've decided to try PEA for your dog or horse. You search online and find products ranging from $20 to $150. The cheap ones don't mention particle size. The expensive ones say "micronized." Is this just a way to charge more?

No. The particle size of PEA determines whether it actually gets absorbed. Standard PEA has poor bioavailability. Most of it passes through the digestive system without doing anything. Micronized PEA absorbs properly and delivers results.

This article explains why, and how to make sure you're getting a product that works.

The Absorption Problem with Standard PEA

PEA is a fatty acid amide. It's lipophilic, meaning it dissolves in fats rather than water. This creates a problem in the digestive system, which is mostly water-based.

When you give standard PEA orally, the particles are large (typically 100+ micrometres). These large particles don't dissolve well in the gut. They clump together, pass through largely intact, and get excreted without being absorbed into the bloodstream.

Studies on standard PEA show oral bioavailability as low as 5-10%. That means 90-95% of what you give is wasted. You'd need massive doses to achieve therapeutic levels, and even then, results would be inconsistent.

This is why early PEA research sometimes showed mixed results. The compound works, but the delivery method failed.

How Micronization Solves the Problem

Micronization is a mechanical process that reduces particle size. For PEA, micronized formulations typically have particles under 10 micrometres. That's roughly 10 times smaller than standard PEA.

Why does smaller matter? Two reasons:

Increased Surface Area

Smaller particles have more surface area relative to their volume. More surface area means more contact with the intestinal lining, which means better absorption.

Think of it like dissolving sugar in water. Granulated sugar dissolves slowly. Powdered sugar dissolves almost instantly. Same substance, different particle size, dramatically different behaviour.

Better Dispersion

Large PEA particles clump together in the gut. Small particles disperse more evenly, staying suspended rather than settling. This means the PEA stays in contact with absorptive surfaces longer.

The result: micronized PEA achieves meaningful blood levels at practical doses. Studies show bioavailability improvements of 5-10x compared to standard PEA.

What the Research Shows

The bioavailability difference isn't theoretical. It's been measured directly.

A pharmacokinetic study comparing standard and micronized PEA found that micronized PEA achieved plasma concentrations 5-6 times higher than the same dose of standard PEA. Peak levels were reached faster, and the compound remained in circulation longer.

Clinical trials showing PEA's effectiveness for pain and inflammation have used micronized formulations. When you read about PEA reducing pain scores or improving mobility, those results came from micronized products.

Studies using standard PEA often showed weaker or inconsistent results. Not because PEA doesn't work, but because it wasn't being absorbed.

Micronized vs Standard PEA: Comparison

Why Cheap PEA Is Actually Expensive

Standard PEA costs less to produce. No micronization process, simpler manufacturing, cheaper raw materials. That's why budget PEA products exist.

But a product that doesn't work isn't cheap. It's a waste of money.

If you spend $30/month on standard PEA for six months, you've spent $180 on something that did nothing. If you spend $80/month on micronized PEA and see results in 4-6 weeks, you've spent money that actually helped your animal.

The price per milligram is irrelevant if the milligrams aren't being absorbed.

Micronized PEA for Dogs

Dogs have relatively efficient digestive systems compared to horses, but the absorption problem still applies. Standard PEA won't deliver therapeutic levels in dogs either.

For dogs with chronic pain, arthritis, or inflammatory conditions, micronized PEA at appropriate doses (based on body weight) provides the absorption needed for results. Standard PEA at any dose won't match it.

Read our complete guide to PEA for dogs for dosing information and what to expect.

Micronized PEA for Horses

The absorption issue is even more significant in horses. Their large hindgut and rapid transit times mean poorly soluble compounds have even less opportunity to be absorbed.

A 500kg horse needs 5-15 grams of PEA daily. If you used standard PEA with 5-10% bioavailability, you'd need to give 50-150 grams daily to achieve the same effect. That's impractical and expensive.

Micronized PEA makes equine supplementation practical. The improved absorption means reasonable daily doses actually work.

Read our complete guide to PEA for horses for dosing information.

How to Identify Micronized PEA

Reputable manufacturers state "micronized" or "micronized PEA" clearly on the label and in product descriptions. If a product doesn't mention particle size, assume it's standard PEA.

What to Look For

• "Micronized PEA" or "Micronized Palmitoylethanolamide" on the label
• Particle size specification (under 10 micrometres)
• Reference to bioavailability or absorption
• Quality certifications or manufacturing standards

Red Flags

• No mention of particle size or micronization
• Unusually cheap compared to other PEA products
• Vague claims without specifics
• No information about manufacturing or sourcing

Common Questions

Can I just give more standard PEA to compensate?

In theory, yes. In practice, no. You'd need 5-10x the dose, which becomes impractical and expensive. For horses, you'd be measuring PEA in hundreds of grams daily. The cost would far exceed buying micronized PEA in the first place.

Does micronized PEA work faster?

It reaches effective blood levels faster because it absorbs better. But PEA's mechanism still requires time to build up tissue levels and modulate inflammatory pathways. Expect 2-4 weeks for initial effects, 6-8 weeks for full benefit, regardless of formulation.

Is micronized PEA safe?

Yes. Micronization doesn't change PEA's safety profile. It just improves absorption. PEA remains a naturally occurring compound with an excellent safety record. The micronization process is mechanical, not chemical.

Why don't all manufacturers use micronized PEA?

Cost. Micronization requires additional processing and equipment. Standard PEA is cheaper to produce and can be sold at lower prices. Some manufacturers prioritise price over efficacy. Others simply don't understand the science.

The Bottom Line

Particle size determines whether PEA works or not. Standard PEA has poor absorption and won't deliver results at practical doses. Micronized PEA absorbs properly and matches the formulations used in clinical research.

When choosing a PEA supplement for your dog or horse, look for "micronized" on the label. If it's not there, keep looking. The price difference reflects a real difference in product quality and effectiveness.

A cheap product that doesn't work isn't a bargain. A properly formulated product that delivers results is worth paying for.