One study involving 36 dogs looked at the levels of magnesium - essential for various enzymatic reactions in the body associated with energy production and activation of the muscles and nerves - in dogs exposed to external stress.

What they found is that the magnesium levels may be influenced by weather fluctuation such as air temperature, nervousness in unaccustomed situations, age, and physical stress induced by exercise. The results indicate that Mg2+ supplementation should be considered for working dogs, dogs moving or traveling to a new environment, and dogs during winter.

The Chill-Pup uses magnesium citrate as a key ingredient. 

The Chill-Pup also includes the 'adaptogen' reishi extract. 

Adaptogens increase the state of non-specific resistance in stress and decrease sensitivity to stressors, which results in stress protection, and prolong the phase of resistance (stimulatory effect).

Instead of exhaustion, a higher level of equilibrium (the homeostasis) is attained the heterostasis. The higher it is, the better the adaptation to stress. The stimulating and anti-fatigue effect of adaptogens has been documented in both in animals and in humans. 

Study 1:

Ando, Izumi & Karasawa, Kaoru & Yokota, Shinichi & Shioya, Takao & Matsuda, Hiroshi & Tanaka, Akane. (2018). Analysis of serum magnesium ions in dogs exposed to external stress: A pilot study. Open Veterinary Journal. 7. 367. 10.4314/ovj.v7i4.13.

Study 2:

Panossian, Alexander & Georg, Wikman. (2010). Effects of Adaptogens on the Central Nervous System and the Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Their Stress—Protective Activity. Pharmaceuticals. 3. 10.3390/ph3010188.

A therapeutic dose is the amount of a nutraceutical used clinically to produce a response. By the way, all the doses in the bestie health jellies are based on veterinary clinical experience and based on published research.

It's typically different from a treat you might see marketed as an 'immunity treat'. Effectiveness depends whether there are therapeutic amounts of the constituents and on the severity of the clinical condition. However, if the treat can be fed any time you like, (unlike our health jellies which need to be given daily), then it's likely not strong enough to really have an effect.

Most commercial pet foods are made to meet the AAFCO and/or FEDIAF nutritional profiles for growth, reproduction or maintenance. However, many vets and animal nutritionists agree that these nutritional profiles do not necessarily enable cats and dogs to thrive and enjoy optimal health.

Nutritional yeast is an inactive form of yeast that's also a complete protein - containing the 10 amino acids that dogs need. It's also packed with B-vitamins, including B12 (typically only found in meat),  has an abundance of trace minerals and the powerful antioxidants glutathione and selenomethionine.It also contains the carbs beta-glucan and alpha-mannan, that boost the immune system. B vitamins have been shown to lift mood and appetite in people. They’re also water soluble so need replenishing every day.

Magnesium glycinate, is magnesium bound to glycine. In people, it’s been shown to have a calming effect on the brain due to the presence of glycine and help relieve anxiety and promote better sleep (among other things). The levels of magnesium in dogs go up and down with stress and seasonally.

Milk thistle is a flowering plant in the Aster family, used in traditional medicine as a liver tonic. Milk thistle generally supports the immune system through its powerful antioxidant, free-radical scavenging action, its ability to preserve the supply of another important antioxidant, glutathione, as well as direct effects on immune cells.It’s helpful for healing after drug therapy, vaccinations, and infections such as canine parvovirus.

Medicinal mushrooms are reported to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular-protective, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, and anticancer properties. It is well-established that mushrooms are adept at immune modulation and affect hematopoietic stem cells, lymphocytes, macrophages, T cells, dendritic cells (DCs), and natural killer(NK) cells. Reishi has been used extensively in cancer treatment in humans and mice.

Fruits, such as blueberries, are good antioxidants because they contain phenolics that preferentially react with free radicals. Oxidative damage from free radicals plays an important role in several diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and heart disease. It’s also been shown that strenuous exercise in people and dogs produces free radicals and that maintaining antioxidant levels by supplementing the diet with blueberries may prevent exercise-induced oxidative damage. 

Kale is rightly called a superfood and is rich in betacarotene as well as lutein, and other vitamins and minerals. Dietary lutein has been shown to cause a significantly enhanced cell-mediated and humoral immune response in dogs. It’s also been shown to enhance the antibody response of dogs given routine vaccinations.

We use Australian beef-gelatin as the 'jelly' agent in our health jellies.

Gelatin isn’t just a ‘carrier’;it’s also good for dogs, especially ageing ones. For example, it inhibits inflammation and breakdown of the cartilage matrix.Collagen in the cartilage matrix and gelatin have a similar amino acid composition and there are indications that the amino acids in gelatin stimulate the synthesis of collagen cartilage.

This is one of the factors behind research that demonstrates the improvement in canine osteoarthritis due to gelatin supplementation. A trial of 15 dogs, fed gelatin in addition to their normal diet, found an improvement in activity(vitality), stiffness and lameness.[1]

Plant-based jelly carriers don‘t currently provide the same benefits. Gelatin is also a human-grade ingredient that is generally regarded as safe (GRAS) for all species. 

[1] P,Jacobs & Grim, H. & Geene, H. & Beynen, Anton & Vlerk, T..(2010). Oral Administration of Gelatin Hydrolysate Reduces Clinical Signs ofCanine Osteoarthritis in a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. AmericanJournal of Animal and Veterinary Sciences. 5. 10.3844/ajavsp.2010.102.106.

• 70 gram packs make a 2 month supply for dogs less than 10kg (small) and a 1 month supply for dogs 10kg to 25kg (medium)
• 140 gram packs make 1 month supply for a dog 25kg+ (large) and 4 months for a small dog, and 2 months for a medium sized dog

These natural supplements are not like a panadol; they work over time. We recommend that supplements are fed on an ongoing basis - and at least for 3 months