The first study, with 24 dogs over 10 days, revealed that a particular nutraceutical diet reduced clinical symptoms and signs of anxiety*. 

The researchers noted that clinical symptoms might also be the manifestation of an overall inflammation status, with a consequent oxidative stress imbalance. (They reference other research that shows inflammation is also known to contribute to the etiology of anxiety disorders, depression, and neurotransmitter activity.)

They then went on to hypothesise that the reduction in symptoms was a consequence of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect of the nutraceutical substances Punica granatum (pomegranate), Valeriana officinalis (valerian), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), Tilia spp (linden), tea extract, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) present within the diet. In addition, 

L-theanine, one of the tea constituents, has been shown to play a role in reducing stress and decreasing heart rate in chronic anxiety.

All the ingredients in bold, are in The Om formulation.

The second study involved 69 dogs and a nutraceutical diet over 45 days, to address behavioural disorders relating to anxiety and stress. The nutraceutical diet included the following:

• Punica granatum, which has been extensively used to treat chronic anxiety and insomnia in rats
• Valeriana officinalis which has been used to treat mild sleep disorders, but also nervous tension, in mice 
• Antianxiety and antidepressant activities were observed for Rosmarinus officinalis, Tilia species in mice and Crataegus oxyacantha L. (hawthorn)  in human beings and mice
• L-Theanine, one of the green tea constituents, has been shown, in human beings, to play a role in reducing stress and decreasing the heart rate in chronic anxiety
• For L-tryptophan, many published reports have also described the presence of anxiety, mood and depressive symptoms associated with its depletion

All the ingredients in bold, are in The Om formulation.

In this randomised, control clinical study using dogs with abnormal behaviour, the researchers demonstrated the positive effects of a nutraceutical diet on neuroendocrine parameters associated with stress, anxiety, aggression and numerous behavioural disorders. 

*Generalized anxiety behaviour and clinical symptoms, include marking, anxiety, diffidence, irregular biorhythm, reactivity, activation, irritability, alertness, environmental exploration, body exploration, attention requirement, dandruff, itchiness, flush, seborrhea, fur opacity, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, lachrymation, and anal sac repletion.

Study 1:

Di Cerbo, Alessandro & Sechi, Sara & Canello, Sergio & Guidetti, Gianandrea & Fiore, Filippo & Cocco, Raffaella. (2016).Behavioral Disturbances: An Innovative Approach to Monitor the Modulatory Effects of a Nutraceutical Diet.Journal of Visualized Experiments. 2017. 10.3791/54878.

Study 2:

Sechi S, Di Cerbo A, Canello S, et al.Effects in dogs with behavioural disorders of a commercial nutraceutical diet on stress and neuroendocrine parameters.Vet Rec. 2017;180(1):18. doi:10.1136/vr.103865

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 a 'calming 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.

Tilia cordata is considered the most potent species of the tilia genus. Linden tea has been used in folk medicine across cultures to relieve high blood pressure, calm anxiety, and soothe digestion. Tilia species are widely used in Latin America as sedatives and tranquilisers. In other research, anti-anxiety and anti-depressant effects have been observed in mice after tilia consumption.

Punica granatum, or pomegranate, has potent antioxidative, antimicrobial, and anticarcinogenic properties. It’s also been extensively used to treat chronic anxiety and insomnia in rats. Among its potent antioxidants is a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound ellagic acid, which has been reported to possess a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities including an antidepressant and anti-anxiety effect.

Valerian has been traditionally used since the 11th century as a natural sedative 'drug’. It’s been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms in people, and fearful and aggressive behaviour in cats. Mild sleep disorders, but also nervous tension, have been treated with roots and rhizomes of valeriana officinalis in mice. Despite the lack of robust research into its use in dogs, it’s widely used in complementary medicine.

Tryptophan is an amino acid that, among other things, creates niacin, essential in creating the neurotransmitter, serotonin. Tryptophan is known to affect general mood and behaviour and many published reports have also described the presence of anxiety, mood and depressive symptoms associated with the depletion of tryptophan. A diet high in tryptophan can lower territorial aggression score.

L-theanine is an amino acid commonly found in tea leaves. It has a relaxing effect in people and dogs, largely due to its similarity in structure to glutamate, the most important excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. This allows the compound to interact with glutamate receptors. It’s also able to modulate neuronal response involved in mood, stress, pleasure and reward.

Flavonoids, oligomeric procyanidins, and some phenolic acids are considered the main active constituents of crataegus species, aka hawthorn. They have positive effects on heart function and blood circulation and anti-anxiety and anti-depressant effects have been observed in people and mice after hawthorn consumption. That could be in part due to the presence of the flavenoid, quercetin.

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