Research centre

Biotin

Clinical study on the effect of biotin on skin conditions in dogs (1989, Veterinary Dermatology)

  • Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2602924/
  • Benefits claimed: Biotin supplementation (5 mg/10 kg body weight/day for 3-5 weeks) effectively treats various fur and skin issues, including dull coat, brittle hair, hair loss, scaly skin, pruritus, and dermatitis. In the study of 119 dogs, 60% experienced complete resolution of symptoms, and 31% showed improvement, with only 9% unresponsive. Benefits were breed-variable but overall supportive of biotin's role in restoring skin and coat health.

Impact of Nutritional Supplementation on Canine Dermatological Disorders (2020, Veterinary Sciences)

  • Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7355824/
  • Benefits claimed: Biotin helps prevent and manage deficiency-related skin problems, such as thin or depigmented hair, dry and greasy skin, hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, and acanthosis. It reduces susceptibility to skin diseases (e.g., zinc-responsive dermatosis, ichthyosis) and enhances resistance to parasites (e.g., mange mites, fleas) and infections. As part of vitamin/mineral supplements, it provides optimal nutrition to alleviate dermatologic signs and supports adjunctive therapy for chronic skin conditions.

Biotin for dogs (2023, ResearchGate publication)

  • Link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370875562_Biotin_for_dogs
  • Benefits claimed: Biotin supports skin and coat health, particularly in cases of deficiency or disorders, with higher intakes linked to lower dermatitis incidence and improved plasma biotin levels. It aids in resolving symptoms like scurfy skin, reduced enzyme activity (e.g., pyruvate and propionyl-CoA carboxylases), and potentially paralysis in extreme deficiency scenarios. Supplementation is claimed beneficial for dogs on antibiotics or raw egg white diets, with clinical improvements in 91% of 119 cases from a referenced study, though not essential for healthy dogs on balanced diets.

Boswellia

Dietary support with Boswellia resin in canine inflammatory joint and spinal disease (2004, Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd)

  • Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14994484/
  • Benefits claimed: Boswellia resin extract (400 mg/10 kg body weight daily for 6 weeks) provided symptomatic relief in 71% of dogs after two weeks, with statistically significant reductions in intermittent lameness, local pain, stiff gait, and aggravation from movement or rest after six weeks. It supports anti-rheumatic and anti-inflammatory effects, improving mobility and quality of life in dogs with chronic osteoarthritis and degenerative spinal/joint conditions.

Effects of a nutritional supplement in dogs affected by osteoarthritis (2019, Veterinary Medicine and Science)

  • Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6682793/
  • Benefits claimed: As part of a supplement including boswellia, it significantly improved clinical signs such as lameness, pain on manipulation/palpation, range of motion, and joint swelling over 90 days, with reduced oxidative stress and inflammation (e.g., lower cholesterol and inflammatory markers). Boswellia specifically inhibits leukotriene synthesis, contributing to anti-inflammatory effects that alleviate arthritis symptoms, enhance metabolic health, and support overall joint function without adverse effects.

Preliminary results on the efficacy of a dietary supplement combined with physiotherapy in dogs with osteoarthritis on biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation (2021, Italian Journal of Animal Science)

  • Link: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1828051X.2021.2004249
  • Benefits claimed: In a supplement containing boswellia combined with physiotherapy, it led to significant reductions in serum C-reactive protein (a key inflammation marker) and supported antioxidant activity (e.g., changes in glutathione levels). It offers anti-inflammatory properties for treating OA and related disorders, potentially reducing pain and improving metabolic parameters, though pain score differences were not statistically significant between groups.

Chicory Root

Chicory root powder included as a prebiotic in different cereal-based diets for dogs: Influences on gut health, metabolic and immunological status (2024, Bioactive Carbohydrates and Dietary Fibre)

  • Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2212619824000147
  • Benefits claimed: At 10 g/kg in wheat- or sorghum-based diets, chicory root powder enhanced gut health by increasing beneficial bacteria (lactobacilli and bifidobacteria) while reducing coliform counts and faecal ammonia, potentially improving microbial balance and reducing metabolic stress. It also boosted immunological status, with higher cell-mediated (delayed-type hypersensitivity) and humoral (antibody response to sheep erythrocytes) immune responses, suggesting better overall defense against pathogens, particularly in sorghum diets.

Potent health-promoting effects of a synbiotic formulation prepared from Lactobacillus acidophilus NCDC15 fermented milk and Cichorium intybus root powder in Labrador dogs (2021, Animal Nutrition)

  • Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S259026282100023X
  • Benefits claimed: Chicory root powder (as part of a synbiotic at low or high doses) improved gastrointestinal health by elevating faecal lactate, decreasing ammonia, increasing beneficial bacteria (lactobacilli and bifidobacteria), and lowering harmful ones (clostridia and coliforms), which may enhance digestion and reduce toxin buildup. It also strengthened immune status, with improved delayed-type hypersensitivity and antibody responses to sheep erythrocytes, indicating potential for better disease resistance and overall vitality in adult dogs.

Chondroitin Sulphate & Glucosamine

Randomised double-blind, positive-controlled trial to assess the efficacy of glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate for the treatment of dogs with osteoarthritis (2006, The Veterinary Journal)

  • Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1090023306000554
  • Benefits claimed: In dogs with confirmed hip or elbow OA, chondroitin sulfate (combined with glucosamine) led to significant improvements in pain, weight-bearing, and overall condition severity after 70 days, with slower onset but comparable efficacy to carprofen by study end. It protects against synovitis, stimulates cartilage metabolism, inhibits degradation, and is well-tolerated for long-term use, enhancing mobility and quality of life.

Glucosamine and chondroitin use in canines for osteoarthritis: A review (2017, Open Veterinary Journal)

  • Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5356289/
  • Benefits claimed: Chondroitin sulfate inhibits destructive enzymes in joint fluid/cartilage and supports glycosaminoglycan/proteoglycan synthesis, aiding cartilage formation and joint health in OA-affected dogs (prevalent in 20% of dogs over 1 year). Clinical trials claim symptomatic relief, including reduced pain (up to 51% overall, 48% on manipulation, 43% post-exertion), improved weight-bearing, and better overall condition, with a benign side effect profile (e.g., minor GI issues) for adjunctive therapy.

Efficacy of a dietary supplement in dogs with osteoarthritis: A randomized placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial (2022, PLOS ONE)

  • Link: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0263971
  • Benefits claimed: As part of a supplement (with glucosamine/hyaluronic acid), chondroitin sulfate significantly alleviates chronic OA pain and clinical signs after 40-60 days, improving mood, reducing lameness, and increasing willingness to move/play/jump per owner/veterinary assessments. It regulates collagen synthesis, inhibits destructive enzymes, and supports joint health without adverse effects, making it a safe option for pain management in dogs.

Collagen (type II)

Evaluation of clinical efficacy of undenatured type II collagen supplementation compared to cimicoxib and their association in dogs affected by natural occurring osteoarthritis (2022, Research in Veterinary Science)

  • Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0034528822001989
  • Benefits claimed: Undenatured type II collagen (UC-II® at 40 mg/day for 30 days) reduces clinical signs of OA such as pain and mobility impairment, improves overall mobility and quality of life (as measured by LOAD, MOBILITY, and CLINICAL scores), and acts on joint inflammation via oral tolerance to potentially mitigate cartilage damage, offering a safe alternative or adjunct to NSAIDs in dogs with naturally occurring OA.

The oral intake of specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides (BCP) improves gait and quality of life in canine osteoarthritis patients—A translational large animal model for a nutritional therapy option (2024, PLOS ONE)

  • Link: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0308378
  • Benefits claimed: Bioactive collagen peptides (BCP over 12 weeks) improve gait parameters like peak vertical force and vertical impulse for better weight-bearing, enhance quality of life per Canine Brief Pain Inventory assessments, alleviate clinical signs of progressive OA by stimulating matrix synthesis and down-regulating inflammation/degeneration, and provide a safe, non-invasive option for early intervention in dogs predisposed to or affected by OA.

Efficacy of Chondroprotective Food Supplements Based on Collagen Hydrolysate and Compounds Isolated from Marine Organisms (2021, Pharmaceuticals)

  • Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8541357/
  • Benefits claimed: Collagen hydrolysate supplementation (over 16 weeks) significantly reduces lameness and pain symptoms (e.g., tenderness during joint palpation), improves mobility and agility, enhances quality of life by alleviating joint problems, increases muscle and leg circumferences for better physical condition, and positively impacts cartilage health by reducing MMP-3 levels without altering TIMP-1, suggesting decreased cartilage degradation in dogs with early OA.

DHA Gold

The oil-rich alga Schizochytrium sp. as a dietary source of docosahexaenoic acid improves shape discrimination learning associated with visual processing in a canine model of senescence (2017, Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids)

  • Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0952327815300491
  • Benefits claimed: DHA Gold (dried Schizochytrium sp. algal biomass) improves DHA status in plasma, enhances initial learning of visual and variable contrast discrimination protocols, supports cognitive functions during brain aging, and promotes healthy brain function in a canine model of senescence, though it does not improve long-term recall of concurrent discrimination tasks.

Microalgae Schizochytrium sp. as a source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): Effects on diet digestibility, oxidation and palatability and on immunity and inflammatory indices in dogs (2019, Annals of Animal Science)

  • Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31680401/
  • Benefits claimed: Supplementation with Schizochytrium sp. microalgae (0.4% in diet) increases diet palatability, metabolizable energy, and nutrient digestibility (except ether extract), boosts immune function via higher monocyte and phagocytic granulocyte counts, and provides superior oxidative stability compared to anchovy oil, supporting overall immunity and dietary acceptance in dogs.

The effect of supplementation of microalgae Schizochytrium sp. as a source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on dogs with naturally occurring gingivitis (2020, Revista Brasileira de Ciência Veterinária)

Folic Acid

Interventional study of high dose folic acid in gastric carcinogenesis in beagles (2002, Gut)

  • Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1773071/
  • Benefits claimed: High-dose folic acid (20 mg/day for 15 months) significantly reduces the incidence of chemically induced gastric cancer (from 100% in controls to 37.5%), elevates serum and gastric mucosal folate concentrations, and supports chemoprevention by addressing folate deficiency and potential DNA hypomethylation in at-risk dogs.

Plasma Homocysteine Concentrations in Dogs (2014, International Journal of Veterinary Medicine: Research & Reports)

  • Link: https://ibimapublishing.com/articles/IJVMR/2014/141449/141449.pdf
  • Benefits claimed: While not directly testing supplementation, the study highlights folic acid's role in homocysteine remethylation; elevated homocysteine is linked to skin disease (odds ratio 1.077 per 1 μmol/L increase), suggesting folic acid could reduce hyperhomocysteinemia risks, potentially benefiting dogs with dermatological, cardiovascular, neoplastic, or kidney issues by supporting metabolic pathways.

Hawthorn

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Crataegus oxyacantha in Dogs with Early-Stage Heart Failure (2020, Homeopathy)

  • Link: https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/html/10.1055/s-0040-1710021
  • Benefits claimed: In dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD), Crataegus oxyacantha (as mother tincture or 6 cH homeopathic form) reduces systolic blood pressure (faster in 6 cH at 60 days vs. 90 days for tincture), extends the asymptomatic phase of heart failure, and improves cardiac function via increased fractional shortening and isovolumetric relaxation time, making it a low-risk adjunct for hypertensive and cardiopathic dogs.

Therapeutic Efficacy of Carvedilol and Hawthorn Extract in Management of Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dogs (2022, International Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry)

Pharmaco-Toxicological Aspects of Herbal Drugs Used in Domestic Animals (2009, Natural Product Communications)

  • Link: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1934578X0900401230
  • Benefits claimed: Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha, in mother tincture with lemon balm and valerian at 1 drop/kg bid-tid) alleviates anxiety, reduces stress, and controls behavioral or psychological problems in pets including dogs; it is classified as highly safe (AHPA Class 1) with a large margin of safety, supporting its use as an adjunctive therapy for emotional health.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

Dietary Supplementation with Methylsulfonylmethane and Myo-Inositol Supports Hair Quality and Fecal Microbiome in Poodles (2024, Animals)

  • Link: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/14/24/3643
  • Benefits claimed: MSM supplementation (0.2% in diet) increased sulfur content in hair, reduced hair scale thickness for smoother coat quality, positively altered fecal microbiota (e.g., increased Gammaproteobacteria and Glucerabacter, reduced Proteobacteria), and influenced carbohydrate metabolism, suggesting improvements in skin/coat health and gut microbiome balance in dogs.

Study of the effectiveness of Flexirun (joint nutraceutical) for the treatment of dogs with hip osteoarthritis: A prospective, block-randomized clinical trial (2024, The Pharma Innovation Journal)

  • Link: https://www.thepharmajournal.com/archives/2024/vol13issue9/PartC/13-9-35-930.pdf
  • Benefits claimed: MSM (250 mg/tablet, as part of Flexirun) contributed to faster symptom relief when combined with carprofen, sustained improvements in LOAD scores after NSAID discontinuation, reduced pain and lameness, and provided anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, enhancing mobility and quality of life in dogs with hip OA without relapse.

Methylsulfonylmethane: Applications and Safety of a Novel Dietary Supplement (2017, Nutrients)

  • Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5372953/
  • Benefits claimed: MSM supplementation improves health outcomes including reduced inflammation, joint/muscle pain, and oxidative stress; it supports antioxidant defenses and is safe for animal use, with potential applications for managing OA and joint conditions in dogs based on extrapolated animal data.

Post-Biotic

Effects of Postbiotic Administration on Canine Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (2025, Microorganisms)

  • Link: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/7/1572
  • Benefits claimed: Postbiotics improve gut microbiota composition by increasing beneficial bacteria (e.g., Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Faecalibacterium) and reducing pathogenic ones (e.g., E. coli, Streptococcus); modulate immune responses with higher CD4+:CD8+ T-cell ratios, increased IgE/IgA, and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1); reduce oxidative stress via elevated superoxide dismutase and catalase; and aid in treating chronic conditions like atopic dermatitis, with lowered intestinal pH and increased propionate for antimicrobial effects, though meta-analyses showed no statistical significance due to study limitations.

A new combination of a prebiotic and postbiotic mitigates immunosenescence in vaccinated healthy senior dogs (2024, Frontiers in Veterinary Science)

  • Link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2024.1392985/full
  • Benefits claimed: Postbiotics (combined with scFOS) decrease total serum IgA concentrations, potentially shifting to local IgA responses for better mucosal immunity; increase CD4+:CD8+ T-cell ratios to mitigate immunosenescence in senior dogs; and support immune function during challenges like vaccination, with no adverse effects on blood counts or cytokines, aiding overall health in aging canines.

Lactobacillus helveticus: importance in food and health (2014, Frontiers in Microbiology)

Seaweed

Supplementation of tropical red seaweeds improved gut health indices, antioxidant status and immunity in adult dogs (2024, Animal Nutrition)

  • Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405654524000593
  • Benefits claimed: At 3% supplementation (especially Gracilaria salicornia), it enhances gut health by increasing fecal Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus populations, lowering clostridial counts and ammonia, and improving volatile fatty acid profiles (e.g., higher lactate and VFA levels, P<0.05); boosts antioxidant status with higher reduced glutathione and lower lipid peroxides (P<0.05); and improves immunity with a tendency toward enhanced cell-mediated responses (P<0.10), outperforming lower doses or other seaweeds like Kappaphycus alvarezii.

Effects of supplemental seaweed extract on antioxidant properties, loose stools, gut microbiota, and its metabolite composition in adult dogs (2025, Animal Nutrition)

  • Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405654525000885
  • Benefits claimed: At 2% supplementation, it improves antioxidant properties by increasing serum antioxidase activities and decreasing malondialdehyde (P<0.05); reduces loose stools and enhances fecal consistency (P<0.05); modulates gut microbiota by boosting short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Holdemanella, with higher fecal propionate (P<0.05); strengthens immune function via elevated IgA, IgM, and IL-10 levels (P<0.05); and supports intestinal barrier integrity by lowering inflammatory markers (e.g., IL-1β, CRP, TNF-α) and barrier damage indicators (e.g., d-lactate, LPS, P<0.05).

Effects of Edible Treats Containing Ascophyllum nodosum on the Oral Health of Dogs: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Single-Center Study (2018, Frontiers in Veterinary Science)

  • Link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2018.00168/full
  • Benefits claimed: Over 90 days, it reduces plaque accumulation (e.g., 40% lower plaque index at day 90, P<0.001) and calculus formation (e.g., up to 35% reduction at day 30, P=0.002); decreases volatile sulfur compounds for better breath (e.g., 46% lower at day 90, P<0.001); improves overall oral health index (up to 25% lower at day 90) and gingival bleeding (e.g., 67% lower at day 90, P<0.001); and aids long-term prevention of halitosis and maintenance of oral hygiene post-dental cleaning.

Turmeric

A randomized, double-blind, prospective, placebo-controlled study of the efficacy of a diet supplemented with curcuminoids extract, hydrolyzed collagen and green tea extract in owner's dogs with osteoarthritis (2017, BMC Veterinary Research)

  • Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29262825/
  • Benefits claimed: In dogs with naturally occurring OA, the curcuminoids-supplemented diet (over 3 months) reduced pain at manipulation, stabilized pain severity scores (unlike worsening in controls), and improved the ability to rise from lying down, suggesting anti-inflammatory effects that enhance mobility and quality of life as an adjunct therapy, with no serious adverse events.

In vitro and in vivo activity of liposome-encapsulated curcumin for naturally occurring canine cancers (2018, Veterinary and Comparative Oncology)

  • Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30088848/
  • Benefits claimed: Liposome-encapsulated curcumin inhibited tumor cell proliferation in canine cancer cell lines and achieved stable disease in 4/6 dogs completing infusions in a pilot trial, claiming anti-cancer and anti-angiogenic effects that could address poor bioavailability, with potential for intravenous therapy in cancer-bearing dogs.

Dog food production using curcumin as antioxidant: effects of intake on animal growth, health and feed conservation (2020, Archives of Animal Nutrition)

  • Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32602378/
  • Benefits claimed: Curcumin (32.9 mg/kg in feed over 42 days) enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, reduced reactive oxygen species and inflammation (e.g., lower lymphocytes and globulins), improved red/white blood cell counts, and boosted total antioxidant capacity, supporting overall health and oxidative stress reduction in young dogs, while also aiding feed preservation.

Vitamin B complex

Cognitive enhancement in old dogs from dietary supplementation with a nutrient blend containing arginine, antioxidants, B vitamins and fish oil (2018, British Journal of Nutrition)

  • Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29316985/
  • Benefits claimed: Long-term supplementation with a blend including B vitamins improved performance on complex cognitive tasks (e.g., landmark discrimination and egocentric reversal learning), suggesting it delays cognitive aging and enhances memory in aged dogs.

Improvement of short-term memory performance in aged beagles by a nutraceutical supplement containing phosphatidylserine, Ginkgo biloba, vitamin E, and pyridoxine (2008, Can Vet J)

  • Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18481547/
  • Benefits claimed: The supplement including pyridoxine (B6) significantly improved short-term visuospatial memory accuracy, with long-lasting effects, indicating benefits for cognitive function in aged dogs.

Comparison of efficacy of oral and parenteral cobalamin supplementation in dogs with chronic enteropathies and hypocobalaminemia (2018, Vet J)

Benefits claimed: Both oral and parenteral B12 supplementation effectively increased serum cobalamin concentrations, supporting oral use for managing hypocobalaminemia in dogs with chronic enteropathies.

Vitamin C

The effect of vitamin C supplementation in healthy dogs on antioxidative capacity and immune parameters (2009, Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology)

  • Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19386005/
  • Benefits claimed: Oral supplementation (30-60 mg ascorbic acid) showed a trend toward increased plasma vitamin C levels, an increase in CD4+ T-lymphocytes (key for immune response), and modulated peripheral blood mononuclear cell proliferation in response to mitogens, suggesting mild immunomodulatory effects.

Vitamin C in Health and Disease: A Companion Animal Focus (2020, Topics in Companion Animal Medicine)

Vitamin E

Anti-inflammatory response of dietary vitamin E and its effects on pain and joint structures during early stages of surgically induced osteoarthritis in dogs (2013, Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research)

  • Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3700444/
  • Benefits claimed: Vitamin E supplementation (400 IU/animal per day for 55 days) reduced pro-inflammatory markers in synovial fluid (e.g., lower NOx and PGE2 concentrations), decreased histological lesions in articular cartilage (e.g., significant reduction in lesion scores on femoral condyles and tibial plateaus), and lowered pain indicators (e.g., trends in reduced VAS and EDA scores), supporting its role in alleviating early OA symptoms and protecting joint integrity.

Vitamin E supplementation in canine atopic dermatitis: Improvement of clinical signs and effects on oxidative stress markers (2014, Veterinary Record)

Effect of dietary antioxidants on free radical damage in dogs and cats (2024, Journal of Animal Science)

  • Link: https://academic.oup.com/jas/article/doi/10.1093/jas/skae153/7686798
  • Benefits claimed: As part of an antioxidant blend (up to 1,500 IU vitamin E/kg diet for 84 days), it increased circulating vitamin E levels, enhanced immune cell protection against oxidation, reduced DNA damage (e.g., higher head DNA retention in Comet assay and lower 8-hydroxy-2ʹ-deoxyguanosine), and improved overall antioxidant status (e.g., linear or quadratic increases in total antioxidant power), promoting immune health and cellular integrity in adult dogs.