Adaptogens are a group of plants and mushrooms that can help your pet adapt to various stressors via what’s called a ‘state of non-specific resistance’. These nature-based remedies support the overall health and well-being of pets. We explain how they work.

Nutritional yeast (also known as savoury yeast flakes, yeshi, nooch, or brufax) is an inactive form of yeast that is a powerhouse of essential amino acids, B-vitamins, bioactive minerals, immune system boosters, and powerful antioxidants. Here's why we include it in our supps including ones that help with anxiety.

There are more than 150 bioactive molecules in hawthorn, including phenolic acid, quercetin, pyrocatechin, phlorodizin, terpenoids, lignans. All these antioxidants make Hawthorn a superfood. And it’s one of the primary ingredients in the bestie Anxiety health chew - a blend of valerian, tryptophan, l-theanine, pomegranate and hawthorn, that research has shown improves generalised anxiety behaviour and clinical symptoms in dogs. We explain more about hawthorn, here.

Polyphenols are natural chemicals that are abundantly found in many plants including fruits and vegetables, green tea, black tea, coffee, chocolate, olives, red wine, and extra virgin olive oil. (Not all of those foods are good for dogs and cats BTW!)

These super-phytochemicals are jam-packed with antioxidants and a big reason we focus so much on whole foods in our Bestie Kitchen supplements.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a superfood. This ancient fruit originated from the Mediterranean region, tropical Africa, and Southeast Asia. It’s has been described in religious books as one of the paradise fruits.

Today, various scientific studies are focused on pomegranate’s nutritional value and therapeutic actions such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant properties. However, it’s also high in ellagic acid. Ellagic acid is responsible for the antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects of pomegranate.

L-Theanine is a type of amino acid that is the main component of green tea leaves (Camellia sinensis). It’s known for its relaxing effects on both humans and animals. Here we look at how it works - and particularly its role in glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). These are the major neurotransmitters in the mammalian brain and inhibitory GABA and excitatory glutamate work together to control many processes, including the brain’s overall level of excitation.

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid for dogs and cats. This means it must be present in their diet because their bodies are unable to produce it. In addition to being an important building block of protein, tryptophan is an important precursor of serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that can help regulate appetite, sleep, mood, and perception of pain.

In recent years, tryptophan-supplemented diets have gained popularity with pet owners whose pets are suffering from anxiety and aggression problems.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a perennial herb that is often planted as ornamentals and for use in herbal medicine. And with a Latin name thought to be derived from the Latin word ‘valere’ which means ‘to be healthy’, there are a LOT of reasons why we include valerian in The Om daily health boosters - designed to help with anxious behaviour. We explain why.

Nettle is a kind-of ordinary plant, with extraordinary properties. While it's been used for centuries in traditional medicine and veterinary medicine, today, numerous scientific research support the many health benefits of nettle.  In particular, that nettle is rich in flavonoids that have both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Marigold (also called calendula), has long been used in herbal medicine as a topical antiseptic, however the marigold extract has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also been shown to promote digestion and alleviate gastrointestinal disorders.