Science & Research | Pawse Wellness
Science & Research

Evidence-based nutrition, formulated for a longer, healthier life.

Every Pawse Wellness crumble is built from published research, veterinary nutrition science, and functional doses, not trends, fillers, or guesswork. Here's the thinking, the mechanisms, and the studies behind each formula.

23+active ingredients researched
40+supporting studies & reviews
3multi-pathway formulas
Our approach

How we decide what goes into a Pawse Wellness crumble

We treat every formulation decision the way a human wellness brand would, not the way the pet aisle usually does.

01

Evidence before trends

Every active ingredient is chosen because it has published research behind it, not because it's fashionable.

02

Right dose, not token amounts

We formulate to clinically relevant, weight-based daily doses, not sprinkle amounts designed to look good on a label.

03

Multi-pathway design

Each crumble combines complementary ingredients that work through different biological pathways toward the same outcome.

04

Built for daily, real life use

Soft, palatable crumbles designed to be eaten willingly and used consistently, because consistency is what makes nutrition work.

Formula science

The research behind each crumble

Select a formula to see its formulation goal, mechanism of action, ingredient evidence, and full supporting references.

Calm Crumble

A multi-pathway calming and emotional wellbeing formula designed to support serotonin balance, GABA activity, stress resilience, and neuromuscular relaxation, without sedation.

3.5g1 tsp daily, per 10kg
Mechanism of action

Serotonergic support (mood regulation)

L-tryptophan provides the dietary precursor to serotonin, while vitamin B6 supports its conversion, optimising neurotransmitter synthesis.

GABAergic calming

L-theanine promotes relaxation by increasing GABA activity without drowsiness. Passionflower and chamomile contain flavonoids, including apigenin, that modulate GABA-A receptors.

Adaptogenic stress regulation

Ashwagandha supports healthy cortisol regulation and improves stress resilience over time.

Neuromuscular & nervous system support

Magnesium glycinate promotes neuromuscular relaxation, and vitamin B1 supports normal nervous system function.

Key ingredient evidence & relevance
L-Tryptophan
210 mg/day
Dietary precursor to serotonin. Canine studies show tryptophan-enriched diets improve behavioural scores and reduce aggression and anxiety-related behaviours, while moderating cortisol responses.
L-Theanine
105 mg/day
Supports GABA activity and alpha-wave modulation. Canine studies demonstrate reduced noise reactivity, improved separation-related behaviours, and overall calming effects.
Ashwagandha (extract)
105 mg/day
Adaptogen shown in controlled canine trials to reduce cortisol and improve calmness and behavioural stability.
Magnesium (glycinate)
105 mg/day
Highly bioavailable form supporting neuromuscular relaxation and stress modulation, without laxative effects.
Passionflower & Chamomile
105 mg/day each
Botanical GABA modulators widely used in veterinary calming formulas, providing gentle, non-sedating anxiolytic support.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) & Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
28 mg / 3.5 mg per day
Essential cofactors for nervous system function and neurotransmitter synthesis, supporting serotonin and GABA pathways.
Clinical positioning
  • Evidence-anchored core ingredients: tryptophan, theanine, ashwagandha, and magnesium
  • Multi-pathway design reflecting modern veterinary behavioural strategies
  • Non-sedating and suitable for daily use
  • Appropriate alongside training, desensitisation, pheromone therapy, and environmental management
  • Once-daily 3.5g (1 tsp) serve delivers clinically relevant active levels for consistent behavioural support
Supporting references
L-Tryptophan
Canine study
Dietary protein content & tryptophan supplementation on dominance aggression, territorial aggression, and hyperactivity in dogs
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA)
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10953712
Review
Impact of nutrition on canine behaviour: current status and possible mechanisms
Nutrition Research Reviews — includes dietary tryptophan effects
cambridge.org/core/journals/nutrition-research-reviews
Canine study
Effects of incremental conditioning and supplemental dietary tryptophan on voluntary activity and behaviour of mid-distance sled dogs
PLOS ONE
journals.plos.org/plosone (0232643)
L-Theanine
Canine study
Open-label prospective study of L-theanine (Anxitane®) in storm-sensitive client-owned dogs
Journal of Veterinary Behavior
researchgate.net/publication/275281204
Mechanistic
The neuropharmacology of L-theanine (N-ethyl-L-glutamine): a possible neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing agent
Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy, 6(2):21–30
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17182482
Ashwagandha
RCT
Efficacy and safety of standardized Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract on reducing stress and anxiety in domestic dogs: a randomized controlled trial
Journal of Veterinary Behavior (2022)
sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1558787822000326
Passionflower & Chamomile
Canine study
Efficacy of nutraceutical supplements containing Passiflora incarnata in senior dogs
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41394907
Human RCT
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract therapy for generalized anxiety disorder
Amsterdam JD et al., Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology (2009)
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19593179
Magnesium & B-vitamins
Canine study
Effect of omega-3, magnesium, and zinc on behaviour disorders in dogs
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30502867
Canine study
Serum magnesium and stress in dogs
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5768924
Canine study
Behavioural effects of nutraceutical diets in dogs
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12568156
RCT
Randomised trial of a nutritional anxiety supplement in dogs
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8868118

Mobility Crumble

A multi-pathway joint support formulation designed to support the maintenance of healthy joints, bones, connective tissue, cartilage integrity, and oxidative stress, the key drivers of canine osteoarthritis (OA).

3.5g1 tsp daily, per 10kg
Mechanism of action

Joint comfort & mobility

Green-lipped mussel and MSM help reduce inflammatory mediators and support joint comfort and mobility.

Cartilage support & chondroprotection

Glucosamine and chondroitin support proteoglycan and glycosaminoglycan synthesis and help limit cartilage degradation. Marine collagen supports connective tissue and cartilage structure.

Antioxidant & matrix support

Vitamins C and E help reduce oxidative stress within the joint environment, while manganese acts as a cofactor for cartilage matrix synthesis.

Integrated, multi-modal strategy

This layered approach reflects the multi-modal strategy commonly recommended for joint support and long-term mobility.

Key ingredient evidence & relevance
Green-Lipped Mussel
875 mg/day
Well studied in canine OA, with multiple randomised, blinded trials demonstrating improvements in pain, mobility, and clinical arthritis scores versus placebo. Some studies show comparable improvement to NSAIDs on selected measures.
Glucosamine & Chondroitin (sulphate)
875 mg + 350 mg/day
Widely used chondroprotective agents in veterinary practice. Clinical studies show improvements in joint function and comfort over extended supplementation periods.
MSM
350 mg/day
Provides anti-inflammatory and analgesic support, and is commonly included in multi-ingredient joint nutraceuticals.
Marine Collagen Peptides
350 mg/day
Supports extracellular matrix and connective tissue integrity, complementing glucosamine and chondroitin by addressing structural joint health.
Vitamins C & E, Manganese
87.5 mg + 87.5 mg + 3.5 mg/day
Provide antioxidant protection and enzymatic support for cartilage synthesis and repair.
Clinical positioning
  • Evidence-anchored with clinically studied green-lipped mussel
  • Multi-modal design targeting cartilage, joint, bone, and connective tissue health in dogs
  • Suitable as an adjunct to NSAIDs, weight management, and physiotherapy
  • Once-daily 3.5g (1 tsp) serve delivers clinically relevant active levels for long-term use
Supporting references
Glucosamine & Chondroitin
RCT
Prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluating glucosamine, chondroitin, and marine fatty acids vs. placebo in dogs with hip OA (2023)
Showed measurable improvement in clinical signs
frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science (1033188)
Review
Review of glucosamine & chondroitin use in canines for osteoarthritis (2017)
Summarises pharmacology, clinical outcomes, and dosing considerations in dogs
go.parnell.com — Glucosamine & chondroitin in canines
RCT
Double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial assessing safety and efficacy of a glucosamine/chondroitin nutraceutical in dogs with OA
orthovetsupersite.org — VCOT 2017;30(4)
Canine study
Nutraceutical containing glucosamine and chondroitin improves osteoarthritis signs in dogs (2023)
mdpi.com/2306-7381/12/5/462
Green-Lipped Mussel, MSM, Collagen & Antioxidants
RCT
Frontiers in Veterinary Science (2023) — GLM in canine osteoarthritis
frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science (1033188)
Canine study
Collagen-containing supplement improves osteoarthritis signs in dogs (2022) — also supports MSM, and vitamins C & E with manganese
PLOS ONE
journals.plos.org/plosone (0263971)

Longevity Crumble

A multi-pathway healthy ageing formula designed to support mitochondrial function, antioxidant defence, metabolic resilience, immune balance, and cellular repair, the key biological drivers of canine ageing.

3.5g1 tsp daily, per 10kg
Mechanism of action

Mitochondrial energy & metabolic support

L-carnitine supports mitochondrial fatty acid transport and energy production. Nicotinamide (vitamin B3) supports NAD⁺ availability, essential for mitochondrial function and cellular repair.

Antioxidant & anti-inflammatory defence

Curcumin, quercetin, and resveratrol provide multi-layer antioxidant protection and support healthy inflammatory signalling.

Cellular protection & immune resilience

Astragalus supports immune modulation and cellular repair pathways. Taurine supports cardiac function, antioxidant defence, and metabolic stability.

Together, a whole-system approach

These mechanisms address oxidative stress, mitochondrial decline, chronic low-grade inflammation, immune ageing, and cellular repair capacity.

Key ingredient evidence & relevance
L-Carnitine
525 mg/day
Supports mitochondrial energy metabolism, lean muscle maintenance, and metabolic efficiency in ageing dogs. Senior canine studies show improvements in activity levels and metabolic health.
Curcumin
420 mg/day
Potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound, widely used in veterinary nutraceuticals for healthy ageing and systemic inflammatory balance.
Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3)
350 mg/day
Precursor to NAD⁺, supporting mitochondrial health, DNA repair, and cellular energy production. NAD⁺ decline is a recognised hallmark of ageing.
Taurine
350 mg/day
Essential for cardiac function, retinal health, antioxidant defence, and metabolic stability in dogs.
Astragalus Root Extract
350 mg/day
Supports immune resilience, oxidative stress reduction, and cellular repair pathways associated with healthy ageing.
Quercetin
350 mg/day
Flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, also studied for cellular senescence-modulating effects and reducing age-related inflammatory burden.
Resveratrol
70 mg/day
Supports mitochondrial biogenesis and activates longevity-associated pathways, including sirtuin activity, contributing to cellular resilience.
Clinical positioning
  • Multi-pathway longevity design targeting mitochondria, oxidative stress, and immune ageing
  • Evidence-supported ingredients widely used in senior canine nutrition
  • Suitable alongside joint, cognitive, weight, and general senior care plans
  • Once-daily 3.5g (1 tsp) serve delivers clinically relevant levels for long-term healthy ageing support
Supporting references
L-Carnitine
Canine study
L-carnitine supplementation in Labrador Retrievers — effects on body composition and lean mass
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5465856
Review
Nutrition and the ageing brain of dogs and cats
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
avmajournals.avma.org — JAVMA 255(11):1245
Curcumin
Canine study
Dog food production using curcumin as an antioxidant: effects of intake on animal growth, health, and feed conservation
tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/1745039X.2020.1769442
Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3) & NAD⁺
Review
The central role of the NAD⁺ molecule in the development of ageing and the prevention of chronic age-related diseases: strategies for NAD⁺ modulation
mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/3/2959
Review
Antioxidant strategies for age-related oxidative damage in dogs
mdpi.com/2306-7381/12/10/962
Taurine
Canine study
Taurine deficiency and cardiac function in dogs
Fascetti AJ et al.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14584743
Review
Taurine and antioxidant/biological function in mammals
Hayes KC
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19094361
Astragalus
Canine study
Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) improves immune function in dogs
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36583959
Canine study
APS enhances immune cell activity in immunosuppressed dogs
doi.org/10.1016/j.provac.2010.03.006
Quercetin
Canine study
Quercetin and dietary effects in live dogs
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39946409
In vitro study
In vitro canine immune cell study
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41463907
Canine study
Quercetin in a canine antioxidant supplement mix
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37624273
Resveratrol
Canine study
Resveratrol reduces inflammation in canine immune cells
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28153054
In vitro study
Resveratrol and canine osteoarthritis (in vitro cartilage model)
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19327182
Canine study
Resveratrol supplementation in dogs — metabolic effects
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26666339
Why it's different

Formulated like a human wellness brand, made for dogs

Pet-first formulation

Every dose is calibrated for canine physiology, not adapted from human supplements.

Research-aligned dosing

Active levels are set to match the doses used in the published studies behind each ingredient.

Whole-food crumble format

Soft, palatable, and easy to serve daily, so the formula actually gets eaten and used consistently.

Longevity-first focus

Designed for proactive, everyday wellness, not just symptom relief once a problem appears.

A note on the science. The research referenced on this page includes canine-specific clinical studies, in vitro and mechanistic research, and in some cases human or general mammalian studies used to support biological rationale where canine-specific data is still emerging. Pawse Wellness crumbles are nutritional supplements. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and are not a substitute for veterinary care. Please consult your veterinarian before starting any new supplement, particularly if your dog is pregnant, nursing, on medication, or managing an existing health condition.

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