EPA and DHA settle into the cells of your dog’s skin and joints, where they turn down the signals that drive inflammation. Less inflammation means less itching and redness, a glossier coat, and joints that move more comfortably. It is one of the best-studied supplements for dogs’ skin and joints.

Good bacteria (probiotics) crowd out bad bacteria (pathogens) in the gut, produce short-chain fatty acids that feed the gut lining, and help the gut’s immune defences. The result is steadier digestion and firmer stools. Both key dog studies paired probiotics with a prebiotic, as Daily Essentials does.

Strains: L. acidophilus, L. casei, L. paracasei, L. rhamnosus, L. plantarum, L. reuteri, B. longum, B. animalis subsp. lactis, B. breve, S. thermophilus.

Bacillus coagulans travels as a spore, a tough protective shell that survives harsh conditions in the stomach, and activates in the small intestine releasing lactic acid, which favours beneficial bacteria, and digestive enzymes. In dog studies it led to firmer stools and better digestion of food.

UC-II is collagen kept in its natural, intact shape. Rather than acting as a building block, it interacts with immune tissue in the gut (in a process known as oral tolerance) to calm the body’s immune attack on its own joint cartilage.

Boswellia serrata supplies active boswellic acids (such as AKBA) that inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory molecules in joints. It works differently from omega-3, and pairs with UC-II to support comfortable movement.

Zinc, in an organic form that is absorbed more consistently, supports cell renewal, keratin formation and collagen synthesis, which help the skin’s moisture barrier and coat gloss.

Biotin helps the body make the fats and proteins that skin, coat and nails are built from.

Vitamin E is the main fat-soluble antioxidant in the body. It sits in skin cell membranes and shields skin tissue from oxidative damage, and tops up the vitamin E that extra omega-3 uses up.

L-theanine crosses the blood-brain barrier, where it supports calming signals and dampens over-excitement. Dogs stay alert and themselves, just less reactive. In dog studies, it reduced fearful behaviour towards strangers and signs of storm anxiety.

Ashwagandha contains withanolides, thought to help regulate the body’s stress system, lowering cortisol when it runs too high. In placebo-controlled dog studies, it reduced cortisol and signs of fear and anxiety within four weeks.

Brewer’s yeast is an inactive yeast rich in B-vitamins and two prebiotic fibres from its cell walls: beta-glucans and mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS). These feed beneficial bacteria, help keep unwanted bacteria from sticking to the gut wall, and prime the gut’s immune defences.

Acacia fibre is a highly-branched prebiotic fibre that passes undigested to the colon, where good bacteria ferment it slowly to nourish the gut lining with minimal gas.

Psyllium husk soaks up water to form a soft gel in the gut. When stools are loose, the gel binds excess water to firm them up. When stools are hard, it holds moisture so they pass more easily.