Every Day · Nutritional and pharmacological importance of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.): A review

The Nutritional Power of Nettle Leaf

Nettle leaf (Urtica dioica) is a true nutrient-dense plant, valued for centuries as both food and medicine. The leaves are naturally rich in protein and fibre while providing a broad spectrum of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, K, iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium. They also contain bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, carotenoids and phenolic acids, which act as natural antioxidants. This unique nutritional profile makes nettle leaf a versatile ingredient that supports overall vitality and can be easily incorporated into a balanced, modern diet.

Nutritional and pharmacological importance of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.): A review

Hydration · Law TH et al. A randomised trial of a medium-chain TAG diet as treatment for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. Br J Nutr 2015;114(9):1438–1447. doi:10.1017/S000711451500313X

A randomised trial of a medium-chain TAG diet as treatment for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy

Researchers at the RVC ran a randomised trial in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. Dogs eating a diet enriched with medium-chain triglycerides had fewer seizures than dogs on a matched control diet. The trial is one of the clearest canine examples of MCTs doing something measurable. Law TH et al. British Journal of Nutrition, 2015. doi:10.1017/S000711451500313X

Law TH et al. A randomised trial of a medium-chain TAG diet as treatment for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. Br J Nutr 2015;114(9):1438–1447. doi:10.1017/S000711451500313X

Hydration · de Castro Santos Melo C et al. *Probiotic potential of Enterococcus hirae in goat milk and its survival in canine gastrointestinal conditions simulated in vitro.* Res Vet Sci 2021;138:188–195. doi:10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.06.010

Probiotic potential of Enterococcus hirae in goat milk and its survival in canine gastrointestinal conditions simulated in vitro

Researchers ran a probiotic strain from goat's milk through a simulated canine digestive system. It survived. Useful evidence that the gut-supportive elements of goat's milk hold up through a dog's GI tract rather than getting destroyed on the way through. de Castro Santos Melo C et al. Research in Veterinary Science, 2021. doi:10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.06.010

de Castro Santos Melo C et al. *Probiotic potential of Enterococcus hirae in goat milk and its survival in canine gastrointestinal conditions simulated in vitro.* Res Vet Sci 2021;138:188–195. doi:10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.06.010

Hydration · Ramakrishnan M et al. *Milk containing A2 β-casein only, as a single meal, causes fewer symptoms of lactose intolerance than milk containing A1 and A2 β-caseins.* Nutrients 2020;12(12):3855. doi:10.3390/nu12123855 *(human RCT)*

Milk Containing A2 β-Casein ONLY, as a Single Meal, Causes Fewer Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance than Milk Containing A1 and A2 β-Caseins in Subjects with Lactose Maldigestion and Intolerance: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Crossover Trial

A randomised double-blind crossover trial in people who report lactose-related symptoms found that milk containing only A2 beta-casein caused fewer GI symptoms than standard A1/A2 milk. Goat's milk is naturally A2-rich, which is part of why it tends to sit easier than cow's milk. Ramakrishnan M et al. Nutrients, 2020. doi:10.3390/nu12123855 A note: there isn't yet a canine A2-vs-A1 RCT. We point to this study for context on why A2 milk tends to be gentler — not as a clinical claim in dogs.

Ramakrishnan M et al. *Milk containing A2 β-casein only, as a single meal, causes fewer symptoms of lactose intolerance than milk containing A1 and A2 β-caseins.* Nutrients 2020;12(12):3855. doi:10.3390/nu12123855 *(human RCT)*

Hydration · Mori K et al. *Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment.* Phytother Res 2009;23(3):367–372. doi:10.1002/ptr.2634 *(human RCT)*

Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial

Adults with mild cognitive impairment took lion's mane daily for 16 weeks. Their scores on a standard cognitive test improved compared with placebo — and when they stopped, scores dropped back. One of the most cited human trials on the mushroom. Mori K et al. Phytotherapy Research, 2009. doi:10.1002/ptr.2634

Mori K et al. *Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment.* Phytother Res 2009;23(3):367–372. doi:10.1002/ptr.2634 *(human RCT)*

Hydration · Mori K et al. *Nerve growth factor-inducing activity of Hericium erinaceus in 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells.* Biol Pharm Bull 2008;31(9):1727–1732. doi:10.1248/bpb.31.1727 *(mechanistic)*

Nerve growth factor-inducing activity of Hericium erinaceus in 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells

Lab work in human cells showed that compounds from lion's mane stimulate the production of nerve growth factor — the protein behind nerve cell maintenance and repair. Explains why the mushroom keeps coming up in research on cognition and nerve health. Mori K et al. Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 2008. doi:10.1248/bpb.31.1727

Mori K et al. *Nerve growth factor-inducing activity of Hericium erinaceus in 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells.* Biol Pharm Bull 2008;31(9):1727–1732. doi:10.1248/bpb.31.1727 *(mechanistic)*

Hydration · β-glucans from Euglena gracilis or Saccharomyces cerevisiae effects on immunity and inflammatory parameters in dogs.* PLoS ONE 2024;19(5):e0303872. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0303872

β-glucans from Euglena gracilis or Saccharomyces cerevisiae effects on immunity and inflammatory parameters in dogs

A study comparing yeast-derived beta-glucans against a control showed shifts in immune and inflammatory markers in dogs over 84 days. Useful evidence that yeast cell wall isn't just a flavour ingredient — it's doing something. PLoS ONE, 2024. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0303872

β-glucans from Euglena gracilis or Saccharomyces cerevisiae effects on immunity and inflammatory parameters in dogs.* PLoS ONE 2024;19(5):e0303872. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0303872

Hydration · Cui Y et al. *Effects of Dietary Saccharomyces cerevisiae Supplementation on Gut Microbiota Composition and Gut Health in Aged Labrador Retrievers.* Animals 2024;14(12):1713. doi:10.3390/ani14121713

The Effects of Dietary Saccharomyces cerevisiaeSupplementation on Gut Microbiota Composition and Gut Health in Aged Labrador Retrievers

Older Labrador Retrievers were supplemented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae over several weeks. Their gut microbiota shifted in a favourable direction — more of the bacteria you want, fewer of the ones you don't. Suggests yeast plays a role in keeping the gut in good shape as dogs age. Cui Y et al. Animals, 2024. doi:10.3390/ani14121713

Cui Y et al. *Effects of Dietary Saccharomyces cerevisiae Supplementation on Gut Microbiota Composition and Gut Health in Aged Labrador Retrievers.* Animals 2024;14(12):1713. doi:10.3390/ani14121713

Hydration · Dobenecker B et al. *The oral intake of specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides improves gait and quality of life in canine osteoarthritis patients.* PLoS ONE 2024;19(9):e0308378. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0308378

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

Dogs with osteoarthritis were given bioactive collagen peptides daily over twelve weeks. Owners and assessors reported improved gait and quality of life compared with the placebo group. A proper canine trial, with a clear result. Dobenecker B et al. PLoS ONE, 2024. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0308378

Dobenecker B et al. *The oral intake of specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides improves gait and quality of life in canine osteoarthritis patients.* PLoS ONE 2024;19(9):e0308378. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0308378

Hydration · Gerontakos S et al. *Findings of Russian literature on the clinical application of Eleutherococcus senticosus: A narrative review.* J Ethnopharmacol 2021;278:114274. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2021.114274

Findings of Russian literature on the clinical application of Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim.): A narrative review

A team translated and reviewed decades of Russian clinical work on Siberian ginseng — much of which never made it into English-language journals. The review pulls together the human evidence on adaptogen effects: recovery from physical and mental fatigue, response to stress. Useful starting point if you want to read into the history of the ingredient. Gerontakos S et al. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2021. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2021.114274

Gerontakos S et al. *Findings of Russian literature on the clinical application of Eleutherococcus senticosus: A narrative review.* J Ethnopharmacol 2021;278:114274. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2021.114274

Hydration · Pan Y et al. *Dietary supplementation with medium-chain TAG has long-lasting cognition-enhancing effects in aged dogs.* Br J Nutr 2010;103(12):1746–1754. doi:10.1017/S0007114510000097

Dietary supplementation with medium-chain TAG has long-lasting cognition-enhancing effects in aged dogs

A two-year study on senior dogs found that those fed a diet with added MCTs performed better on cognitive tasks than the control group, and the effect lasted. It's one of the most cited pieces of work on MCTs supporting brain function in older dogs. Pan Y et al. British Journal of Nutrition, 2010. doi:10.1017/S0007114510000097

Pan Y et al. *Dietary supplementation with medium-chain TAG has long-lasting cognition-enhancing effects in aged dogs.* Br J Nutr 2010;103(12):1746–1754. doi:10.1017/S0007114510000097

Hydration

Hydration in Winter

When winter hits, routines shift: walks get shorter, paws get muddier, and hydration often gets overlooked. But even in colder weather, your dog still needs daily water for energy, digestion, and wellbeing. Cooler temperatures, dry indoor heating, and reduced activity can quietly lower water intake without obvious signs.

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Hydration

Recognising the signs of dehydration

Keeping your dog properly hydrated is a vital part of responsible pet care. Water supports every major function in a dog’s body, including temperature regulation, digestion, mobility, cognitive clarity and healthy organ performance. Despite its importance, dehydration in dogs is surprisingly common and often goes unnoticed until symptoms become more serious. Understanding the early signs allows you to act quickly and prevent health problems before they escalate.

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Hydration

What your dogs wee can tell you about their hydration levels

Most dog owners instinctively know how to monitor their dog’s health. We notice changes in their behaviour, appetite, energy and coat condition. However, one of the simplest, most reliable indicators of your dog’s wellbeing is something a lot of people overlook entirely: the colour of their wee.

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Seasonal changes

The weather is changing and so is your dogs body

As we move into the colder months, the world around us shifts and your dog’s internal balance shifts with it. The transition into chilly, damp and unpredictable weather brings subtle changes that often go unnoticed at first, but your dog feels them long before you realise.

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Cordyceps

Cordyceps: The Functional Mushroom Transforming Dog Health

Cordyceps is known for boosting energy, supporting immunity, and improving overall wellbeing. But whenever we talk to dog owners about Better Every Day, there’s one ingredient that surprises owners about just how good it is for our dogs.

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Ginger Root

Ginger Root: Simple, Everyday Support 

Ginger is a natural source of magnesium, a vital mineral that plays an important role in helping the body reduce muscle aches and soreness after activity.

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Summer

Summer is coming

Warmer days, longer walks, more on their plate. How seasonal change affects your dog, and the small things you can do to support them through it.

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Recipe · Better Dog Bakes

Sweet Potato & Red Pepper Bakes

A simple, dog-friendly bake made with sweet potato, red pepper and our Better Hydration to support tasty, functional treats at home. Nutritious, easy to make, and perfect as a healthy snack.

Better Dog Bakes

Recipe · Energy Bar Recipe

Energy Bar

Want to fuel your dog in the best way possible? These tasty, calorie-packed energy bars are ridiculously easy to make with just two ingredients. Perfect for competitions, long walks, or endurance training days.

Energy Bar Recipe

Recipe · Training Treat Recipe

Training Treats

These hypoallergenic, high-value treats have a deliciously cheesy flavour that dogs adore. Perfect for training sessions, they’re small, nutritious, and super easy to make

Training Treat Recipe

Recipe · Cookies recipe

Better Dog Christmas Cookies

Looking for a simple, wellness-boosting treat your dog will love? These Better Hydration Cookies are easy to make, gentle on the stomach, and perfect for everyday snacking. Made with a scoop of Better Hydration for added functional benefits.

Cookies recipe

Recipe · Carrot Bites

Better Dog Carrot Bites

Super simple and tasty treats.

Carrot Bites