FAQ

All FAQs

Import Restrictions

Flexi-K9 Information for customers in Canada

Flexi-K9 Information for customers in Canada

At the moment, we are unable to ship Flexi-K9 to Canada due to restrictions on the import of products containing Hemp Protein (a safe food ingredient used in Flexi-K9). We are working on resolving the issue with the relevant authorities and will be in contact with our customers in Canada if there are any changes. 

Important information for customers in Spain, Germany, Australia and New Zealand

Spain, Germany, Australia and New Zealand

Regrettably, we are unable to ship our products to Spain, Germany, Australia or New Zealand as animal supplements are restricted for import in those countries. If you are a customer from Ireland, Germany, Spain, New Zealand or Australia, you will not be able to complete checkout (to avoid any accidental purchases that may be destroyed by customs). If you have any questions on your purchases, please contact us at: hello@a-ok9.com.

How can I find out more about the import rules in my country?

Please check the information issued by the Customs authority in your country for further details on the import of supplements and pet foods. 

How can I contact you?

Our friendly team is always available to help. Please contact us either by responding to this email or sending an email to: hello@a-ok9.com

EU Customers

EU Customers

I am an EU customer - what changes will Brexit have on my order?

Since Brexit has now changed the rules for EU orders, a small amount of orders from EU countries (over a certain amount) will now be subject to tax and duty charges.

Will I have to pay any additional fees on my order?

Not every shipment is taxed on import. Many countries have a de minimis threshold, under which shipments are cleared without incurring customs duties or taxes. Most of Europe has a 'de minimis' value of 150 EUR for Customs Duties, and 22 EUR for VAT. However, the threshold varies from country to country and each threshold is based on local currency. The 'De Minimis' value is decided by each country and so we would recommend checking with customs guidelines in your country to understand any additional duties that may be applied.

How do I know if I have been charged additional fees by Customs?

You will be contacted by your shipping agent/courier before delivery to let you know, and to pay any charges. It's important to note that you won't be able to receive your order without paying any customs charges due.

What if I don't want to pay the fees and instead want to return my item?

Unfortunately, any customs charges are beyond our control and so, when you place an order with us from outside of the UK, we can not receive a shipment back as ‘Return to Sender’ unless the customs charges have been paid. In the case that you don't wish to pay the charges and receive the order, the Customs department will destroy your order and it will not be possible for us to issue a refund.

Free Gifts - I am an EU customer, will I have to pay VAT/Import charges for any free gift promotions?

Unfortunately, although the price of the Free Gift has been reduced to '0' by A-OK9, some EU countries Customs departments may still value the Free Gift at the original price of £53.48 and may apply import charges to the Free Gift. If you are required to pay an import charge on your order, you will be contacted by the Customs department in your country.

Unfortunately, if you do not wish to pay any customs charges that are due, your order will be destroyed and will not be returned to us. Therefore, we ask you to check the Customs rules in your country before placing your order.

Shipping Info

How long will UK delivery take?

We aim to dispatch all orders within 48 hours of receipt via Royal Mail standard delivery. Please allow up to 10 working days for your order to arrive. If you haven't received it after this time please do let us know by emailing hello@a-ok9.com

How long will International Delivery take?

We aim to dispatch all orders within 48 hours of receipt via Royal Mail standard International delivery. Please allow up to 30 working days for your order to arrive, however, most arrive sooner than this. If your order has not arrived within 30 working days please do let us know by emailing hello@a-ok9.com

Can I track my parcel?

We are able to track all UK deliveries. We are unable to provide tracking for international orders. 

I haven't received my parcel - who do I contact?

Please contact our super-friendly team at: hello@a-ok9.com.

Non-EU/UK Customers

I am an international customer (not EU or UK). Will Brexit affect my order?

No, customers who shop with us from anywhere else in the world (not the EU or UK) will not experience any changes as part of Brexit. Customs duties and taxes will remain as before Brexit.

Do you ship to Australia and New Zealand?

Unfortunately we cannot ship to Australia and New Zealand at present due to import rules. However, this is something that we hope to be able to offer later in the year. Watch this space!

Returns

UK Returns

How do I return my item?

If you are based in the UK, please use the free Royal Mail returns process to let us know to expect your return: https://www.royalmail.com/track-my-return/create/5052. You will find a pre-printed returns label inside your package. Simply wrap the goods up and post them back to us with a note stating your order reference, name, address, phone number and what you wish us to do with your  return.

What is the return policy?

We are happy to accept any non-opened pouches in saleable condition within 14 days of purchase.


International Returns

How do I return my item?

To return an item, simply package up any un-opened pouches which are in a re-saleable condition, and return to us at:  East Bowerland Farm Okehampton, Devon EX20 4LZ, United Kingdom. 

What is the return policy?

We are happy to accept any non-opened pouches in saleable condition within 14 days of purchase.

Subscribe and Save

What is subscribe and save?

What is subscribe and save?

If you choose the 'Subscription' option when choosing your supplement, it will sign you up to a regular subscription! This means that we will send your order out regularly at the correct time to make sure that you never run out. The added benefit is that you save 15% compared to the cost of buying it standalone each time. All you need to do is select the supplement you would like to buy, let us know how much your dog weighs and check out!

How can I become a subscriber?

It's so easy! Simply go to your favourite product on A-OK9.com, select the 'Subscription' tab on the right-hand side, select your dog's weight (to see the recommended frequency) and hit 'Subscribe and Save'!

Multi-Dog Subscribe and Save

I have multiple dogs – how do I set up subscribe and save for each of them?

Once you have added your first dog’s subscribe and save to the cart, you’ll see a button below the supplement that says ‘add another dog’. Even if you have dogs of different sizes, we make sure that each of them never runs out, AND you save 15% on both subscriptions!

Specific Supplement Queries

Calm-K9

Is there any scientific evidence that ingredients in Calm-K9 can aid calmness?

Yes. Calm-K9 contains ingredients which are proven to have an impact on calmness. Importantly, serotonin has to be made by the body and the way it does that is through Tryptophan, which can only be supplied through diet. Serotonin, as with humans, is responsible for mood, optimism, appetite, aggression, impulse control, and anxiety. Once absorbed, tryptophan (precursor) is used by the body to produce serotonin (a neurotransmitter).  The neurological pathway through which serotonin works has anti-anxiety and calming effects. 2. Lemon balm (see Calm-K9 Senior Boost). 3. Passiflora - strengthens the effectiveness of GABA brain receptors which in turn decreases the activity of the nervous system and aids relaxation [3]. 4. A probiotic – research has shown that a diet including a probiotic in mice led to a reduction in cortisol and anxiety related behaviour [4] and that modulation of the gut microflora may be a strategy for developing novel treatments for stress-related disorders [5]. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(References: [1] DeNapoli JS, Dodman NH, Shuster L, Rand WM, Gross KL. Effect of dietary protein content and tryptophan supplementation on dominance aggression, territorial aggression, and hyperactivity in dogs. J. Am. Vet. 2000 Aug 1;217(4):504-8. [2] Kato M, Miyaji K, Ohtani N, Ohta M. Effects of prescription diet on dealing with stressful situations and performance of anxiety-related behaviors in privately owned anxious dogs. J. Vet. Behav. 2012 Jan 1;7(1):21-6. [3] Weeks BS. Formulations of dietary supplements and herbal extracts for relaxation and anxiolytic action: Relarian. Med. Sci. Monit. 2009 Oct 19;15(11):RA256-62. [4] Desbonnet L, Garrett L, Clarke G, Bienenstock J, Dinan TG. The probiotic Bifidobacteria infantis: an assessment of potential antidepressant properties in the rat. J. Psychiatr. Res. 2008 Dec 1;43(2):164-74. [5] Moloney RD, Desbonnet L, Clarke G, Dinan TG, Cryan JF. The microbiome: stress, health and disease. Mamm. genome. 2014 Feb;25(1):49-74.)

 

From what age can I feed Calm-K9?

Calm-K9 can be fed to any dog over 8 weeks old. 

What type of package is the powder in?

Your powder comes in a handy plastic pouch which has a press-lock seal to keep it fresh.

How long do I have to use the powder?

All of our products have a 2-year shelf life. However, incorrect storage can affect the powder so we recommend to store the pouch in a clean, dry area away from strong odours.

Can I give this to my dog when they are on medication?

We don't recommend that Calm-K9 or Calm-K9 Senior Boost are fed to dogs who are on behaviour-modifying drugs and we would recommend consulting your vet before adding these products to your dog's diet.

My dog is going under general anaesthetic, can I still feed Calm-K9?

As Calm-K9 is centrally-acting, to be safe, we recommend stopping Calm & Calm Senior 3 Days before the operation and picking up again 3 days after. All other supplements can be given the day before and restarted after 48 hours

Does Calm-K9 contain wheat or grain?

No, Calm-K9 is Wheat-free and grain-free!

What is the optimum time to feed Calm-K9?

It doesn't matter at all what time you give Calm-K9. Some of our Health Heroes like to give it in the morning and some in the evening. 

 

Calm-K9 Senior Boost

What evidence is there that Calm-K9 Senior Boost can aid cognitive decline in dogs?

As with many superfoods, the evidence largely comes from research in humans, however, canine cognitive decline does share characteristics with human Alzheimer’s disease [1-3]. Lemon balm, in particular, has been shown to improve cognitive function and agitation associated with Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline in humans [4,5].  Studies have even shown lemon balm to improve cognitive performance and mood in healthy, young people [6]. Calm-K9 Senior Boost also contains a blend of anti-oxidants and B-vitamins which have shown cognition-improving effects [7,8] and phosphatidyl choline works to treat neurological conditions by supporting the cell structure and the production of chemical neurotransmitters [9]. Calm-K9 Senior Boost also contains L-tryptophan and probiotics – see Calm-K9 for details.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(References:[1]Head, E; McCleary, R; Hahn, FF; Milgram, NW; Cotman, CW. Region-specific age at onset of beta-amyloid in dogs. Neurobiol Aging. 2000. 21:89–96.[2] Landsberg, GM; Nichol, J; Araujo, JA. Cognitive dysfunction syndrome: A disease of canine and feline brain aging. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2012. 42:749–768. [3] Osella, MC; Re, G; Odore, R; Girardi, C; Badino, P; Barbero, R; Bergamasco, L. Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome: Prevalence, clinical signs and treatment with a neuroprotective nutraceutical. Appl Anim Behav Sci. 2007. 105:297–310.[4] Fast, R; Schutt, T; Toft, N; Moller, A; Berendt, M. An Observational Study with Long-Term Follow-Up of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction: Clinical Characteristics, Survival, and Risk Factors. J Vet Intern Med. 2013. 27:822-829. [5] Akhondzadeh S, Noroozian M, Mohammadi M, Ohadinia S, Jamshidi AH, Khani M. Melissa officinalis extract in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease: a double blind, randomised, placebo controlled trial J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatry. 2003 Jul 1;74(7):863-6. [6] Scholey A, Gibbs A, Neale C, Perry N, Ossoukhova A, Bilog V, Kras M, Scholz C, Sass M, Buchwald-Werner S. Anti-stress effects of lemon balm-containing foods. Nutrients. 2014 Nov;6(11):4805-21. [7] Pan Y, Kennedy AD, Jönsson TJ, Milgram NW. Cognitive enhancement in old dogs from dietary supplementation with a nutrient blend containing arginine, antioxidants, B vitamins and fish oil. Br J Nutr. 2018 Feb;119(3):349-58. [8] Pan Y, Landsberg G, Mougeot I, Kelly S, Xu H, Bhatnagar S, Gardner CL, Milgram NW. Efficacy of a therapeutic diet on dogs with signs of cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS): a prospective double blinded placebo controlled clinical study. Front.Nutr. 2018 Dec 12;5:127. [9] Lu Liu, Song Qiao, Liying Zhuang, Shanhu Xu, Linhui Chen, Qilun Lai, Wenfeng Wang, "Choline Intake Correlates with Cognitive Performance among Elder Adults in the United States", Behav. Neurol. vol. 2021, Article ID 2962245, 11 pages, 2021.

Can I feed Calm-K9 Senior Boost to a dog younger than 7?

Yes. Calm-K9 Senior Boost is formulated to specifically target the signs of ageing in Senior dogs, but it can be fed to an adult dog of any age, if you wish. However, don't forget that we also have Calm-K9 which is the formulation for younger dogs!

Does Calm-K9 Senior Boost contain a probiotic?

Yes! Calm-K9 Senior Boost contains a probiotic to help maintain good digestive balance and soothe tummy troubles.

Does Calm-K9 Senior Boost still have all of the benefits of Calm-K9?

Calm-K9 Senior Boost contains nearly everything (the only difference is the absence of Passiflora!) that Calm-K9 contains as well as additional ingredients that are specifically useful to support senior dogs as they age.

My dog is going under general anaesthetic, can I still feed Calm-K9?

As Calm-K9 is centrally-acting, to be safe, we recommend stopping Calm & Calm Senior 3 Days before the operation and picking up again 3 days after. All other supplements can be given the day before and restarted after 48 hours

Flexi-K9

Is there any research to suggest that Flexi-K9 aids joint health?

Absolutely. Flexi-K9 contains:Green lipped mussel - clinical studies have shown this to have a beneficial effect on movement and reduce signs of osteoarthritis [1]. Omega 3 - thought to reduce the amount of pro-inflammatory substances and cartilage-damaging enzymes in the body [2]. Turmeric - studies show that curcumin could act as an anti-inflammatory for dogs suffering from osteoarthritis [3,4]. Boswelia - in humans with osteoarthritis, studies suggest it may be able to relieve pain, stiffness and improve joint function [2]. Research also suggests that boswellia helps prevent the deterioration of cartilage and joint tissue [5-7].>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(References: [1] Bierer TL, Bui LM. Improvement of arthritic signs in dogs fed green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus). J. Nutr. 2002 Jun 1;132(6):1634S-6S.

[2] Roush JK, Cross AR, Renberg WC, Dodd CE, Sixby KA, Fritsch DA, Allen TA, Jewell DE, Richardson DC, Leventhal PS, Hahn KA. Evaluation of the effects of dietary supplementation with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids on weight bearing in dogs with osteoarthritis. J.  Am. Vet. 2010 Jan 1;236(1):67-73.

[3] Colitti M, Gaspardo B, Della Pria A, Scaini C, Stefanon B. Transcriptome modification of white blood cells after dietary administration of curcumin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug in osteoarthritic affected dogs. Vet. Immun. Immunopathol. 2012 Jun 30;147(3-4):136-46. [4] Sgorlon S, Stefanon B, Sandri M, Colitti M. Nutrigenomic activity of plant derived compounds in health and disease: Results of a dietary intervention study in dog. Res. Vet.. 2016 Dec 1;109:142-8

[5] Roy NK, Parama D, Banik K, Bordoloi D, Devi AK, Thakur KK, Padmavathi G, Shakibaei M, Fan L, Sethi G, Kunnumakkara AB. An update on pharmacological potential of boswellic acids against chronic diseases. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2019 Jan;20(17):4101.

[6] Yu G, Xiang W, Zhang T, Zeng L, Yang K, Li J. Effectiveness of Boswellia and Boswellia extract for osteoarthritis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complement. Med. and Ther. 2020 Dec;20(1):1-6.

[7] Reichling J, Schmökel H, Fitzi J, Bucher S, Saller R. Dietary support with Boswellia resin in canine inflammatory joint and spinal disease. Schweiz. 2004 Feb;146(2):71-9

Is this suitable for my dog who has arthritis?

Yes, Flexi-K9 is suitable for dogs who have mobility issues. It contains specific ingredients like Green-lipped mussel and turmeric to support healthy joints.

Can I give this to my dog to prevent joint issues in the future?

Yes! In fact, this is the way many of our customers use Flexi-K9. Feeding a joint supplement from a young age can protect your dog's joints as they age and help to prevent mobility-related issues later in life.

Can I feed this to my dog who is on prescription medication?

All of our supplements are made from natural ingredients which can also be found in low quantities in food. So, if your dog is on prescription medication, it will be fine to feed our supplements (with the exception of Calm-K9 and Calm-K9 Senior Boost) alongside. However, we do always recommend speaking to your vet before changing your dog's diet if they are on prescription medication. Please also note that you should check with your vet before feeding Calm-K9 or Calm-K9 Senior boost if your dog is taking any behaviour-modifying medicine.

Is there Chicken in Flexi-K9?

No! While the Flexi-K9 powder has a tasty chicken taste, the flavouring we use is totally vegetarian and chicken is not included in Flexi-K9.

Fresh-K9

Is there any scientific evidence that Fresh-K9 can aid hydration and recovery?

Yes. When dogs become dehydrated they lose electrolytes, such as sodium, chloride, and potassium. These are important for many physiological reasons including muscle action and nerve function. Studies show that electrolytes are primarily lost in saliva during a bout of exercise. The duration or intensity of aerobic exercise may also influence changes in salivary electrolyte concentration. This suggests that replenishing electrolytes may help prevent dogs from experiencing electrolyte imbalance, especially dogs participating in extended and/or repetitive bouts of aerobic exercise [1]. Other studies found heat tolerance is influenced hydration state. Under conditions of controlled activity in moderate heat and humidity, dogs accustomed to the work and the environment were more likely to increase fluid consumption and hydration when offered with a flavoured oral electrolyte supplement [2,3].>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(References): [1] Templeman JR, McCarthy N, Lindinger MI, Shoveller AK. Changes in salivary electrolyte concentrations in mid‐distance trained sled dogs during 12 weeks of incremental conditioning. Physiol. Rep. 2020 Jun;8(12):e14493. [2] Otto CM, Hare E, Nord JL, Palermo SM, Kelsey KM, Darling TA, Schmidt K, Coleman D. Evaluation of three hydration strategies in detection dogs working in a hot environment. Front. Vet. Sci. 2017 Oct 26;4:174. [3] Niedermeyer GM, Hare E, Brunker LK, Berk RA, Kelsey KM, Darling TA, Nord JL, Schmidt KK, Otto CM. A randomized cross-over field study of pre-hydration strategies in dogs tracking in hot environments. Front. Vet. Sci. 2020 Jun 3;7:292.

Can I alter the 'dosage' of Fresh-K9?

Yes. We recommend using two tablespoons of powder per 200ml of water. However, this is just a suggestion and Fresh-K9 can be mixed according to your dog's taste.

Plaque-K9

Is there any research behind the ingredients in Plaque-K9 and their effect on oral health?

Plaque-K9 contains several ingredients to boost dental hygiene in dogs, some of which are: Fennel - helps to neutralise acid. This is important because there are acid-producing bacteria in our dog's mouth. An acidic saliva below pH7 can lead to acid erosion, enamel loss, tooth decay, and cavities. So, the more alkaline you can make your dog's saliva, the better their dental health will be. It also inhibits the growth of one of the most important bacteria in the formation of dental plaque and cavities [1, 2, 3, 4]. Dill - contains flavonoids which are powerful antioxidants, meaning they stabilise or even deactivate free radicals which can attack cells in the body [2,3]. Dill also has anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antimicrobial properties so it can be protective against microbial infections. And as a bonus, Dill is a great source if calcium and phosphorous which can help strengthen tooth enamel [5, 6]. Kelp – a strain of beneficial bacteria, known as Bacillus lichenformis, lives on the surface of kelp. It releases an enzyme that breaks down the bacterial biofilm that causes dental plaque and tartar [6].>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(References): [1] Manohar R, Ganesh A, Abbyramy N, Abinaya R, Balaji S K, Priya S B. The effect of fennel seeds on pH of saliva – A clinical study. Indian J Dent Res 2020;31:921-3. [2] Ajithkrishnan CG,  Thanveer  K,  Singh    An  InVivo  Evaluation  of  the  Effect  of  Fennel  Seeds Chewing  on  Salivary  pH.  J.  Oral  Health  & Community.  Dent.  May  1,  2014;  8(2). [3] Swathi V, Rekha R, Abhishek J, Radha G, Pallavi SK, Gadde P. Effect of chewing fennel and cardamom seeds on dental plaque and salivary pH-a randomized controlled trial. Int. J. Pharm. Sci. Res. 2016;7(1):406-12. [4] Kang S et. al., Fennel essential oil inhibits virulence of Streptococcus Mutans. Int. Assoc. Dent. Res. 2014 [5] Eshwar S, Rekha K, Jain V, Manvi S, Kohli S, Bhatia S. Suppl-1, M8: Comparison of Dill Seed Oil Mouth Rinse and Chlorhexidine Mouth Rinse on Plaque Levels and Gingivitis-A Double Blind Randomized Clinical Trial. Open Dent. J. 2016;10:207. [6] Selen Isbilir S, Sagiroglu A. Antioxidant potential of different dill (Anethum graveolens L.) leaf extracts. Int. J. Food Prop. 2011 Jul 1;14(4):894-902. [7] Is seaweed superior to toothpaste?. Br. Dent. J. 213, 102 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2012.690

How much Iodine is in Plaque-K9?

The iodine level in Plaque-K9 is low and (dependent on batch) is between 0.275mg per g - 0.66mg per g.

Has Plaque-K9 been tested for arsenic and lead?

Yes, all of our supplements have been tested for Microbiology, PAH, Pesticides and Heavy Metals to ensure they are within permissible limits.

Prime-K9

What evidence is there that Prime-K9 works? 

Prime contains supplements that are believed to nourish the skin and coat to reduce itching, they can moderate inflammation and improve the skin’s effectiveness as a barrier against allergens [1]. In particular, essential fatty acids have been shown to be beneficial in dogs with pruritus [2]. Vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc are anti-oxidants known to protect skin health and boost immunity. Prime-K9 also contains quercetin,  known as ‘nature’s anti-histamine’, which has anti-allergic properties [3] and spirulina which is rich in vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids [4] It can enhance the immune system, improve digestive health, and also has both antinflammatory and antioxidant properties.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(References): [1] Patel, A. https://www.veterinary-practice.com/article/essential-fatty-acids-in-veterinary-dermatology-do-they-have-a-place. 2017. Accessed 13 December 2021 [2] Fritsch DA, Roudebush P, Allen TA, Leventhal PS, Brejda J, Hahn KA. Effect of Two Therapeutic Foods in Dogs with Chronic Nonseasonal Pruritic Dermatitis. Int. J. Appl. Res. Vet. Med. 2010 Sep 1;8(3). [3] Mlcek J, Jurikova T, Skrovankova S, Sochor J. Quercetin and its anti-allergic immune response. Molecules. 2016 May;21(5):623. [4] Satyaraj E, Reynolds A, Engler R, Labuda J, Sun P. Supplementation of diets with Spirulina influences immune and gut function in dogs. Front. Nutr. 2021 May 28;8:267

What type of package is the powder in?

Your powder comes in a handy plastic pouch which has a press-lock seal to keep it fresh.

What is the shelf-life of the product?

All of our products have a 2-year shelf life. However, incorrect storage can affect the powder so we recommend to store the pouch in a clean, dry area away from strong odours.

Can I feed this to my dog when on Prescription medication?

Because the ingredients in our supplements are all-natural and have been formulated by vets and nutritionists, they can usually be used in conjunction with prescription medication. We would always recommend that you consult with your vet before changing your dog’s diet if your dog is on prescription medication. Please note that if your dog is currently on a behaviour modification drug, Calm-K9 and Calm-K9 senior should not be given until approved by your vet.

What is the Iodine content of Prime-K9 (because of the inclusion of Kelp)?

The iodine level of Prime-K9 is very low at 0.03mg per gram.



Probio-K9

What research has been done on the ingredients in Probio-K9?

Key components of Probio-K9 are 2 strains of probiotic bacteria, prebiotics and Beta Glucans. Lactobacillus Acidophilus iswell researched in dogs and known to increase in population in the gut while reducing populations of harmful clostridia. It also has a favorable effect on immune cells [1]. Enterococcus faecium are another lactic acid bacteria that inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut and may enhance the immune system [2]. Beta-glucans are extracts from mushrooms, yeast, and other foods and when they interact with a dog’s immune system, they help to support immune health [3]. Prebiotics feed and encourage the growth of the friendly probiotics [4] which have a direct effect on the cells of the digestive tract. Not only do they provide an energy source, but they also improve the gut surface area to increase absorption of nutrients and have anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(References): [1] Baillon ML, Marshall-Jones ZV, Butterwick RF. Effects of probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus strain DSM13241 in healthy adult dogs. Am. J. Vet. Res. 2004 Mar 1;65(3):338-43. [2] Jalil Benyacoub, Gail L. Czarnecki-Maulden, Christoph Cavadini, Thérèse Sauthier, Rachel E. Anderson, Eduardo J. Schiffrin, Thierry von der Weid, Supplementation of Food with Enterococcus faecium (SF68) Stimulates Immune Functions in Young Dogs,   Nutr., Volume 133, Issue 4, April 2003, Pages 1158–1162. [3] Suchecka D, Gromadzka-Ostrowska J, Żyła E, Harasym JP, Oczkowski M. Selected physiological activities and health promoting properties of cereal beta-glucans. A review. J. Anim. Feed Sci. 2017 May 30;26(3):183-91. [4] Slavin J. Fiber and prebiotics: mechanisms and health benefits. Nutrients. 2013 Apr;5(4):1417-35.

Rescue-K9

What is the science behind how Rescue-K9 works?

There population of microorganisms in your dog’s gut assist digestion, protect against undesirable bacteria and support the immune system [1]. A change in the balance of these microorganisms, whether due to stress, infection or a reaction to food, can cause a digestive upset leading to symptoms like diarrhoea. We know that dogs receive a health benefit from probiotics by improving the composition and function of the gut microbiota and reducing the abundance of opportunistic pathogenic bacteria [2, 3]. This means probiotics are particularly effective in resolving diarrhoea. Rescue-K9 has two key gut microbiome stabilisers. It also contains prebiotics, which feed and encourage the growth of the friendly probiotics [4] which have a direct effect on the cells of the digestive tract. Not only do they provide an energy source, they improve the gut surface area to increase absorption of nutrients and they have anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> (References): [1] Pilla R, Suchodolski JS. The role of the canine gut microbiome and metabolome in health and gastrointestinal disease. Front. Vet. Sci. 2020 Jan 14;6:498. [2] Xu H, Zhao F, Hou Q, Huang W, Liu Y, Zhang H, Sun Z. Metagenomic analysis revealed beneficial effects of probiotics in improving the composition and function of the gut microbiota in dogs with diarrhoea. Food & function. 2019;10(5):2618-29. [3] Nixon SL, Rose L, Muller AT. Efficacy of an orally administered anti‐diarrheal probiotic paste (pro‐Kolin advanced) in dogs with acute diarrhea: a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blinded clinical study. J. Vet. Intern. Med. 2019 May;33(3):1286-94. [4] Slavin J. Fiber and prebiotics: mechanisms and health benefits. Nutrients. 2013 Apr;5(4):1417-35.

What's the difference between Probio-K9 and Rescue-K9?

Probio-K9 is a supplement meant for daily use to support dogs with sensitive tummies. Rescue-K9 comes in sachet form, to keep on-hand ready for those days when a stronger probiotic is required.

Can I feed my dog Rescue-K9 on a daily basis?

It's not recommended to feed Rescue-K9 every day. We would advise speaking to your vet if your dog has ongoing diarrhoea. If you are looking for a daily supplement to support your dog's digestive system, why not try Probio-K9?

General

General queries

How do I know the supplements are safe for my dog?

In order for the materials to be used in AOK9 products they need to be approved under EU regulations. When formulating and developing the products, each ingredient used must be on a published approval list. This list is the European Union Register of Feed Additives EC No 1831/2003 Annex I. In order to appear on the list of approved materials they must undertake a full scientific evaluation demonstrating their safety, ensuring no harmful effects on humans, animal health or on the environment. These lists are governed, updated and regulated by the relevant governing bodies and is constantly reviewed in light of the most up to date scientific study base.

Do the supplements go through safety testing?

All of our supplements have been tested for Microbiology, PAH, Pesticides and Heavy Metals to ensure they are within permissible limits.

Are the supplements Gluten-free?

All of our supplements are now Gluten-free except for Prime-K9.

Are the supplements vegetarian?

Yes! All of our supplements are vegetarian.

Are the supplements suitable for dogs on hypo-allergenic diets?

We always recommend checking with your vet before altering your dog's diet if they have special requirements. 

How do I feed the supplements?

Our supplements are designed to take the hard work out of being your dog’s Health Hero. The tasty powder can be sprinkled on dry food, wet food or a treat! Like any change to your dog’s diet, start slowly and build up to the full amount over a week. Check out our blog section for more inspiration and fun feeding ideas.

How long will a pouch last?

Here’s a handy reference, as it's dependent on your dog's weight: 0 - 10kg = 100 Days, 11kg - 20kg = 50 Days, 21kg - 40kg = 25 Days, 40kg+ = 20 Days.

Can the supplements be fed together?

Yes, all of our supplements can be combined. When you’re getting started, introduce the supplements slowly and build up to the full combined amounts over a week.

What kind of packaging do the supplements come in?

The supplements come in branded, sealable pouches with a press-lock closure.

What happens if I miss a day?

If you miss a day of the supplements, it won't make too much difference to your dog. However, you may start to see some of the symptoms gradually creep back in if you miss a few days or a week. If you do miss a day, don't worry and just continue to feed the supplement as normal the next day you remember.

How long can I store an opened pouch?

Our pouches have a 'best before' date of 100 days from opening. Unopened pouches have a shelf life of 2 years.

Do you offer a trade discount?

No, unfortunately we don't offer a trade discount. However, we do have an affiliate scheme where you can sign up to earn commission. Learn more by clicking on the 'Partner Login' link in the footer of our website.

Can I pay in American Dollars?

At the moment we are only able to offer payment in Great British Pounds.

Where are the supplements manufactured?

All of our supplements are manufactured in the UK. 

Can the supplements be given to pregnant dogs?

We do not recommend feeding any of our supplements to pregnant dogs without the specific agreement of their vet. 


Do you do a money-back guarantee?

Our supplements are natural products and do not contain any behaviour-modifying drugs. We cannot guarantee that they will work the same for every dog and therefore we do not offer a money-back guarantee on any of the products in our range. 

  

Search