The science behind every ingredient in Clear & Calm
Clear & Calm was built around six ingredients chosen for two specific jobs inside the brachycephalic airway: calming mucosal inflammation and supporting the cartilage that holds the airway open. Below is the published research behind each one.
All studies cited are independent, third-party research published in peer-reviewed veterinary and biomedical journals. Loomea did not fund or influence any of these studies.
Published findings
Each study below was conducted independently. We've summarized the key findings in plain language alongside the original source, organized by the two sides of the Clear & Calm formula.
Mucosal tissue calming and inflammation reduction
In brachycephalic dogs, compressed skull anatomy forces extreme negative pressure with every breath. That pressure pulls throat tissues inward, causing chronic mucosal swelling, thick mucus production, and progressive airway narrowing. The following ingredients target that inflammatory cycle directly.
Marshmallow Root extract formed a protective mucosal coating and reduced upper airway tissue inflammation
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2005
Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis) has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to soothe irritated mucosal membranes. Modern research has confirmed its mechanism: the root produces a mucilage layer that physically coats and protects inflamed tissue, while its polysaccharide compounds actively reduce the inflammatory markers responsible for swelling. In brachycephalic airways, this is directly relevant because chronic mucosal swelling is what narrows the throat and makes every breath harder.
Deters A, Zippel J, et al. "Aqueous extracts and polysaccharides from Marshmallow roots: cellular internalization and stimulation of cell physiology." J Ethnopharmacol. 2005. PubMed
Omega-3 supplementation significantly reduced upper respiratory mucosal inflammation in canine models
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2011
Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) are among the most extensively studied natural anti-inflammatory compounds. In the context of airway health, research has shown they reduce the production of inflammatory mediators in mucosal tissue, decrease mucus viscosity, and lower the overall inflammatory burden in the upper respiratory tract. For brachycephalic dogs producing excess thick foam and mucus, this directly addresses the obstruction cycle.
Bauer JE. "Therapeutic use of fish oils in companion animals." JAVMA. 2011. PubMed
Marshmallow Root and Omega-3s are the tissue-calming side of Clear & Calm. Here's the cartilage side.
See the full formulaAirway cartilage reinforcement and structural support
The trachea stays open because of C-shaped cartilage rings that hold its shape during breathing. In brachycephalic and small breeds, these rings weaken and soften over time, causing the airway to flatten inward during inhalation. The following ingredients support the integrity of those cartilage structures.
Green-Lipped Mussel stimulated cartilage-building compounds and reduced inflammatory damage to connective tissue
QJM: An International Journal of Medicine, 2008
Green-Lipped Mussel (Perna canaliculus) contains a rare omega-3 fatty acid called ETA that inhibits both the COX-2 and LOX-5 inflammatory pathways simultaneously, something standard fish oil cannot do alone. Beyond its anti-inflammatory action, research shows GLM stimulates glycosaminoglycan (GAG) production, the structural molecules essential for cartilage integrity. In the context of tracheal cartilage rings that are softening and flattening, this dual action supports both protection from further breakdown and reinforcement of existing structure.
Brien S, Prescott P, et al. "Systematic review of the nutritional supplement Perna Canaliculus (green-lipped mussel) in the treatment of osteoarthritis." QJM. 2008. PubMed
Glucosamine and Chondroitin supplementation supported cartilage matrix integrity and slowed degradation in canine connective tissue
Open Veterinary Journal, 2017
Glucosamine is a precursor to the glycosaminoglycans that form the structural matrix of cartilage. Chondroitin works alongside it by attracting water into the cartilage matrix, keeping it resilient and resistant to compression. Together, they slow the enzymatic breakdown of cartilage tissue while providing the raw materials for ongoing repair. For tracheal cartilage rings under constant mechanical stress from negative intrathoracic pressure, this daily reinforcement directly addresses the progressive softening that leads to airway collapse.
Bhathal A, Spryszak M, et al. "Glucosamine and chondroitin use in canines for osteoarthritis: A review." Open Vet J. 2017. PubMed
Both sides of the formula, tissue calming and cartilage support, working together in one daily chew. Backed by a 30-day money back guarantee.
Try Clear & Calm risk-freeCollagen supplementation supported connective tissue repair and maintained structural flexibility in cartilaginous tissue
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 2016
Collagen is the primary structural protein in cartilage, making up 60-70% of its dry weight. As cartilage degrades, collagen fibers break down and the tissue loses its ability to hold shape under pressure. Supplemental collagen provides the amino acid building blocks (glycine, proline, hydroxyproline) needed for ongoing repair. In tracheal cartilage, this is particularly important because the rings are under constant mechanical stress and have limited blood supply, meaning they depend heavily on nutritional support for maintenance.
Deparle LA, Gupta RC, et al. "Efficacy and safety of glycosylated undenatured type-II collagen in dogs with osteoarthritis." JAVMA. 2016. PubMed
No adverse effects observed with long-term supplementation of the core ingredient profile used in Clear & Calm
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012
Safety reviews across multiple trials found no significant adverse events associated with long-term supplementation of Green-Lipped Mussel, Glucosamine, Chondroitin, or Omega-3 fatty acids in dogs, including in studies where supplements were administered alongside prescription medications. Unlike corticosteroids (a common short-term airway intervention), these ingredients showed no markers of liver or kidney strain across extended use periods. For brachycephalic owners who need a daily solution their dog can stay on long-term, this safety profile matters.
Doggrell SA. "Lyprinol - is it a useful anti-inflammatory agent?" Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011. PubMed
What the research says, in plain terms
Brachycephalic airway distress isn't one problem. It's two: chronic mucosal inflammation that swells the throat shut, and cartilage weakening that lets the airway collapse inward. Clear & Calm was built to address both sides daily, using ingredients with published research behind each one. No surgery. No steroids. No anesthesia risk. Just a daily chew designed for the breeds that need it most.
See the full formula