The world of pet supplements is broader than you might think, offering a wide range of products that have all sorts of functions and supposed benefits. But what do pet owners need to know about supplements for their furry friends? Are these products really safe? And if so, should you be buying them?
Here is everything you need to know.
What Are Pet Supplements?
There doesn’t appear to be any legal definition for the term “pet supplement,” but it generally refers to complementary pet food products that have added nutrients and functional health benefits. These are usually produced in the form of snacks, dog chews, and other treats, but sometimes come in pill form, too.
If you think this sounds a lot like regular supplements for humans, you’re right! Cats and dogs can take supplements, too.
Common Pet Supplements
Here are some of the most popular supplements for your furry friends:
Supplementing for Healthy Joints
As our pets get older, it’s common for them to struggle with joint pain and related issues, so it’s no surprise that joint supplements are some of the most popular supplements out there.
The ingredients in these supplements vary, but they most often include glucosamine and chondroitin. Both have been shown to benefit animals suffering from osteoarthritis, easing their symptoms and helping to relieve pain.
Supplementing Omega-3s
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish and leafy greens and are often used to aid pets who struggle with various conditions, as well as to improve overall health. Fish oil is said to benefit pets with dry skin, dog dermatitis, heart problems, kidney disease, and even cancer, and this is the most common way owners supplement omega-3s.
However, there haven’t been very many scientific studies conducted on the benefits, so there is little evidence to show that supplementing omega-3s for your dog or cat. At the same time, there is nothing to suggest that these supplements could be harmful.
Supplementing for Stress
Yes, our pets can struggle with their mental health, too! And just as we often turn to natural remedies and supplements before relying on pharmaceutical drugs, we can do the same for our furry friends.
Some breeds are prone to anxiety, and melatonin, tryptophan, and L-theanine are often used in supplements to calm pets and relieve stress. However, the evidence for each of these ingredients varies, and much more research is needed to confirm whether or not these kinds of supplements are truly beneficial.
Supplementing for a Healthy Gut
By now, we’ve all heard about the importance of gut health. The same applies to your pets, but it’s important to understand that every species’ gut microbiome is different. This means that you can’t share your probiotics with your dog!
Probiotics are live microorganisms that can be supplemented to support digestion and appear to be safe for most pets. However, always ask your vet first – registered veterinarians recommend approaching this with more caution for immunocompromised animals.
Are These Supplements Safe?
When it comes to the safety of giving your pet supplements, you always need to consider the specific ingredients as well as the exact brand of pill or treat you’re purchasing.
All of the supplements mentioned above are considered safe for animal consumption; however, the safety of these products should also take into account the long-term risks and possible side effects.
Because of this, it’s best to check in with your vet about any specific products you’re considering purchasing and only use products that are certified and approved.
It’s important to consider what nutrients your pet is already getting in their diet. Complete pet foods are designed to deliver the exact right balance of nutrients your furry friend needs, so any excess could be entirely unnecessary, but more importantly, it could actually be harmful.
Additionally, it’s crucial that you only give your pets supplements specifically designed for them. For example, cats and rodents shouldn’t be given supplements made for dogs, and no animal should take supplements made for human consumption. Humans have different vitamin and mineral requirements from animals, and we’re also much bigger, so a tablet fit for a human can be a massive overdose for your pet.
Based on all of this information, it’s important to discuss your pet’s diet with your vet before deciding on any supplementation.
Do Your Pets Need Supplements?
Now that we understand that pet-designed and certified supplements can be safe for your pets, you need to ask yourself whether or not they’re necessary in their diet.
As mentioned, most pet foods are designed to provide your four-legged family members with absolutely everything they need for good pet nutrition, vitamins, and minerals. Most pets can live a long, happy, and very healthy life with a diet of regular cat or dog food alone!
However, supplements may be beneficial if your pet is struggling with a specific issue, like anxiety or tummy trouble. In these cases, some healthy, natural assistance can be a great idea to help them feel more comfortable and boost your pet’s immune system.
When and How to Supplement
So, what’s the verdict? To supplement or not to supplement?
The answer seems pretty clear: if your pet eats a complete, balanced, and nutritious diet and is a generally healthy dog or cat, there’s no need to waste your money on unnecessary supplements. Your pooch or kitten can live a very healthy life without the excess!
As a responsible pet owner, you should always prioritize your fur baby’s diet and make sure they’re getting everything they need on a day-to-day basis, plus some treats for fun. Beyond this, there’s not much else they need!
However, if your pet is struggling with a specific pet health issue that might be improved through the use of some pet-safe and certified supplements that a good vet approves of, it can definitely be worth giving them a shot. However, if your vet recommends alternatives or pharmaceutical drugs, it’s best to take their expert advice on your pet’s health, especially if it’s covered by pet insurance.
