10 Best Supplements for Dogs and Cats
Pet supplements sales enjoyed double-digit growth for many years. Market watchers expect pet supplements to top $1.6 billion in sales by 2017. Yet, an early 2013 report shows some slowing as pet supplement manufacturers battle it out in a regulatory gray area between pet drugs and pet foods.
With pet treat sales staying strong throughout the recession, many manufacturers are now eyeing nutraceutical treats – in other words, treats with supplements in them.
Personally, I prefer to give straight supplements to my pets. For me, the treat angle feels like hype.
Veterinary Skeptics
Veterinarians remain tough customers in the pet supplement market. Demanding detailed information on ingredients and scientific proof to back up claims, veterinarians often approach supplements with a healthy dose of skepticism.
So, what do veterinarians expect to see in the supplements or herbs pets take?
Safety (not toxic, no dangerous side-effects)
Known mechanisms of action (how they work in the body)
Evidence of effectiveness (through scientific studies)
10 Best Supplements for Pets
According to Narda G. Robinson, director of the Colorado State University Center for Comparative and Integrative Pain Medicine, the following 10 supplements or herbs meet these three criteria.
As with all medicines, supplements, or herbs, discuss their use in your specific pet with your veterinarian. Even safe supplements can cause minor side-effects and can adversely interact with other drugs your pet takes. For example, too much Omega-3 fatty acids too fast can cause diarrhea and valerian can interact with anesthesia or pain medications.
Omega-3 fatty acids address inflammation, brain health and gastrointestinal toxicity related to cancer treatments.
Milk thistle can treat acute and chronic hepatitis (liver inflammation). It also helps protect organs from the effects of radiation, chemotherapy, other drugs and chronic diseases.
Glucosamine promotes cartilage health and reduces the release of inflammatory triggers. It’s often used as part of comprehensive pain-control measures in pets with joint problems, such as arthritis.
Lavender, diffused in oil form, helps calm dogs and is often used to treat travel upset.
Botswellia shows promise in treating arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Theanine (from tea) helps the body better neutralize free radicals. It also aids in relaxation for anxious pets
With pet treat sales staying strong throughout the recession, many manufacturers are now eyeing nutraceutical treats – in other words, treats with supplements in them.
Personally, I prefer to give straight supplements to my pets. For me, the treat angle feels like hype.
Veterinary Skeptics
Veterinarians remain tough customers in the pet supplement market. Demanding detailed information on ingredients and scientific proof to back up claims, veterinarians often approach supplements with a healthy dose of skepticism.
So, what do veterinarians expect to see in the supplements or herbs pets take?
Safety (not toxic, no dangerous side-effects)
Known mechanisms of action (how they work in the body)
Evidence of effectiveness (through scientific studies)
10 Best Supplements for Pets
According to Narda G. Robinson, director of the Colorado State University Center for Comparative and Integrative Pain Medicine, the following 10 supplements or herbs meet these three criteria.
As with all medicines, supplements, or herbs, discuss their use in your specific pet with your veterinarian. Even safe supplements can cause minor side-effects and can adversely interact with other drugs your pet takes. For example, too much Omega-3 fatty acids too fast can cause diarrhea and valerian can interact with anesthesia or pain medications.
Omega-3 fatty acids address inflammation, brain health and gastrointestinal toxicity related to cancer treatments.
Milk thistle can treat acute and chronic hepatitis (liver inflammation). It also helps protect organs from the effects of radiation, chemotherapy, other drugs and chronic diseases.
Glucosamine promotes cartilage health and reduces the release of inflammatory triggers. It’s often used as part of comprehensive pain-control measures in pets with joint problems, such as arthritis.
Lavender, diffused in oil form, helps calm dogs and is often used to treat travel upset.
Botswellia shows promise in treating arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Theanine (from tea) helps the body better neutralize free radicals. It also aids in relaxation for anxious pets
Valerian reduces stress, anxiety and insomnia in pets.
Probiotics can help pets with inflammation, allergies, infections, diarrhea and other conditions by promoting “good” bacteria in the intestines.
CoQ10 is an antioxidant that lessens toxicities in the body, especially relating to the heart.
Curcumin offers anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects.
Share Your Experiences
Which supplements or herbs do you give to your pets? Did you choose them on your own or with your veterinarian’s help?
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