When it comes to caring for your pet, whether they are a cat or a dog, consideration of vitamin supplements may be essential to maintaining their health. The quality of these pet supplements is essential to also consider. The avoidance of synthetic and dangerous chemicals in all supplements and food has become a priority for many people. Here we will outline some of the ingredients to look out for when selecting vitamins for pets – even if they are labeled as ‘all natural pet supplements’, ‘organic pet supplements’ or ‘holistic pet supplements’. We will also highlight some good ingredients, production standards and other product types in the field of selecting vitamins and supplements for our pet family members.
Pet Supplement Ingredients to Avoid:
Wheat / Wheat Gluten
Did you know that our pets can have allergies too! Wheat is a common allergen for dogs.
Corn / Grains
Containing little nutritional value, these are seen as fillers in pet supplements.
Nuts
The high phosporus content of most nuts can lead to bladder stones in dogs who consume too many.
Real Sugar
Sugar as an additive does nothing to improve a pet’s health and it is not a necessary supplement in any amount. Furthermore, if chewed it can cause cavities requiring dental work for our pets – hope that you have pet insurance if this happens!
Artificial Sweetener
Xylitol is a very popular artificial sweetener these days, though it’s a toxic alternative and an unnecessary filler in pet vitamins or supplements. www.aspca.org/site/DocServer/vetm0207f_095-100_.pdf?docID=10462
By Products
Giving the term ‘mystery meat’ a new name, the ingredient listed as ‘by products’ on pet supplements often doesn’t even contain meat! Usually it’s corn based, which as discussed above is something to avoid. ‘By Products’ are basically filler.
Benefits of Natural, Organic and Holistic Pet Supplements and Vitamins:
Organic Pet Supplements / Vitamins
If the product touting itself as ‘all natural’ honestly is (again, please read the ingredients and make sure), then the benefits list of natural, organic or holistic pet supplements or vitamins starts with your assurance that the product is most likely to be safe for your pet. Organic pet supplements contain ingredients grown by strict standards of safety, including the exclusion of toxic pesticides in the production process. If buying organic pet vitamins or supplements make sure to familiarize yourself with the organic regulations of the country they were manufactured in (i.e. imports from China). The USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) has strict regulations on organic labeling.
Holistic Pet Supplements / Vitamins
There are some lines that offer pet supplements in addition to a specially crafted, holistic meal for your pet. This diet is aimed to provide the essential vitamins, minerals and enzymes needed to compliment the pet vitamins or supplements’ absorption into your pet’s health. The holistic approach to pet nutrition may arguably deliver the best benefit to their vitality and long-term health.
Natural Pet Supplements / Vitamins
There isn’t any regulation to assure the real ‘nature’ of vitamins’ or supplements’ ingredients, namely because there isn’t an agreed upon definition of the term ‘natural’. However, when purchasing through reputable sources you can feel confident that the labeling of your pet supplements does in fact protect your pet’s health. And natural ingredients, those free of untested chemicals or synthetics, often pose much less of a risk, in addition to generally being of higher quality.
Neutraceuticals
Having been derived from plant sources, these vitamins are richest in nutritional complexity.
Probiotics
These are the ‘good’ bacteria that promote gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and immune system health.
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