Our pets are an incredibly important part of our lives, so it’s crucial that we do all we can to keep them healthy. Due to the number of social and psychological benefits of owning a pet (I know owning my kitten, Holland, has been an incredibly beneficial experience!), you likely want your pet to be with you for years to come.
Keep in mind that, just like humans, pets can have gaps in their nutrition that they need to fill. Depending on the kind of food you give your pet, he or she may not be getting enough essential vitamins and minerals. In addition to carefully reading the labels of the food you buy for your pets, you may also consider giving them a supplement. But how do you know if supplements are right for your dog or cat? In addition, there are many supplements to choose from, so it can be overwhelming to decide which one might be the right choice to support your pet’s health.
Reasons to Give Your Pet a Supplement
There a number of reasons that you may choose to add a supplement to your dog or cat’s diet. Below are a few of the most common:
Age
Like humans, aging pets may need their diets supplemented with additional vitamins and minerals to promote their overall health. As pets age, they may not be able to obtain enough nutrients from their diets, or may need extra joint or cardiovascular support. In this case, considering a supplement may be a good choice. There are many products available that support your aging pet’s joint health, like this formula from NeoCell. ArthroPet is a product that promotes joint health and a healthy internal response for pets, and also helps to support healthy collagen production (plus it’s chicken flavored!).
Vitamin Deficiency
If your pet has been diagnosed with a vitamin deficiency, or has a condition that may require extra supplementation (for example, zinc therapy is sometimes used if your pet is diagnosed with dermatosis) then adding a supplement to your pet’s diet could be beneficial. In this case, you should consider a specific vitamin or mineral, rather than looking for a multivitamin or other blend of vitamins and minerals. For example, if you need support for a healthier coat, you might consider a product like this omega-3 supplement by Nordic Naturals. It promotes a shinier and healthier-looking coat, as well as supporting eye and heart health.
Diet
If your pet isn’t getting the vitamins and minerals he or she needs from their current diet, then you may need to consider supplements. This may be especially applicable if you follow a raw diet for your pet, or cook their meals. Although this option can provide your pet with delicious and nutritious food, you may not realize that there can be gaps or deficiencies in their diet. In this case, a multivitamin can help your pet get the nutrients he or she needs in order to live a vibrant and healthy life. We love Spark Daily Nutritional Supplement by Pet Wellbeing. It’s filled with vitamins and minerals to promote your pet’s overall well-being, and also includes probiotics and antioxidants. 
Why Natural?
If you do choose to give your pet a supplement, it’s also important that these products are made with the highest quality ingredients, and that they don’t contain elements that may be harmful to your pets. That’s why choosing a natural supplement for your pet is a great idea. With these options, you can feel good about what you’re giving your pets. Many natural supplements contain organic ingredients that help to support your pet’s health, and may help to promote overall health.
In addition, natural supplements for pets have become more popular as we understand that our pets require the same attention to their health as we pay to our own. This means that understanding where ingredients come from, and making sure that those ingredients are made naturally is essential, especially because some supplements can contain ingredients that may actually be detrimental to your pet’s overall health.
If you’re interested in finding an organic supplement for your pet, consider these options:
Digestive Greens by Vibrant Health helps to support healthy digestion in your pets, and also provides antioxidants that work to protect against free radical damage. It’s raw and grain-free, and made with certified organic ingredients, so you know your pet is getting healthy nutrition. Fidoplex by Wondercide works to promote healthy hips and joints for pets. It also supports a healthy internal response and a healthier-looking coat.
Regardless of which supplements you choose, you should approach pet supplements holistically that is, you should consider vitamins and minerals as only one part of your pet’s overall wellness plan, which should already include a healthy diet and exercise. It may also be beneficial to consult with your veterinarian before giving your pet any supplements.
Have you used supplements to support your pet’s health? We’d love to hear your story in the comments!
