People take supplements all the time to maintain their health and to fill in nutritional gaps in their diet. It’s no surprise pet parents would want to offer their furry friends the same option. But do dog supplements work? What about cat supplements?
Learn more about why natural supplements for pets can help your pet feel better and what to look for when shopping for supplements.
What Are Natural Supplements?
Natural supplements are made up of naturally occurring sources like plants and minerals. They differ from synthetic supplements, which are chemically-made nutrients a body needs to run properly. Supplements that come from natural sources are absorbed by the body in the way nature intended them to be.
You should know that supplements are separate from multivitamins, which offer similar benefits but are designed for different health needs.
How Do I Know If My Pet Needs Supplements?
If you are unsure about whether your pet needs supplements, look for signs like:
- Behavior changes
- Consistent lethargy
- Excessive grooming
- Lack of appetite
- Pain or discomfort
It’s important to note that a proper diet should give your pet all the nutrients they need, so your pet may not always need extra supplements. Be careful about adding supplements to your pet’s diet when they don’t need them—too many can cause health problems.
Benefits of Natural Supplements for Dogs
Here are just a few benefits of supplements for dogs.
Promotes Proper Digestion
A healthy digestive system is crucial for dogs. Not only is the digestive system responsible for the absorption of nutrients, but it also plays a critical role in a dog’s immune system. If your dog is experiencing diarrhea, vomiting, or similar symptoms, this could be a sign they are struggling to digest their food. A supplement can help by creating more good bacteria to outweigh the bad.
Supports Joint Health and Mobility
As dogs age, they may struggle to stand and walk because of arthritis or other joint conditions. A supplement can help support the joints by promoting muscle recovery and cartilage lubrication.
Maintains Overall Health
Sometimes, dogs get run down just like humans do and need a little boost. Depending on the supplement you use, it can help keep your dog’s immune system running properly. It could also provide needed extra nutrients.
Benefits of Natural Supplements for Cats
Cats and dogs can have similar benefits from supplements, so here are some additional benefits that can help cats—and maybe dogs, too!
Assists with Aging
Supplements can help promote health and wellness as your dog ages. This is especially important because as they get older, cats tend not to eat as much and, therefore, receive fewer nutrients. Supplements can help fill in those nutritional gaps.
Maintains Skin Health
Have you noticed that your cat’s fur isn’t as shiny as it used to be? Or have you witnessed your cat grooming a lot lately? This could be a symptom of a bigger issue, as a cat’s skin and fur can be sensitive to allergies, dandruff, or digestive issues.
A supplement can help by improving the health of your cat’s skin and coat.
What to Look for in Natural Supplements for Pets
Look for supplements that have earned a certification from the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC). NASC is an independent organization that aims to improve the quality of animal health products. Since pet supplements lack a formal product review process, NASC helps provide much-needed oversight.
Then, look at the ingredients. Your supplements should have recognizable names like:
- Alfalfa
- Aloe vera
- Chamomile
- Flaxseed
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Ginkgo
- Kelp
- Lecithin
- Soy
- Spirulina
What Are Some of the Best Types of Natural Supplements for Pets?
There are many types of supplements that can support your pet’s health. Here are some of the best types of supplements you can use.
Probiotics
Probiotics are filled with good bacteria that can help create a better balance within your pet’s digestive system. As mentioned before, this is crucial to a pet’s health because so much of the immune system lives within the stomach.
Our Runs Be Done supplement contains ingredients like pumpkin, chamomile, and ginger to support a dog while dealing with a variety of digestive issues, such as diarrhea or constipation.
Fish Oil
Fish oil is full of omega-3 fatty acids that benefit things like coat and skin health and reduce inflammation. Because of this, fish oil has become a common supplement choice among pet parents—which is why we created Health and Shine.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants protect against free radicals that stem from age, environment, and pollution. They also help boost your pet’s health and support their immune system. This can especially be important for older dogs who get more vulnerable to disease.
Golden Years is an antioxidant supplement geared to help senior dogs maintain their health as they age. It features flaxseed, garlic, and many other natural ingredients.
Each formula comes in a powdered form that can be easily sprinkled on your pet’s food.
Sometimes Your Pet Needs a Little Extra Help
Supplements can be just what your pet needs when they’re feeling run down. It’s important to do your research to ensure the supplements you buy are of the utmost quality.
If you’re looking for more supplement options, browse our complete collection of natural supplements for pets.
