Skip to main content

Should You Give Vitamins to Your Pets?

Should You Give Vitamins to Your Pets?

A lot of people are taking vitamins or dietary supplements to nourish their body. Then again, some even go to the extent of buying online steroids Canada to boost their health regimen. But did you know that even our pets are given with supplements or vitamins to keep them healthy?

Vitamins for Pets?

The truth is, as many as 1/3 of cats and dogs in the US are receiving supplements or vitamins. A very common option is multivitamins that are supporting arthritic joints as well as fatty acids. This is in an effort to improve the shine of their coat and to reduce shedding. This is in accordance with a study that was published in 2006 in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Pet owners may even give probiotics to their pets as a way to alleviate their gastrointestinal problems or perhaps, antioxidants to be able to counter the signs of aging like cognitive dysfunction. With the growing aging population of overweight dogs, the dog supplement market is forecasted to keep on growing.

What does the Experts Say?

As per veterinary and nutritionists, a lot of their clients are giving their pets nutritional supplements and vitamins to keep them healthy and strong. But the question is, do pets like dogs really need these vitamins? Is it even safe to take? Let us take an in-depth look into it.

Does my pet need vitamins?

Majority of the dogs get a balanced and complete diet including the necessary minerals and vitamins from their dog foods. Dogs that are fed via homemade diet on the other hand might need supplementation. According to research, it is most critical but it must be done in a way that it matches the diet.

You don’t just prepare a meal for your dog and give them vitamins. It should be consulted with a veterinarian. By doing so, you are getting great insight from experts on the right thing you should be doing.

Is there danger in giving vitamins to dogs?

Well, there is a chance. However, if the dog or cat is already eating a balanced and healthy diet and receiving more minerals and vitamins than it should, then that is the time when it can be harmful to their health. This is based on veterinarians and the FDA.

For example, too much calcium for your dog might trigger skeletal problems, particularly in big breeds while an excess vitamin A might harm the blood vessels and could result to joint pain and dehydration. So, learn the perfect balance and you should be good.

Are Supplements for Humans and Pets are Safe?

Are Supplements for Humans and Pets are Safe?

There are millions of people worldwide who are taking dietary supplements some even allot their time to read comprehensive HGH full review found at RFT and several other stuff. While it is quite tempting to quickly belief claims that these supplements can help prevent diseases or even cure it, as a consumer, it’s your responsibility to get the facts first.

What’s with Supplements?

Above everything else, dietary supplements are constantly regulated regardless if it will be used for humans or for pets. Unlike drugs though, dietary supplements don’t need US FDA to thoroughly review the effectiveness, quality or even safety of the product before it is marketed. The result is, FDA has a bit of control towards the supplements for sale in the market.

The truth is, while several drug manufacturers should prove that the drugs are effective and safe long before it’s marketed and sold, they should prove first that it is unsafe. With thousands upon thousands of new supplements released in the market, it seems to be unrealistic for the FDA to keep up with the process. This keeps the quality control, effectiveness and the safety of dietary supplements in question.

Safety, Quality and Effectiveness

Despite the fact that supplements are deemed safe because they’re branded as “natural”, this isn’t always the case. Pets and humans may get sick or worst case scenario, die due to improper intake of dietary supplements. Even though the supplement is proven safe for human consumption, the same can’t be said for pets that have a completely different metabolism.

Let us just say that quality control and safety of the supplement isn’t the issue here, the next concern would be the effectiveness it carries. Majority of the pet supplements are actually used based on anecdote, data or theory from other species.

In reality, there are only few studies that are properly conducted. Without a doubt, there are more studies needed in this subject in an effort to find out which among the supplements are actually beneficial and which is only just a waste of money.

What about Pets and Animals?

Given the different concerns mentioned, it is vital to carefully think of whether your pet indeed needs supplement or not. Among pets, the most common given are joint supplements, fatty acids and multivitamins.

Unless of course has nutritionally unbalanced diet, then giving them multivitamins may not be necessary. Truth is, giving mineral supplements or vitamins to pets with balanced diet may be counterproductive and jeopardize their health for toxicity.

Balanced and complete pet foods are designed to provide adequate amount of nutrition to pets and adding more to the formula may bring harm than good. In this regard, it is best to leave it to product’s formulation and give vitamins only when instructed.

 
𐌢