The pet supplement industry brings in over a billion
dollars a year, so clearly lots of people think so! The answer depends on what
you want to give, and why. Here are some of the most commonly used supplements:
JOINT AND ARTHRITIS
SUPPORT
One of the most popular categories in pet supplements
is joint support, and with good reason. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are
widely used in both human and veterinary medicine, and are well accepted in the
medical community as a safe and effective complement to more traditional
medications. I often recommend these for senior pets, particularly larger breed
dogs who are often prone to joint disease.
SKIN SUPPORT
EFA (essential fatty acid) supplementation is a mainstay
in many veterinary dermatology offices, for its
anti-inflammatory properties and for its ability to strengthen the skin’s
function as a barrier. Fish based fatty acids have a more optimal ration of
omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids than vegetarian based EFAs such as flaxseed.
GUT SUPPORT
Got a flatulent dog, or one who always seems to be
suffering from midnight bouts of diarrhea? Probiotics, intended to flood the GI
tract with “good” bacteria, are often helpful for mild cases of GI upset.
LIVER SUPPORT
A healthy pet should not need a liver support
supplement, but in dogs with specific liver conditions, milk thistle or SAM-e
can help reduce inflammation and improve liver function. Veterinary-specific
formulations exist and are my go-to for dogs that would benefit from them.
VITAMINS
Commercial dog diets are formulated to meet very
specific nutritional guidelines, meaning they have all the vitamins and
minerals your dog needs. The only time I usually recommend them is if you are
feeding a home-cooked diet or other diet that needs those additional
supplementations. When in doubt, ask your vet.
By Jessica Vogelsang, DVM
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