Things To Consider When Choosing Dietary Supplements For Your Pets

Many animals, particularly cats and dogs, are now given supplements by their owners. Most of these dietary supplements are given in the form of multivitamins so that these pets have the relief they need from many of their illnesses. 

You may be reading this because you’re interested in going down this route. But, before you even head out to shop for these supplements, you should be able to distinguish the factors that would make a good supplement, versus those that are of inferior quality. 

To guide you in this choice, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some of the factors that you must consider when choosing dietary supplements for your pets: 

1. The Specific Need Of Your Pet

If your pet is already receiving a complete and nutritious diet, then your pet may not be a good candidate. But, if you know that your pet has a nutritional deficiency, then you have to choose a dietary supplement that has all of the necessary nutrients that your pet highly needs. 

One of the very first and most important things for you to consider is that your chosen nutritional supplement of choice should match the current diet of your pet. To help you with this, check what type of category your pet belongs:

• They’re picky eaters
• They eat very little
• They follow a homemade diet

In those circumstances mentioned above, then you need to supplement the nutritional needs of your pet with a supplement. To ensure that you’re giving the right one, you also ask for advice from your trusted veterinarian. 

2. The Nutrients Or Vitamins You Wish To Have For Your Pet

In choosing among different kinds of dietary supplements for your pets, don’t simply follow what others are giving to their pet. Like human beings, these animals have their respective dietary concerns, as mentioned above.

As you browse through the many options that are available to you, you have to learn to filter through your choices. This begins with reading the labels so that you know the particular ingredients that the dietary supplement contains. That way, you can choose the supplement that has all the vitamins that are needed by your pet.

For example:

• Fatty acids make the coat of your pets look better
• Fish oil supplements reduce inflammation and problems, like arthritis
• Vitamin C and E help with memory problems
• Thiamine helps regulate energy
• Vitamin K helps with better clotting of the blood

3. Compliance With Proper Standards

Since some are of inferior quality compared with others, not all supplements are created alike. The only way for you to give yourself that seal of quality assurance is to check for compliance with the proper standards. 

Don’t be fooled by the labels, as you can never really tell whether or not what’s written in the label is true. Learn to go beyond this by doing your research as well. For instance, ask a reputable vet whether or not they’ve heard about the brand. Generally, vets will have brands that they trust, so you can take their word for this.

Also, use the Internet to your advantage. Since there are many resources for you to find information on basically anything, read up on the brands that you’ve seen in various pet stores. Check to see if the products comply with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since this is also the regulatory body responsible for controlling these pet supplements. To help you get started, visit pethonesty.com for your first resource on quality pet supplements. 

Here are other determinants of quality that you should check up on: 

• Look for the contact number of the company. This is a telltale sign that the company is transparent. They’re ready to answer queries about their various products, such as the formulation, the expertise, and even the duration that the manufacturer has been in business.
• Check to see clinical trials done on the product. The results of these clinical trials can help you determine the overall success rate that the product has.
• Be wary about too-good-to-be-true claims. Even in pets, there’s no magic cure for cancer.
• Look for the lot number of the product. This will tell you that the company has complied with the necessary quality control. 

4. Mode Of Administration

Different dietary supplements have their respective modes of administration. You also have to select the one that works best for your pet. 

For example, if you’ve observed that it’s just impossible to give your pet an oral pill, don’t go for a dietary supplement that’s in pill form. You can choose other alternatives instead, such as treats or dog chews.  

No matter how good the quality of the dietary supplement may be, if this is very difficult to administer in your pets, then it still won’t serve its purpose. Not only will you be wasting it, but you’re also going to be wasting time trying to let your pet take it in.

5. Chemicals Added

Depending on the kind of dietary supplement that you choose, some are also laden with chemicals. If you’re the type who wishes for something more natural, then look for a natural supplement. 

In weighing both, no kind is better than the other, as this would still be a matter of personal preference. Also, some pets can still have an aversion, even to the most natural of all supplements.

As discussed above, this is also one of the important reasons why you should learn to check the labels. In doing so, you can decipher whether or not there’s any added chemical that your pet may be allergic to. The same goes for natural or plant-based supplements – some pets can also be allergic to some plants.

Conclusion

All these factors considered, the most important advice that you should follow through is to assess the need of your pet. That way, it’s easier for you to tailor your choice of supplement based on the current need of your pets. 

Start by making sure that you’re buying a reputable brand so that quality is ensured. When you care about your pet that much, you wouldn’t want to feed them with questionable supplements.