For us, World Animal Protection Day isn't just October 4th; it's every day of the year. Along with care, cuddles, high-quality food, and ample exercise, there's the option to protect and support pets' bodies from the inside with supplements. But how useful are nutrient supplements for pets? Which ones are suitable for dogs, cats, rabbits, or hamsters, and are they really worth it? This blog provides answers to these questions.

How useful are supplements for pets?

A high-quality complete feed can typically meet the daily nutrient needs of dogs and cats. If the animal is healthy, theoretically, no additional supplements are necessary. However, there are situations and phases in a dog's or cat's life when daily food intake isn't enough to meet their nutrient needs. When nutrient requirements increase, supplementation should be considered.

Nutrient optimization instead of supplementation

The real question about supplements should be: In which area do I want to support my pet? Where are there weaknesses and risks, or where do I want to make a preventive contribution to my pet's health and well-being? Recent studies confirm that pets can also benefit significantly from antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics, highlighting the potential and importance of supplements for pets.

Life situations with increased nutrient needs

Some situations in the lives of dogs and cats require extra nutrients. These include very active sports dogs, older, chronically ill, and health-compromised animals, as well as pregnant and nursing dogs and cats. In these phases, targeted nutrient supplementation is highly recommended to avoid adverse effects. Senior dogs often suffer from nutrient deficiencies due to a lack of appetite, and raw feeders should always keep an eye on their pets' nutrient supply. Raw meat, vegetables, fruits, and herbs form the basis of daily food rations, which must be supplemented with special vitamin and mineral mixtures. Supplements are not just a raw food topic but can be relevant or necessary with any type of feeding.

The many forms of pet supplements

Supplements always serve a specific purpose: strengthening the immune system, supporting the musculoskeletal system, or stimulating digestion. Depending on the goal of the supplementation, there are various forms of application:

• Preventive vs. supportive: Supplements can be given preventively to prevent certain diseases in specific breeds. This includes joint diseases, where nutrients are used to strengthen muscles, cartilage, and joints. Supplements can also support allergy sufferers and those with intolerances, post-surgery, or during acute illnesses as part of the therapy.

• As a course vs. long-term use: Depending on the season or application, supplements can be given to pets for a limited time or over an extended period, or even permanently. From spring to fall, supplements can be used to repel pests, or in winter to strengthen the immune system. Long-term supplementation is advisable for chronic conditions (e.g., affecting the joints) or intolerances.

• Powder, drops, pellets, etc.: There are significant differences in the forms of pet supplements. The best preparation for your pet must be decided by each pet owner and may need some testing. Preparations in powder or drop form are particularly suitable, as they can be easily mixed into the daily food ration.

Nutritional support for special needs

Nutritional supplements for pets are always tailored to the individual needs of dogs or cats. Ideally, they consist of a mix of nutrients and vitamins, where the individual components work synergistically to create maximum benefits for the pet's body. The areas of application for pet supplements are diverse:

• Strengthening the immune system: Pets are also susceptible to colds. Vitamin C and zinc are immune boosters for dogs and cats, especially in the cold season.

• Support during coat change: The coat change is a nutrient and energy-intensive phase, where high-quality proteins and omega-3 oils can provide support.

• Mobilizing the musculoskeletal system: Cats and dogs often suffer from osteoarthritis, arthritis, or other musculoskeletal disorders. Therefore, there are special preparations with glucosamine and chondroitin for both prevention and acute care.

• Stimulating digestion: Dogs can quickly have stomach issues, often resulting in diarrhea. Probiotic mixtures can support and rebalance the stomach and intestines.

• Pest repellent: It doesn't always have to be chemicals – pests of all kinds can be naturally repelled from the inside with specific micronutrients that affect the gut environment, making the pet unattractive to parasites.

• Basic nutrient supply: For all types of feeding, especially raw diets, preparations are used that contain all the micro and macronutrients needed daily for the optimal functioning of the body.

How to find the right supplement?

Once the decision is made on what you want to support your pet with, the search for the right product begins. The selection is vast, and every product seems to be the best on the market. Looking closely at some details can make the choice easier:

• Hidden sugar: Sugar should not be in dog or cat food or supplements. It may increase acceptance by the pet but is harmful to their health in the long term.

• The more natural, the better: The power of nature should not be underestimated. Herbs, vital substances from natural ingredients, and GMO-free production are important parameters when deciding for or against a supplement.

• Synthetic additives: The fewer fillers and additives (excluding nutritional additives and analytical components), the better. These have no relevance or effect on the pet's body and are often used only to bulk up the supplements. Always check the ingredients list and the milligram amounts.

• Place of manufacture: This should not be too far away. If produced outside Europe, different regulations may apply that are not as strict as European ones. Therefore, choose products manufactured in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) – ideally in collaboration with veterinarians.

• Reputable brands: Trust, but verify. Researching the company, its origin, and its philosophy is helpful. Is it a young company or one with years of experience and expertise? Price is also an important indicator: opting for the cheaper price usually means compromises in the ingredients.

Supplements for dogs and cats

Dogs and cats dominate the pet population in the DACH region. The pet market is huge, making it difficult to find the right supplement for your dog or cat. Along with the described parameters, consider the pet’s age, physical condition, activity level, current diet, and overall health. The needs of dogs and cats are vastly different, so always choose a supplement specifically designed for your pet type. For instance, cats are obligate carnivores with a high protein requirement, while dogs need a diverse range of vitamins and nutrients.

And what about rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters?

Every living organism has unique nutrient needs, including rodents living under our roofs. Small animals can also benefit from additional vital substances to support and optimize their bodily functions. Their diet consists of basic feed with hay, grains, and herbs, which can be supplemented with high-quality nutritional additions specifically for rodents.

Conclusion

Any deficiency should first be checked by a veterinarian to rule out other possible (organic) causes. Supplements must be specifically developed for animals to ensure maximum benefit for dogs, cats, and rabbits. However, more is not always better; following dosage recommendations is crucial. If in doubt, veterinarians and pet nutritionists are available for advice. This way, nothing stands in the way of supplementing to best support our beloved pets and enhance their well-being and health. product recommendations :