Are Vitamin Supplements Safe for your Dog?
Many of us take vitamin supplements each day in order to improve our health. I know that as a dog owner, I have wondered if it makes sense to give vitamin supplements to my dogs as well.
There certainly has been an increase in the demand for pet supplements. Since 2000, the market has grown about 15% each year. According to the National Animal Supplement Council, it is now over a $1.3 billion industry.
It is estimated that approximately 17% of pet owners give vitamin supplements to their dog or cat. As with supplements for humans, they are intended as a complement to a healthful diet. They should not be offered as a replacement for proper nutrition.
A range of products are available that are targeted for your pets particular needs. Some claim to relieve joint problems, others are touted to alleviate canine cognitive dysfunction. But are these supplements safe and effective? The Food and Drug Administration does not test the efficacy of vitamin supplements for animals. And, testing done on supplements have been found to contain less of the active ingredients than their labels claim. Also, unsafe levels of dangerous materials such as lead have been found.
ConsumberLab.com does independent testing of supplements for humans as well as animals. They have repeatedly reported that the quality of pet supplements is never up to par with that of those made for humans.
With the popularity of pet vitamin supplements on the rise, it is recommended by the FDA that people take their pets to their veterinarians prior to ordering any supplements online. Your pet can be harmed by supplements that are of poor quality or inappropriate for your dog or cat.
Here are some guidelines you should follow when considering supplements for your pet:
1. Check the labels for the active ingredient. How much of it is actually in the product?
If the manufacturer is reputable, they will list a toll free number right on the package so that customers can call in with any questions they may have about the product.
2. Check the company's website for information about the product. If there isn't anything available, make a call to the manufacturer directly to find out what studies have been performed to back up their product claims.
3. Always read the labels. Make sure that the supplement does not include ingredients your pet cannot tolerate. For example, many supplements contain lactose, which is not tolerated by some cats and dogs.
4. Be sure that the safety of the product has been proven. Check the product literature. You may find information about the number of adverse reactions to the product or how it was tested.
Always consult with your veterinarian for recommendations and interactions that may be indicated with other medications.
There certainly has been an increase in the demand for pet supplements. Since 2000, the market has grown about 15% each year. According to the National Animal Supplement Council, it is now over a $1.3 billion industry.
It is estimated that approximately 17% of pet owners give vitamin supplements to their dog or cat. As with supplements for humans, they are intended as a complement to a healthful diet. They should not be offered as a replacement for proper nutrition.
A range of products are available that are targeted for your pets particular needs. Some claim to relieve joint problems, others are touted to alleviate canine cognitive dysfunction. But are these supplements safe and effective? The Food and Drug Administration does not test the efficacy of vitamin supplements for animals. And, testing done on supplements have been found to contain less of the active ingredients than their labels claim. Also, unsafe levels of dangerous materials such as lead have been found.
ConsumberLab.com does independent testing of supplements for humans as well as animals. They have repeatedly reported that the quality of pet supplements is never up to par with that of those made for humans.
With the popularity of pet vitamin supplements on the rise, it is recommended by the FDA that people take their pets to their veterinarians prior to ordering any supplements online. Your pet can be harmed by supplements that are of poor quality or inappropriate for your dog or cat.
Here are some guidelines you should follow when considering supplements for your pet:
1. Check the labels for the active ingredient. How much of it is actually in the product?
If the manufacturer is reputable, they will list a toll free number right on the package so that customers can call in with any questions they may have about the product.
2. Check the company's website for information about the product. If there isn't anything available, make a call to the manufacturer directly to find out what studies have been performed to back up their product claims.
3. Always read the labels. Make sure that the supplement does not include ingredients your pet cannot tolerate. For example, many supplements contain lactose, which is not tolerated by some cats and dogs.
4. Be sure that the safety of the product has been proven. Check the product literature. You may find information about the number of adverse reactions to the product or how it was tested.
Always consult with your veterinarian for recommendations and interactions that may be indicated with other medications.
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I have a pet, Teddy, a small dog, has a strong personality.
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