Supporting Wellness Naturally: A Veterinarian's Guide to Supplements for Cats and Dogs

Supplements have become increasingly popular for pets, just as they have for humans. Owners are looking for natural ways to support their furry friends' health and wellbeing.

Supplements like probiotics, fish oil, turmeric and medicinal mushrooms offer benefits ranging from digestive and joint support to immune system boosting and anxiety relief. As integrative and holistic care gains momentum in the veterinary world, natural supplements are at the forefront.

Benefits of Supplements for Pets

Before diving into specific supplements, it's helpful to understand why pet owners are turning to natural products. Supplements offer a way to:

• Support health naturally - Many supplements provide nutrients pets may not get enough of through diet alone. Things like probiotics, vitamins and antioxidants help maintain overall wellbeing.

• Target specific concerns - Joint supplements can ease arthritis symptoms. Calming supplements can reduce anxiety. There are customized options to address health conditions.

• Prevent future issues - Supplements like prebiotics, fish oil and antioxidants support the immune system, digestion, brain and joints. Taking them proactively keeps pets healthier longer.

• Avoid side effects - Prescription medications can cause adverse reactions. Many owners prefer natural supplements that are unlikely to cause side effects.

• Enhance conventional care - Supplements can complement prescription meds and treatments. Integrative vets often recommend natural options alongside traditional care.

When used appropriately under Dr. Bhatt’s supervision, supplements offer a safe way to nurture pets' health. Now let's explore some top options.

Top Supplements for Dogs

Dogs can benefit from many of the same supplements as humans. Here are some of the most popular:

Probiotics

What they are: Probiotics are live microorganisms, usually healthy bacteria, that provide benefits when consumed. Common probiotic strains include Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Saccharomyces.

Key benefits: Probiotics support digestive and immune health in dogs. They help maintain the natural balance of bacteria in the gut and prevent harmful pathogens from taking over. Probiotics may ease diarrhea, constipation, IBS symptoms and inflammatory bowel disease. They're especially helpful during antibiotic use which can disrupt healthy gut flora. Probiotics also boost immunity and may reduce allergies.

What to look for: Choose a multi-strain formula designed for dogs. Refrigerated is best. Look for at least 5 billion CFUs (colony forming units) daily for small dogs and 10 billion for larger breeds. Give probiotics on an empty stomach.

Fish Oil

What it is: Fish oil is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. It commonly comes from salmon, mackerel, herring and other oily fish.

Key benefits: Omega-3s offer a wide range of benefits: joint health, brain support, heart wellness, immunity, anti-inflammatory effects and healthy skin/coat. Fish oil is great for dogs with arthritis and canine athletes to ease joint stiffness. Omega-3s also support cognition in aging dogs to keep the mind sharp.

What to look for: Choose a reputable brand designed for pets. Look for EPA/DHA levels based on your dog's weight. Give with a meal to avoid stomach upset.

Learn more about our recommendations: CLICK HERE

Glucosamine & Chondroitin

What they are: Glucosamine and chondroitin are compounds found naturally in cartilage and connective tissues. They can also be made synthetically.

Key benefits: These two supplements are often given together to support joint health. They help build cartilage to cushion joints and improve mobility. Glucosamine and chondroitin reduce arthritis pain and inflammation. They can prevent and slow joint degeneration in dogs prone to hip dysplasia and other musculoskeletal issues.

What to look for: Use veterinarian recommended brands designed for dogs. Give glucosamine and chondroitin together long term for maximum effects.

Turmeric

What it is: Turmeric is a yellow spice derived from the turmeric plant. It contains the active compound curcumin which provides medicinal effects.

Key benefits: Curcumin has potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and pain-relieving properties. Turmeric improves arthritis symptoms, joint health and mobility in dogs. It also boosts liver function and digestion. Curcumin may help fight cancer cells and prevent cognitive decline.

What to look for: Use a dog-specific turmeric supplement with enhanced bioavailability. The compound is poorly absorbed alone. Look for turmeric combined with piperine (black pepper) or formulated for enhanced absorption.

Multivitamins

What they are: As the name suggests, multivitamins contain a spectrum of essential vitamins and minerals. They help fill gaps in a dog's diet.

Key benefits: Multivitamins provide a nutritional boost to support overall health and prevention. They are especially helpful for picky eaters, dogs on homemade diets, and those with increased vitamin needs due to age, illness or activity level. Core vitamins like A, B, C, D and E support immune function, brain/eye health and energy levels.

What to look for: Use a broad-spectrum formula tailored to dogs' nutritional needs. Give daily with food as directed on the package.

Medicinal Mushrooms

What they are: Medicinal mushrooms like reishi, shiitake, maitake and cordyceps contain compounds that boost immunity and fight inflammation.

Key benefits: Mushroom extracts support immune regulation, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory effects and anti-cancer benefits. They help fight disease and maintain vitality. Certain mushrooms also support cognitive function and energy.

What to look for: Look for blends with multiple medicinal mushroom species to gain the synergistic benefits. Give daily per package instructions. Capsules or powders that can mix into food are ideal.

Top Supplements for Cats

Cats have some unique nutritional needs. Here are veterinarian-recommended natural supplements for our feline companions:

Probiotics

What they are: As with dogs, probiotics containing strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium support digestive and immune health in cats.

Key benefits: Probiotics help regulate digestion and normalize bowel movements in cats prone to diarrhea or constipation. They ease gastrointestinal upset and maintain healthy gut flora, especially during antibiotic therapy. Probiotics support nutrient absorption and may boost immunity against upper respiratory infections.

What to look for: Look for multi-strain formulas designed specifically for cats. Levels around 2.5 billion CFUs daily are ideal. Give probiotics on an empty stomach.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

What they are: Omega-3s from fish, krill, algae and plant sources provide anti-inflammatory benefits. EPA and DHA are the most biologically active forms.

Key benefits: Omega-3 fatty acids support skin/coat health and may ease allergies in cats. They also reduce inflammation to help arthritis and digestive issues. Omega-3s support cognitive function and retina health. Some find cats have less behavioral issues like aggression when supplemented.

What to look for: Use a quality fish, krill or algae oil made for cats. Give about 75-200 mg combined EPA/DHA for an average sized cat daily.

Learn more about our recommendations, CLICK HERE

Cranberry Extract

What it is: Cranberry extract contains proanthocyanidins and other compounds that prevent bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract.

Key benefits: Cranberry is most well known for supporting urinary tract health in cats. It helps prevent recurring UTIs by stopping bacterial adhesion. Cranberry also provides antioxidants. Look for cranberry extract powders or supplements made for cats.

What to look for: Give about 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of cranberry extract powder per 10 lbs body weight once or twice daily. Mix into food.

Digestive Enzymes

What they are: Digestive enzymes include proteases to digest protein, lipases to break down fat, and cellulases to convert fiber into energy sources.

Key benefits: Enzymes improve nutrient absorption by helping fully break down food compounds. This maximizes energy, supports optimal weight and creates less waste. Digestive enzymes can reduce hairballs by easing fiber digestion. They may also reduce inflammatory bowel disease symptoms.

What to look for: Look for plant-based enzymes including protease, lipase and amylase. Follow package instructions based on your cat's weight. Give with meals.

L-Lysine

What it is: L-lysine is an essential amino acid cats must get from food or supplements.

Key benefits: Veterinarians often recommend L-lysine to prevent and treat viral upper respiratory infections in cats. Lysine works by inhibiting arginine, another amino acid viruses need to replicate. This helps nip infections before they take hold.

What to look for: Use a lysine supplement specifically for cats and give preventively or at the very first signs of respiratory infection, around 500 mg daily is standard, but follow vet guidelines. Lysine is safe long term.

Ask Dr. Bhatt

There's an array of natural supplements that can support pets' wellbeing. Always consult Dr. Bhatt and our veterinary nurses before giving supplements to ensure safety and efficacy. Work integratively by using supplements alongside conventional treatments when needed. With the doctor's guidance, natural products can optimize your pet's diet and nourish health from the inside out.