As a pet owner, you want your furry friend to live a long, healthy and happy life. Like humans, cats and dogs require the right nutrients to maintain their overall health. Unfortunately, their regular diet may not always provide all the essential nutrients that they need.
In such cases, pet supplements can fill the gap. However, with so many supplements available in the market, it can be challenging to choose the right ones for your pets.
In this article, we will explore how to choose the best supplements for your cats and dogs, as well as what to avoid.
What Kind of Supplements Does Your Cat or Dog Need?
Cats and dogs have different nutritional needs, and these requirements may vary depending on their age, breed, and health status. However, some supplements are essential for cats and dogs of all ages — these include joint health, joint support, skin health, and digestive health supplements.
Let us look at each of these pet supplements in detail.
Pet Joint Health & Joint Support Supplements
Would you like your furkid to walk, run and jump actively — well into their golden years? Consider investing in their joint health!
When it comes to joint health, it's important to look for supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin. These two compounds work together to support your pet’s joint function and mobility by promoting the formation of healthy cartilage.
For joint support, consider supplements containing chondroitin, Omega-3 fatty acids, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). These ingredients work synergistically to reduce joint inflammation, relieve pain, and improve mobility.
Looking for a suitable joint supplement for your cat or dog?
CAHO Agility+ is a comprehensive joint and mobility supplement that contains 10 key ingredients: Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Glucosamine hydrochloride (HCl), Green-lipped mussel, Chondroitin sulphate, Vitamin C, Curcumin, Beta-1,3/1,6-glucans, Manganese sulphate, Hyaluronic acid, and Vitamin E. These specially formulated ingredients provide potent cartilage, anti-inflammatory and pain-relief support. Learn more about its benefits here.
Pet Skin Health Supplements
Every pet owner would love their pet to have a shiny coat of fur, and blemish-free skin. Like us, your cat and dog may also be vulnerable to various skin conditions.
For optimal skin health, look for supplements containing Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which can help maintain healthy feline and canine skin while reducing inflammation.
CAHO Nucleotide is a natural supplement for cell repair and regeneration which promotes a healthy coat and skin while aiding your pet’s digestion. Learn more about its benefits for both cats and dogs here.
Pet Digestive & Gut Health Supplements
Do you know that there are billions of microorganisms in your pet’s gut? To ensure that your cat or dog has the right germs, consider supplementing their diet with probiotics.
Probiotics are the key active ingredient in digestive and gut health supplements. These beneficial bacteria live in your pet’s gastrointestinal tract and help maintain a healthy balance of gut flora. They can improve digestion, boost immunity, and reduce the risk of infections. Additionally, prebiotics, which are non-digestible fibers that feed the beneficial gut bacteria, can be added to probiotic supplements to enhance their effectiveness.
CAHO Immuboost is a supplement that contains Colostrum milk, whey powder, full cream milk powder, plant oils, wheat starch, and probiotics (Enterococcus faecium, Bacillus Licheniformis). Specially formulated with the first-milk that kittens and puppies ingest at birth, it promotes your pet’s growth, supports their immune system, and improves their digestive health! Learn more about its benefits here.
CAHO Nucleotide is another supplement that is proven to help improve the intestinal wall integrity and that is key to maintaining a good gut health or repairing one that is sub-optimal. It provides the building blocks essential to support gastrointestinal tissue integrity and repair, thereby reducing the chances of harmful bacteria invading the gastrointestinal tissues. Hence there is less chance of harmful bacteria invading the gastrointestinal tissues, which can result in gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhoea and vomiting.
What Vitamins and Minerals Does Your Cat or Dog Need?
Now that you know the key active ingredients to look for in cat and dog supplements, let's further explore the essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that support your pet’s health.
Vitamins and Minerals for Cats
Being obligate carnivores, cats need vitamin A for vision and skin health, vitamin B1 for energy metabolism, vitamin B12 for red blood cell production and nerve function, vitamin D for regulating calcium and phosphorus levels for bone health, and vitamin E as an antioxidant. These vitamins are usually less available in animal-based food for cats.
Beware of including excessive amounts of Vitamin D to your cat’s diet — it may lead to an increase in calcium levels, leading to serious health problems such as kidney damage, heart problems, and muscle weakness. High doses of vitamin A over an extended period of time can also cause vitamin A toxicity in cats, leading to bone problems, joint pain, and liver disease.
Vitamins and Minerals for Dogs
Dogs, on the other hand, require vitamins A, B complex, C, D, and E, as well as various minerals such as calcium and phosphorus.
Similar to cats, dogs need Vitamin D to regulate calcium and phosphorus levels. However, just like their feline friends, excessive amounts of Vitamin D can be dangerous and may cause severe health issues. Unlike water-soluble vitamins, which are quickly removed from the body, Vitamin D is fat-soluble, meaning that it is stored in the liver and fat tissue. Accumulating too much Vitamin D can result in kidney failure and even death.
CAHO Immuboost, a colostrum based formulated milk that takes into consideration the correct and adequate amount of vitamins that your cats & dogs need. It is rich in Vitamins A, D3 and E.
Vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin which is responsible for growth, fetal development, immune function, cell function and vision health.
Vitamin D3, aids your pet’s body to balance minerals like phosphorus and calcium for healthy bone growth and maintain healthy muscles.
Vitamin E, serves as an antioxidant ie helps your pet’s defences against oxidative damage. Also a fat-soluble vitamin which is essential for cell function and fat metabolism. Deficiencies can lead to eye and muscle degeneration and reproductive problems.
What to Avoid in Supplements for Cats and Dogs
Shop smarter by avoiding unnecessary ingredients in your cat and dog supplements.
Often, additives, fillers, bulkers, and synthetic vitamins and minerals are added to pet supplements to improve their texture, taste, and overall appearance. However, these ingredients may not be beneficial for your pet's health and may even cause harm.
Here are some ways to spot these unwanted ingredients:
Read the label carefully: Look for terms such as "filler," "binder," "artificial colours," "artificial flavours," "preservatives," "synthetic," and "isolated." These terms may indicate the presence of additives, fillers, and synthetic vitamins and minerals.
Look for natural ingredients: Check the label for natural sources of vitamins and minerals, such as whole foods or plant extracts.
Research the ingredients: Do some research on the ingredients listed on the label to determine if they are natural and safe for your pet. You can consult your veterinarian or do your own research online.
Avoid ingredients with long, complicated names: Many additives and synthetic ingredients have long, complicated names that can be difficult to pronounce. If you see an ingredient with a long name that you don't recognize, it's probably best to avoid it.
By taking these steps, you can help ensure that the pet supplements you give your furry friend are safe, natural, and beneficial for their health.