Top 5 Holistic Pet Vitamin and Supplements for Dogs and Cats

Just like humans, our pets may benefit from certain nutritional supplements to support their daily lives. In fact, according to a report by market researcher Packaged Facts, a third of all U.S. homes with dogs and a fifth of those with cats use supplements for their beloved pets.

If you’re curious about the options out there for your own fur babies, here are some of the most commonly used pet vitamins and supplements for dogs or cats and how they might help.

Note: Since every situation is unique, be sure to speak with your veterinarian for specific recommendations about supplement choices for your pets.

#1 Glucosamine for Joints

A 2015 survey by Packaged Facts showed supplements containing glucosamine are top of the list and make up more than 80 percent of nutritional pet supplements.

Glucosamine is a common supplement for joint health in humans as well as pets. It’s been used to:

• Support the repair of damaged cartilage
• Encourage creation of new cartilage for pain relief associated with daily exercise
• Supporting synthesis of synovial fluid in the joints, which helps reduce friction between cartilage during movement

Pet glucosamine supplements come in several forms, including chewables, jerky treats, and liquid supplements.

#2 Probiotics for the Gut

Probiotics are good bacteria that inhabit both human and pet intestines. Probiotics can be beneficial for:

• Supporting digestive
• Improving bacteria balance
• Preventing growth of harmful bacteria in the gut

Around 70% of a dogs’ and cats’ immune cells reside in the gut, so having a functional digestive system is crucial for optimal health of their whole bodies.

Probiotics are found in fermented foods like kefir and yogurt, but pet probiotic supplements usually provide a higher concentration that can be added to food or given separately.

#3 Omega 3 Fatty Acids for Skin and Coat

Packaged Facts’ report showed fish oil and fatty acid pet supplements are backed by some of the most animal-specific studies. They’ve been found to support skin, coat, heart, joints and arthritis pain, and immunity in pets.

Just like humans, dogs and cats need the essential fatty acids omega 3 and omega 6.

A healthy ratio of fatty acids for pets is around 5:1 omega 6s to omega 3s. But most pet diets are much higher in omega 6s, around a 20:1 ratio. This is because rich sources of omega 6s, such as canola, corn, olive, and safflower oils, are cheaper and easier to add to food products than omega 3 sources like fish and fish oil, flax and hemp seeds, or walnuts.

Omega 3 fatty acid supplements can support a healthier balance of essential fatty acids in pets’ diets. Good sources for dogs include salmon oil and certain types of algal oil. You can also find cat foods and dog foods with naturally added sources of omega 3s.

Note: It’s best to avoid fish liver oils with vitamin D, as the levels are usually too high for cats and dogs.

#4 Flea and Tick Sprays for Fighting Pests

Flea and tick prevention is a very important part of proper pet care. But pet parents who want natural products might feel disheartened by traditional flea and tick products with synthetic chemicals or drugs.

Thankfully, there are some great natural solutions for fighting fleas and ticks on-contact. Products containing sage, basil, lemongrass, mint, and other natural oils can help deter fleas.

#5 Calming Remedies for Stress Relief

There are many factors that can make our furry friends stressed, such as changes in routine or environment, being kenneled, excess noise, separation anxiety, or physical pain.

While veterinarians can prescribe smaller doses of some human drugs for anxiety, holistic pet parents might talk to their vets about trying natural stress relief pet supplements like:

• Lavender oil: A 2006 study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) showed the scent of lavender oil has helpful for calming dogs with travel anxiety [1].
• Valerian: The mild sedative property of valerian, which is believed to increase the amount of GABA (a neurotransmitter in the brain), has been used by humans for anxiety, stress, and insomnia. Although there aren’t any studies on valerian for dogs or cats, some holistic veterinarians recommend it for pets with similar problems.
• Melatonin: Humans use melatonin, a natural hormone, to help them sleep at night, and it might help do the same for pets who need some extra calm or get stressed by traveling.

Also, be sure any vitamins and supplements products you use are made with natural ingredients and have been screened for contaminants like heavy metals and PCBs. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there’s evidence PCBs can cause cancer or other health problems in animals [2].

At Nature’s Ideal, we know the importance of holistic, natural solutions for optimal health—and we know your pets are no exception. We offer a variety of natural pet supplies ranging from food and treats to supplements, poo bags, and toothpaste! Shop now here.

Disclaimer: Statements made have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.