FAQ
Supplements are formulated to supplement, i.e. add to your pet'spet's diet. They improve health if your pet is susceptible to an ailment or ailments.
Some common pet supplements include multivitamins, minerals, herbs, spices, probiotics, animal extracts and oils, which may target and support a wide range of conditions from arthritis to digestive upsets, coat and skin care, dental health anxiety and more.
They are available in many forms, including tablets, powders, chewable liquids, meal toppers, and chews.
Complete and balanced diets, such as commercially prepared dry or wet food, are typically formulated under guidelines and regulations depending on the country and state of manufacture. These regulations ensure that food companies meet minimum standards and avoid potentially high levels of essential vitamins, minerals and oils to allow pets to grow, develop and function normally.
Our formulations have been researched to ensure that the products do what they claim and provide your pet with optimal health and well-being.
Generally, healthy pets can absorb the nutrients they need from a complete and balanced diet. For pets on a home-cooked or raw diet, balancing vitamins, minerals, fats, proteins, and carbohydrates can be difficult and potentially harmful in the long term. If the diet is imbalanced, your pet may require supplements(s) to ensure they have everything they need. Remember that just because a supplement contains a particular ingredient does not mean it is provided in a form easily digested and used by the body.
If your pet already receives a complete and balanced diet with all essential vitamins and minerals, giving more is unnecessary and harmful. More is not always better, as elevated amounts of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids can harm your pet's health. For example, excessive calcium in growing puppies, especially large breeds, can affect bone growth and lead to developmental abnormalities.
Like humans, some pet supplements can interact with prescription medications and may even decrease their effectiveness or cause serious illness. It is best to always check with your integrative vet before starting any supplements to ensure they suit your pet.
With such a wide range of supplements, knowing what might be required for your pet's daily regime can be difficult. Our nutritionists have outlined common supplements and how they affect or benefit your pet.
Multivitamins
Multivitamin supplements contain various vitamins and minerals that may boost your pet's health, well-being and immune function. They are not designed to replace a complete and balanced diet and are not a cure for a sick pet.
Omega fatty acids
These unique fatty acids have many significant health benefits for pets. Omega 3 fatty acids, including EPA and DHA, are abundant in fish such as salmon, mackerel, and herring.
Some plant oils such as flaxseed, wheatgerm and soybeans also contain Omega 3's. Omega 6 fatty acids, including linoleic acid and arachidonic acid, are commonly found in plant oils such as canola, soybean, corn, and sunflower. Linoleic acid and arachidonic acid are essential fatty acids for cats, while linoleic acid is vital for dogs. Essential fatty acids are critical for the optimal function and development of pets. They cannot be produced by the body. In the wild, dogs and cats would have consumed all of their kill – including the brain, which is omega-3 rich. They are called essential because they cannot be made by the body and must be consumed in the diet or as a supplement.
All commercially prepared diets contain minimal omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. Supplementing with higher levels has been shown to have significant health benefits.
Omega 3 fatty acids benefit the skin with healthy skin and shiny coat: Strengthen the skin barrier and may relieve dry, itchy skin; they have anti-inflammatory properties and can thus help to improve inflammatory conditions, including arthritis, skin conditions and more. Omega-3 fatty acids are an essential part of the brain.
Probiotics
We use Saccharomyces boulardii in our products. This probiotic yeast strain is commonly used as a dietary supplement. It is a non-pathogenic yeast that survives the stomach's acidic environment and can reach the intestines. Saccharomyces boulardii has been studied for its potential to help restore the natural balance of bacteria in the gut and alleviate certain gastrointestinal conditions such as diarrhoea, gut problems and antibiotic-associated diarrhoea.
When considering any supplement, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or a registered dietitian, especially if you have any specific health concerns or are taking medications that may interact with the supplement.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice commonly used in cooking and traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine. It contains a compound called curcumin, which is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Some potential benefits of turmeric include reducing inflammation, improving digestion, and supporting joint health. Scientific research is ongoing, and more evidence is needed to fully understand its potential health benefits. It is important to follow the instructions carefully and not to exceed the stated dose of any supplement.
It is not recommended to give human supplements to your pets. Pets have different nutritional needs than humans, and specific ingredients in human supplements can be harmful or toxic to animals. It's best to consult with a veterinarian for appropriate pet-specific supplements.
There are several joint health supplements for pets, such as glucosamine sulphate, omega-3 fatty acids and green-lipped mussel. These supplements can help support joint health and mobility in pets. Turmeric is also Still, it's always advisable to consult a veterinarian before starting any new supplement regimen.
Choose a product that might contain ingredients like chamomile and B vitamins to help promote a sense of calm in pets. However, it's vital to identify your pet's underlying causes of anxiety, so consult your vet for a comprehensive approach to managing anxiety.
No, using human-grade essential oils on pets is generally not recommended, as some can be toxic or irritating to animals. Plus, pets may have different sensitivities to certain scents, so it is safer to use pet-specific essential oil products formulated and labelled for animal use.
Omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in fish oil, can support skin health. Some chews contain a combination of essential fatty acids and other nutrients to support skin and coat health in pets. The probiotic supplement Saccharomyces boulardii may also help to ease fungal skin problems.
Not chemical kinds, but some mosquito-repelling plants are safe for your pets, including basil, catnip, lemon balm, and rosemary – don’t use citronella and be careful with geraniums, peppermint, lavender, onions and garlic which can be poisonous to your pet.