Basic Facts About Supplements: a guide for dog owners

The information below answers commonly asked questions about supplements for dogs. Please consult your veterinarian before giving your pet any supplement.

What are supplements?

According to VCA Animal Hospitals, a supplement is a “concentrated ingredient that is added to the diet for nutritional or therapeutic benefit. Examples include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and herbs.”

Supplements are widely used because of their potential health benefits, such as heart health or digestive support. The most popular supplements for dogs are glucosamine, probiotics, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Do I need a prescription to buy supplements?

Most supplements can be bought without a prescription and are available from a variety of pet stores and other retailers.

Are supplements FDA-approved?

No, supplements do not go through an approval process. This is one way that they differ from drug products, such as Vetoryl. Unlike supplements, drugs must show evidence of safety and effectiveness and be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration before being sold to consumers.

How can I know if a supplement is safe?

To make sure a supplement is safe for your dog, always read product labels, including ingredients, and consult your veterinarian with any questions. Some ingredients are dangerous for dogs with certain medical conditions or on certain medications. For example, if your dog has Cushing's disease, avoid giving supplements containing licorice root, unless it’s deglycyrrhizinated. Licorice root can potentially elevate cortisol.

In addition, it’s important to purchase from companies that follow rigorous quality standards. One thing to look for is whether supplements are third-party tested by a laboratory independent of the company. Third-party testing ensures quality, safety, and label accuracy.

Are supplements effective?

This is a difficult question to answer, since effectiveness can vary depending on the product being used and a pet’s individual needs. Keep in mind that, although a product might claim to treat a particular condition, there’s no guarantee that the claims are true. Companies are allowed to put supplements on the market without any evidence that they are effective.

References

Nutraceuticals, by VCA Animal Hospitals

Veterinary Pet Supplements and Nutraceuticals, by Carrie J Finno

Assessing Pet Supplements, by AVMA