According to reports published in Nutraceuticals World and by the National Animal Supplement Council, the pet supplement industry as a whole has grown 15% per year since 2000 and is currently worth more than $1.3 billion. Since many of the health issues that plague humans are also prevalent amongst pet, for instance, obesity, joint problems, a poor oral health, a weak immune system, etc., an increasing number of pet owners are now turning to pet supplements in order to improve the quality of their pets’ lives and also increase their longevity.

Furthermore, much like in humans, minerals and vitamins help a pet’s body to function at its optimal level, regulating everything from muscle growth to digestion. They are essential for maintaining the health of your pet and also fighting any particular vitamin deficiency that may later contribute to any serious health issues.

Choosing the Right Supplements

However, choosing the right supplements for your pet can be a little overwhelming since the market is flooded with a myriad of brands and different supplements. Listed below are five key factors that need to be taken into account before picking supplements for your pet.

1. Who formulated the supplements? An herbalist? A professional vet? An animal nutritionist? And what are their experience and qualification when it comes to animals?
2. Do the supplements promise too much, and seem too good to be true?
3. Where were the supplements manufactured? (country of origin) and does this country have a “certificate of purity” for every ingredient?
4. Does the supplement manufacturing company in any way “give back” to the general veterinary organizations?
5. How well does the company fare when it comes to its reputation?
6. Does the company have a good reputation?
7. Who created the company and what is their mission statement?
8. Does the company comply with the standards of GMPC? Does it also have an FDA-approved facility?
9. Has the company carried out any clinical studies and tests, or can they offer information regarding how the product works, by other scientific animal or human trials?

In general, you should stick with products and brands that you have a good reputation and have been in the market for long. Before picking any supplements for your pet, it is best to consult with your vet. He or she will take into account your pet’s medical history and present state of health, and then go on to recommend the right supplement. Keep in mind that excess of a certain mineral or vitamin can be just as harmful as lack of it, so don’t think tossing just any multivitamin towards your pet will do good.
As a responsible owner, you should take out time to study the different options that are available for your pet, instead of just picking up the first attractive bottle you see at the supermarket.