Supplements

 

Supplements should not be needed when feeding the right food. The only supplements that should be given are those, recommended by your veterinarian, for the treatment of specific health issues.

 

People frequently give human supplements to their animals, this is not recommended; these products have not been proven to be effective in animals. There is almost no regulation with most supplements; the companies make sweeping claims with no scientific proof.  There are no regulations forcing those companies to prove the quality and bioavailablity of the ingredients, let alone their product’s effectiveness. Ask your veterinarian prior to giving your pet any supplements.

 

NUTRITIONAL COUNSELING

 

Nutrition is very specific to age and health of the individual patient, this is a conversation for you and your veterinarian.

 

General Recommendation

 

In general, feeding a consistent, high quality diet is the best way to gain good nutritional health.  Feeding people food is never a good idea.  You should check every bag of food you buy to be certain in does not have the phrase: ”for all life stages” with the AAFCO statement; usually found on the side of the bag.  This phrase means that protein, fat and nutrients are at or above the level needed for puppies or kittens.  This nutrition level is not healthy for adult and likely very detrimental to geriatric animals.