Should I Give My Pet Cat Supplements? A Guide for Cat Nutritional Basics

Vitamins and cat supplements found in different pharmacies and health stores have garnered quite a buzz these days. From multivitamins to supplements that support specific body functions, several types of multifunctional nutrients are available for purchase. But does that mean you should add these supplements to your cat’s daily routine to keep it healthy?

Meeting Daily Nutritional Requirements

Commercial cat food manufacturers base their products on all the nutritional requirements a cat needs to stay healthy and grow. Unlike humans whose diet varies, cats usually eat the same food daily. Cat food manufacturers keep this in mind that makes daily intake of any multivitamin unnecessary. However, that does not mean all cat foods are equal; some have additive cat supplements that help bolster the effect of food or bridge the gap between diets. There are different brands available, so it is important to know which suits your cats the best.

Tested Effects

Most renowned and popular cat food companies formulate their products using feeding trials, which means they prepare food based on formulation and then feed the product to a cat to check the responses and conduct diagnostic testing. This gives a complete picture of how the nutritional balance will come out in the final product. The same is the case with cat supplements, but there are very few companies that take this testing step to determine the actual effects of their supplements. Those cat nutrition companies that do not use testing methods usually formulate their product and market it without any test. This some times prove harmful as the concerned bodies do not properly review such products before marketing.

Which Supplement Should I Select?

Better cat supplement manufacturers will create a diet based on the actual lifestyle and life stage of cats they are targeting. This means they will formulate a separate dosage for a kitten as compared to a full-grown cat. We recommend you go for ones that have been formulated using feeding trials and endorsed by bodies like the Food Standards Agency. Certain supplements cater to a specific need, and some are intended for general purpose. Go for the ones your pet’s vet recommends.

Having an expert opinion ensures that the chosen cat supplement does not complicate or produce health concerns along with the other medications you may be giving to your cat. If you have chosen a specific stage nutritional supplement, be aware that adding these to a complete diet may combine with already present nutrients and increase toxicity.

The most common cat supplements are glucosamine and chondroitin that help protect your cat against arthritis if they have a slow progression of joints. They do not eliminate the condition but support joint functions and increase lubrication in the joints as well as repair the cartilage. There are countless joint supplements available, so be sure to consult your vet for a recommendation.

Another widely-used dietary cat supplement is omega-3 fatty acids such as those found in fish oil. These fatty acids are great anti-inflammatory for skin diseases and support other functions like joints also. Speak to an expert about when and how much fatty acid your cat needs.

Final Word

High quality and complete diet will take care of all the nutritional needs of your cat. Still, if there is some deficiency, you can opt for cat supplements. These supplements support various functions and are a great defence against diseases. Having an expert’s opinion is recommended as too many supplements increase toxicity that may be harmful to them. Be specific and choosy when it comes to selecting supplements to use and their dosage.