Supplements for dogs and cats – useful or not?

Many pet owners want to do something good for their four-legged friends and turn to supplementary feed. However, not every product is really necessary – and some are only useful in certain situations. Whether it’s joints, skin, digestion or seniors: the right indication, the quality of the preparations and a sensible dosage are always crucial.

Here you will find a more detailed overview of which supplements really play a role in veterinary medicine, as well as an overview sorted by clinical pictures.

In a second article, guidelines on active ingredients and dosages of supplements for dogs and cats are briefly summarised in table form. It is important to note that these cannot be individual therapy instructions. A specific dosage must always be adapted to a diagnosis, the usual food, any accompanying medication and the individual organ function.

Here is a compact list of recommendations based on clinical pictures in advance

Supplements for osteoarthritis/Joint pain (dog and cat)

• Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA)
  → Basic supplement for chronic joint diseases.
• Glucosamine + Chondroitin/Green-lipped mussel/MSM
  → Joint package, useful as long-term support.
• Antioxidants (Vitamin E, possibly C)
  → Worth considering in cases of highly inflammatory courses.

Supplements for atopy/Itching/skin and coat problems

• Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids
  → Standard for atopy and dry skin.
• Biotin + Zinc + B-Vitamins
  → For skin/coat deficiencies, convalescence.

Supplements for acute or chronic Diarrhea, IBD

• Probiotics (Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus spp.)
  → Acute Diarrhea, antibiotic-associated, chronic GI problems.
• Prebiotics (FOS, MOS, Inulin)
  → Long-term intestinal flora / gut microbiota stabilisation.
• Fibre (psyllium husks etc.)
  → Colitis, soft stools, anal gland problems – introduce slowly.

Supplements for liver diseases

• SAMe + Silymarin (milk thistle) + Vitamin E
  → Standard liver support for chronic hepatitis, elevated liver values.

Supplements for chronic kidney disease (CKD)

• Phosphate binder
  → For elevated phosphate or advanced CKD.
• Omega-3 fatty acids
  → Supportive in Proteinurie/CKD.
• B-Complex
  → Compensation for increased renal losses.

Supplements for heart diseases (DCM, HCM – always with diagnostics)

• Taurine (especially cat, certain dog breeds)
  → In case of proven deficiency/corresponding suspicion.
• L-Carnitine
  → Supplementary in DCM cases.
• Omega-3 fatty acids
  → Supportive cardioprotective.

Supplements for seniors (geriatrics, cognitive dysfunction, “old animal”)

• Antioxidants (Vitamin E/C, selenium)
  → Generally for geriatric patients.
• Omega-3 fatty acids (especially DHA)
  → Cognitive dysfunction, general inflammation modulation.
• B-Vitamins, L-Carnitine, Phosphatidylserine
  → “Brain and energy metabolism” support.

Supplements for Stress, anxiety, Restlessness

• L-Tryptophan
  → For slightly increased Irritability/stress.
• Alpha-Casozepine (milk protein hydrolysate)
  → Mild to moderate anxiety/stress.
• Plant extracts (valerian, passion flower etc.)
  → Supplementary, especially in combination preparations.
  (always only accompanying training/behavioural therapy.)

Supplements for growth/young dogs/young cats (especially with BARF/cooked)

• Mineral and Vitamin Supplements
  → Ca/P, Vitamin D, trace elements for rations that do not meet requirements.
  (Ration calculation is important here, no estimates!)

Cat-specific Supplements

• Taurine
  → Mandatory for self-cooked/BARF ration.
• FLUTD/FIC: GAGs, Omega-3 fatty acids, possibly cranberry
  → Only supplementary to adequate diet food and stress management.
• Hairballs: Malt paste, fibre supplements
  → With tendency to hairballs, especially long-haired cats.

“Trend” products (only very targeted)

• CBD, various “superfoods” (turmeric, spirulina etc.)
  → Use with caution, observe quality and legal situation, consider interactions.

The following applies in principle:
Supplements supplement a therapy and dietary measures, they do not replace them.
Dosage, interactions and contraindications should always be based on the individual patient and the overall feeding.