Today, there are more pet food and nutrition supplement options to choose from than ever before. It’s fantastic to have such a variety to choose from, but also confusing.
Does the fact that there are so many pet supplements on the market mean every cat and dog needs them? With so many choices, how does any pet parent know which products are best for their furry family members?
Veterinarians will advise that if a cat or dog is eating balanced meals–complete with health carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals–supplements shouldn’t be necessary. However, there are pet foods on the market that are not completely balanced. There are also a number of pet health issues that could be further improved with the help of a nutrition supplement. Breeding, pregnancy, lactation, allergies, old age, and joint pain are just a few scenarios that call for supplement support. Working dogs that endure more physical stress are also great candidates for supplements.
If you aren’t sure if nutrition supplements are right for your pet, here are a few indicators that should prompt a conversation with your vet.
1. Low energy & changes to behavior
Abnormal fatigue in cats and dogs usually points to a nutrition deficit or serious illness. If you notice your normally active pup consistently prefers to nap indoors for hours at a time versus going on a walk or playing fetch in the backyard, it’s worth scheduling a vet appointment. Changes in temperament, such as acting out aggressively, are also red flags that could be related to nutrition.
2. Lack of appetite & loose stool
This is one symptom that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Loss of appetite and frequent diarrhea can indicate serious illness, but can also be signs of general digestive issues. An unhealthy gut microbiome can cause an upset stomach and reduced appetite, but can be corrected with a digestive supplement packed with prebiotics and probiotics. Probiotics are living organisms. Dog food has to be sterile, which means it cannot contain living organisms. This means supplementing with probiotics is the best and only way to feed your pet the quantity of probiotics needed to see results.
3. Unusual grooming & excessive shedding
It’s completely normal for your cat or dog to lick their fur, but there is also a point that it becomes excessive and can indicate underlying issues. Scratching or biting the fur or skin for long periods of time, coupled with frequent hair loss, is a clear sign to take action. A high-quality omega-3 pet supplement is usually a safe addition to a pet’s diet to prevent or manage dry, itchy skin.
4. Bloodwork results
The clearest indication that your pet’s diet needs a nutrition boost are unbalanced blood levels. Any vet should be able to take a blood sample and tell you where your pet’s diet is lacking. A blood test could also catch other underlying issues that help you make informed decisions about your pet’s diet moving forward.
5. Health and Wellness Maintenance
Your pet may be completely healthy without any signs of health concerns and this is also an indication to use supplements. Prevention is much easier than medication and treatments. The reason I provide supplements for my dogs is help prevent chronic issues down the line.
If you are unsure, please consult your veterinarian before adding nutrition supplements to your pet’s diet. Once you understand what your pet needs, reach out to a petPro for a nutrition consultation to discover the products that will transform your pet’s health.
ABOUT KRISTI DIAZ
Dr. Diaz’s nurturing nature led her into medicine where she became a Board Certified Anesthesiologist. While she loved her career and her patients, she also wanted to be a stay-at-home mother. After retiring from her practice and achieving her goal of being a home-based parent, Kristi began looking for ways to give back to her community. At the same time, she and her husband were looking for home-based business opportunities.
Kristi knew she found the perfect opportunity when she discovered pawTree. The value Kristi placed on diet and nutrition for health and wellness, coupled with her family’s love of animals, aligned seamlessly with pawTree’s company values.
Dr. Diaz’s philosophy is that diet, genetics, and luck all work together to create the quality of a pet's life. While owners can’t control their pets’ genetics or luck, they can control their diet. Pets have no choice but to count on their owners their entire lives for great nutrition. Feeding dogs and cats high-quality food and supplements will give them the best chance to live healthy, vibrant lives.
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