Local vet weighs in on topic of supplements for pets

DELMARVA – Pet supplements have become a trending topic in the last few years, and with a lot of products and information out there, you might be wondering what’s best for your furry companions.

Dr. Marianne Bailey with the Queenstown Veterinary Hospital says it’s tricky, as supplements for pets and people are not FDA regulated, and you might not know exactly what you’re getting.

“So I think when we’re talking about pet supplements, the most important thing is to try to stick with a reputable company. A company that has high standards and is known for high quality products.”

When it comes to choosing specific products for your pet, Dr. Bailey says joint and fish oil supplements are a good idea. Lysine supplements for cats can also be beneficial, especially if they often suffer from a runny nose. Gut supplements such as pre and probiotics are another recommendation Dr. Bailey offers.

Although she says there aren’t necessarily any products she doesn’t recommend, Dr. Bailey says there are a few that don’t have much research to prove they are beneficial. These include CBD and hemp products, as well as some fiber and immune supplements.

When in doubt, you should ask your vet for the best advice.

“If your dog is on a quality balanced diet, they shouldn’t need additional vitamins added to their food. Same for immune support, most healthy cats and dogs don’t need a product for immune support and if they do, ask your veterinarian because there are a couple out there that we know work, I wouldn’t just buy something that you saw online.”

Dr. Bailey adds that no pet supplement is likely doing any harm, so if you swear by something for your furry friend, that’s perfectly fine.

If you’re curious about a particular supplement or are just looking around, Dr. Bailey has a list of her recommendations, which can be found here