What is a supplement?
A supplement is a concentrated ingredient that is added to a diet for a nutritional or therapeutic effect. Examples of supplements include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, herbs, botanicals, and enzymes. There is some confusion surrounding the terminology of food additives, and sometimes terms are used interchangeably. For clarity, the following terminology will be used in this handout.
- Dietary supplements or dietary nutrients are substances that are added to a food, usually to make it nutritionally complete and balanced.
- Therapeutic supplements, also called nutraceuticals or animal health supplements, are foods or food nutrients that are taken orally to provide a health benefit, either for the prevention or the treatment of disease. To have this therapeutic effect, a supplement is usually taken in a larger dose than the daily requirement of that ingredient when used as a nutrient.
What special nutritional requirements do puppies and kittens have?
Puppies and kittens grow and develop rapidly. They have higher caloric requirements than adults and require increased levels of fats and proteins in their diet to grow and develop. Optimal nutrition is critical in the development of a healthy immune system. Puppies and kittens require more calcium and phosphorus than adults, and these minerals need to be supplied in the correct ratio. Both over- and under-supplementation can be harmful.
Puppies and kittens are subject to a lot of stressors, both physical and mental, including weaning, separation from their littermates and mother, and introduction to new environments. These stressors may also increase nutritional needs.
Should I give my puppy or kitten calcium or mineral supplements?
There is a growing body of research documenting the adverse effects of excess calcium in dogs, especially in large and giant breeds. There is little information about the effects of calcium excess in kittens. Excess calcium intake may lead to a magnesium deficiency and may be associated with the development of orthopedic problems, such as osteochondrosis and hypertrophic osteodystrophy in susceptible breeds.
Calcium deficiency is a common problem in kittens and puppies fed an all-meat or a home-prepared diet without appropriate supplementation. Calcium deficiency can lead to osteomalacia (rubber jaw syndrome) or other metabolic bone diseases.
Puppies have an impaired ability to regulate their calcium absorption. In general, the ability to regulate calcium absorption does not develop until the puppy reaches at least 10 months of age, which means puppies are more sensitive to slight imbalances in calcium and other vitamins compared to adults. Smaller breeds of dogs appear to be less sensitive to slight imbalances in calcium levels than large and giant dog breed.
Because of the risks associated with both calcium excess and calcium deficiency, supplements should be given only under the guidance of a trained veterinarian. In general, if you feed a commercial puppy or kitten food, your pet should not require additional calcium supplementation. In the United States and Canada, many diets contain a statement from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) that the diet is formulated for growth. This independent organization evaluates foods and ensures compliance with safety and nutritional standards.
Your veterinarian can determine if there is a need for supplementation and can provide advice about amounts and optimal sources, including recommended brands.
Are there supplements that provide health benefits to my puppy or kitten?
The stresses associated with growth and development may lead to increased requirements for vitamins, especially B vitamins. Digestive enzymes and probiotics may enhance the availability and absorption of essential nutrients. There is also some evidence that probiotics support the immune system and may have other positive effects, such as reducing anxiety.
How do I know if a supplement is safe for my puppy or kitten?
The best source of information about the safety of supplements in animals is a veterinarian trained in their use. In some cases, conventionally trained practitioners may not be aware of some of the safety issues surrounding specific products or their use in various conditions. Board-certified veterinary nutritionists are a valuable resource and many offer consultation services.
The quality of supplements can vary depending on the source and the manufacturer. Reputable manufacturers will provide detailed information about the product on the label or in a package insert. Veterinarians are a good source of information about the quality of individual products.
How do I know whether a supplement is effective?
Few supplements have been subjected to scientific trials to determine their efficacy. Indeed, much information about the use of supplements comes from anecdotal or testimonial evidence (someone tells you about their personal experience or about another patient who showed some benefit while taking the product).
Supplements are often used because of their effects in humans or laboratory research. Although this information may be of help, it is incomplete and may not give a realistic indication of potential benefits to your pet.
A great deal of information has also been obtained from the use of supplements in human medicine or from laboratory research. Some of this information can be found by referring to the website www.consumerlab.com. Although this information may be of help, it may be incomplete and may not represent what effects the supplement could have on your pet.
In young, growing pets, a balanced and nutritious diet is essential for a healthy skin and coat, normal development of bones and teeth, and growth rates consistent with the pet's breed and age. Since puppies and kittens mature at a rapid rate, it is advisable to have them regularly assessed by a trained veterinary professional to detect growth problems or concerns in a timely manner.
