Many pet owners who feel they benefit from taking supplements also want their pets to experience these same positive impacts on their health. Supplements can benefit pets through every stage of life, both to support good health and to help as pets age.
Pet supplements are products that contain ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, botanicals, herbs, and mushrooms, with targeted health benefits that can help pets maintain the healthy function of their bodies. They can come in many forms, such as tablets, capsules, powders, pastes, liquids, and soft chews.
There are two categories of pet supplements: food supplements and health supplements.
Food Supplements
Food supplements are food products intended to provide nutritional benefits. They are given in addition to the pet’s complete and balanced diet. Food supplements are not considered treats.
Products that fit into this category may include:
- Vitamins and minerals
- Skin and coat products
- Fiber-based products
- Essential fatty acid products
The labels on pet food supplements have information similar to that found on dog and cat food/treat packages. The front panel shows the brand name, the product name, the purpose statement, and the intended animal species. The back and or side panels display nutritional information about the product, including nutrient guarantees, calorie content, ingredients, feeding directions, and contact information, and may include handling and storage instructions. Additionally, a lot number should also appear somewhere on the label or container.
The labeling requirements for pet food, including food supplements, will be changing nationwide. Starting in 2024, you may begin to see two different label formats on pet food products during the transition period. The goal is to align label information more closely with human food labeling. Hopefully, you will like what you see!
Health Supplements
Health supplements are products with active ingredients that may help maintain normal physiological structure and function of the body and typically support a specific body system.
A few common categories are:
- Hip & joint support
- Calming aids
- Antioxidants
- Organ-specific support (heart, brain)
- Immune support
The front panel on an animal health supplement label shows the brand name, the product name, the intended use (what it is for), and the intended animal species. The back or side panels display Product Facts, which includes the beneficial active ingredients, inactive ingredients, cautions, purpose statement indicating the targeted health benefit of the product, as well as directions for use, warnings, and contact information. In addition, a lot number should also appear somewhere on the label or container.
