Navigating the unregulated world of pet supplements can be challenging for both pet owners and veterinary professionals. In this episode of the Barking Back Podcast, Dr. Emily Johns and Dr. Carlos Aguiar dive deep into the world of pet nutraceuticals!
We break down our top recommended brands for dogs and cats across multiple categories, including joint support, GI health, skin care, liver function, and behavioral calming. Plus, we explain the vital difference between nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals, why human medications can be dangerous for your pets, and why you should always look for the NASC seal on over-the-counter products.
🕒 Chapters / Timestamps:
[00:00] What are Nutraceuticals? (And Why FDA Regulation Matters)
[04:31] Muscle & Joint Support Supplements
[05:54] The Best Probiotics & GI Biome Health
[08:33] Skin Support & Managing Pet Allergies
[13:08] Supplements for Liver Health
[15:09] Behavioral Health: Calming Supplements & CBD
[18:43] Renal & Urinary Tract Health
[24:22] Anal Gland Health & Fiber Chews
[26:30] Key Takeaways & The Importance of the NASC Seal
Decoding Nutraceuticals: A Guide for Pet Owners
What are nutraceuticals?
Nutraceuticals are products derived from food sources like herbs or dietary components that are processed to offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition. The term, a blend of “nutrition” and “pharmaceutical,” suggests these products can have a therapeutic effect on health, aiding in disease prevention and treatment. Think of them as supplements—like plant extracts, compounds, or specific food products—believed to influence clinical outcomes and patient care.
Regulation and Marketing
In the United States and Europe, regulatory bodies like the FDA classify nutraceuticals as a subset of foods, specifically as dietary supplements. This means they are not required to undergo the same rigorous approval or review processes as pharmaceutical drugs.
Because of this lack of regulation, the market is often driven by marketing hype rather than solid clinical evidence. It’s crucial for consumers to be discerning and look for proof of a product’s efficacy.
Key Considerations When Choosing Supplements
To ensure you’re selecting a safe and effective product for your pet, look for these indicators of quality:
NASC Seal: The National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) Quality Seal indicates that the manufacturer has undergone a comprehensive third-party audit and maintains rigorous quality control standards.
Third-Party Clinical Trials: Reputable companies invest in independent clinical trials to validate their product’s claims. Look for published research that supports the product’s effectiveness.
Veterinarian Confidence: Choose brands that are trusted and recommended by veterinary professionals.
Reputable Companies
Some of the most trusted names in the veterinary nutraceutical space include Nutramax, Virbac, and Vetoquinol.
Common Categories of Veterinary Nutraceuticals
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Mobility: Products like Movoflex, Dasuquin, Antinol, Rejensa, and Phycomax aim to support joint health. (Note: The industry has faced legal challenges, such as the lawsuit involving Cosequin, highlighting the importance of scrutiny.)
Muscle Support: Ursolyx is an example of a supplement formulated to maintain muscle mass.
Skin Support: Options include Derm-Tabs/Welactin, Vetoquinol Omega, Virbac Allerderm, and Dermascent Essentials.
Anal Gland Health: Glandex and Filaquin are popular choices for supporting normal anal gland function.
Probiotics: FortiFlora, Proviable, Visbiome, Royal Canin, and Animal Biome are designed to support digestive health.
Behavioral Support: Products like Solliquin, Calming Care probiotic, and VeggieDent ZEN aim to promote calmness. CBD products, such as those from Ellevet, are also used in this category.
Renal/Urinary Health: Azodyl, Nephrodyl, and Epakitin are examples of supplements for kidney and urinary support.
Dental Chews: Various dental chews are available to help maintain oral hygiene.
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