Most veterinarians will agree to the importance and possible use of vitamins and minerals on occasion. Regular use of nutritional supplements will depend on the type of pet, age, breed specific health considerations, lifestyle, and regular diet.

Similarly to people, pets can have nutritional deficiencies for a variety of reasons such as

• Poor or low quality commercial dog food diet

• Feeding a dog or cat a vegan diet without veterinarian supervision

• Poor digestion or absorption due to a medical condition or genetic factor

• Surgery that temporarily or permanently changes digestion/absorption

• Recovery from surgery or significant illness

• Stressful environment

• Age

Some of the common nutrient deficiencies seen in pets include:

• Vitamin B12

• Vitamin D

• Magnesium

• Zinc

These nutrients are integral to the health of your pet's immune system, cardiovascular, nervous, and muscular systems. For optimal nutritional support for a dog or cat, look for a supplement that is free of preservatives, fillers, and non-nutritive ingredients. One product that many vets recommend is manufactured by a company called Standard Process, which makes the supplements Feline / Canine Whole Body Support.

Just like you and me, our pets are unique individuals. The type, dose, and frequency of vitamin or mineral supplementation for a pet will vary based on breed, age, and other factors. Discuss your pet's need for a nutritional supplement with a holistic veterinarian.

Resources

MyPetNutritionist.com "Does My Dog Have Vitamin Deficiency?" retrieved from PetMD.com 10 July 2021: https://www.mypetnutritionist.com/post/does-my-dog-have-a-vitamin-deficiency

Gallagher, A. "Do Pets Really Need Nutritional Supplements?" retrieved from PetMD.com 10 July 2021: https://www.petmd.com/dog/centers/nutrition/evr_dg_dog-dogs-really-need-nutritional-supplements

Personal Correspondence: Main Street Animal Hospital, Doylestown, PA.