Does My Cat Need Supplements?
When it comes to cat health, it’s easy for pet parents to overlook the importance of adding supplements to your feline's diet.
Just like dogs, a cat’s immune system is housed in their digestive tract. Probiotic supplements as well as prebiotics, digestive enzymes, vitamins and minerals can keep your cats healthy and happy. Food alone may not necessarily fulfill all your cat’s nutritional needs but adding supplements will add some healthy benefits.
The Dog’s Meow offers a large variety of carefully selected cat supplements. As with our foods, we carry brands that support an all-natural and holistic approach to your cat’s health. We base our choices on quality manufacturers and rely on customer feedback. Many of the supplements we carry have clinical research that support the manufacturer’s claims. The products we select are designed to help your cat live their best life by maximizing the breakdown of nutrients found in their food, adding probiotics and “good” bacteria to aid in digestion, and cat treats that help improve specific issues, like promoting a healthy skin and coat.
Why cat supplements are important for overall health
Supplements help cats get the extra nutrition they need so they can stay strong and healthy. Various nutrients like fatty acids, probiotics, antioxidants, and essential amino acids can be found in many cat supplements. Fatty acids are beneficial to cats as they help keep their fur and skin looking healthy. Probiotics can help support gastrointestinal health, making it easier for cats to digest food properly. Antioxidants can help protect a cat's body from free radicals which can cause damage to cells. Finally, essential amino acids are important building blocks for several bodily functions, such as growth and development. With the proper amounts of vitamins and minerals from supplements, cats can have stronger immune systems, better digestion, and a healthier coat of fur.
The most popular types of cat supplements available and their benefits
There are many types of supplements available for cat owners, each with their own unique benefits.
- Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are often found in many cat supplements and provide important nutrients for cats, including EPA and DHA. These fatty acids help keep a cat's coat healthy and shiny, as well as support healthy joints, skin, and vision. Plato Alaskan Salmon Oil is a great way to add Omega 3 fatty acids.
- Probiotics
Another supplement that is widely available for cats is probiotics. Probiotics help cats maintain gut health by introducing beneficial bacteria into the digestive tract. This helps to improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and boost immunity. Meowbiotics has a line of helpful probiotics for specific conditions:
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Kitty P. Freely supports urinary tract stability and immunity. Contains cranberry extract and dandelion root for healthy renal function.
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Calm Down Kitty helps cats calm down during stress induced by environmental factors, such as travel.
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Hairball Buster fish oil, flaxseed and several strains of probiotics help your cat pass fur before it becomes a hairball. Also promotes healthy skin and coat and may help prevent overgrooming, which leads to hairballs.
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Good Guts a daily probiotic supplement with 11 strains of probiotics, 2 prebiotics, and 5 plant based digestive enzymes for optimum digestive health.
- Enzymes
Supplements such as enzymes can help with digestive issues, fiber can help with hairballs, supplements supporting the bladder and kidney can help with urinary tract infections (UTI’s), pro and prebiotics can help keep guts healthy and maintain your cat’s immune system. Optagest from Inclover is a plant-based enzyme with prebiotics, supports the growth of “good” bacteria in the gut and aids in healthy digestion. We love Inclover products because they have clinically proven research results. Can be used for acute symptoms and also can be sprinkled onto everyday meals. Easy on even the most sensitive stomachs and as far as we know it is tasteless, making it easy to slip in the diet. Mix it over their dry or add to their wet, or raw cat food.
- Vitamins
Vitamins and minerals are also important for cats and can be found in various forms in supplements such as multivitamins or individual vitamins like Vitamin A or Vitamin C. Vitamins help support energy levels and overall health, while minerals like zinc can work to promote healthy skin and fur. Nupro Cat Supplement is a complete vitamin, mineral, enzyme and fatty acid formula great for added benefit to a commercial diet.
- Joint Supplements
Lastly, there are supplements specifically designed to address certain conditions such as joint pain or urinary tract issues. These specialized supplements contain ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin and Green-Lipped Mussel which may be beneficial for a cat's specific needs. A good option is Northwest Naturals FUNctional Topper (chicken and New Zealand green mussel).
Cat Supplement FAQs
Do cats really need any supplements?
Just like humans don't need dietary supplements but can benefit from them, cats are the same. Cat supplements can provide additional vitamins and minerals that cats need, such as fatty acids, probiotics, antioxidants, and essential amino acids. These nutrients help keep cats strong and healthy by improving digestion, reducing inflammation, boosting immunity, promoting healthy skin and fur, and providing energy. Furthermore, there are specialized supplements available for cats with certain conditions like joint pain or urinary tract issues.
Should I add a cat supplement to homemade cat food?
Yes, adding a cat supplement to homemade cat food is beneficial for cats. It provides additional vitamins and minerals that cats need to stay healthy, such as fatty acids, probiotics, antioxidants, and essential amino acids. These nutrients help keep cats strong and healthy by improving digestion, reducing inflammation, boosting immunity, promoting healthy skin and fur, and providing energy. Furthermore, there are specialized supplements available for cats with certain conditions like joint pain or urinary tract issues. Adding a cat supplement to homemade cat food will help ensure that cats get the extra nutrition they need.
How do I choose the right cat vitamins and supplements?
To choose the right supplements for your cat, think about what your cat needs. Consider the cat health issue you are trying to address and get advice on the best type of supplement for your cat's individual needs. Our staff is here to help with any questions you may have regarding supplements for your cat.
What the most popular cat supplement?
The most popular type of cat supplement is Omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial to cats in keeping their fur and skin looking healthy. Omega-3 fatty acids contain EPA and DHA, which help maintain a shiny coat and healthy joints, skin, and vision. Probiotic supplements are also widely used by pet owners as they help support gastrointestinal health, making it easier for cats to digest food properly and reduce inflammation levels. Vitamins and minerals are also important for cats as they provide necessary nutrients for energy levels, overall health, and support healthy skin and fur. Furthermore, specialized supplements are available for cats with certain conditions such as joint pain or urinary tract issues that contain ingredients such as glucosamine or cranberry extract.
How do I store cat supplements?
- Store cat supplements in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.
- Check the expiration date on any supplement before giving it to your cat and discard any expired products.
- Keep the supplement bottle closed tightly when not in use to prevent contamination or spoilage of its contents.
- Discard any opened packages after the recommended amount of time has passed (usually this will be listed on the label).
- Use measuring devices such as spoons or droppers that are designated for pet-use only when administering supplements to your cat(s).
- Be sure to follow dosing instructions as indicated by your veterinarian or product labels carefully so that you don’t give too much, which could have potential side effects on your cat’s health and wellbeing
What vitamins do indoor cats need?
Indoor cats typically need vitamins and minerals that help maintain their health and keep them active. Cats require an adequate amount of essential vitamins in order to remain healthy, just like any other animal. Vitamins for indoor cats can include vitamin A for vision, vitamin D for bone health, B-vitamins for metabolic function, taurine for eye and heart health, and other trace minerals.
Should I speak to a vet before deciding on cat vitamins and supplements?
If you have any serious concerns about how a supplement might affect your specific pet, it is always best to consult with a veterinarian before giving your cat a new supplement. This is especially important if your pet has a pre-existing medical condition or is taking any medications. Your vet can advise whether the supplement is appropriate for your pet's individual needs and provide guidance on the right dosage, as well as identify any potential contraindications or side effects that could occur when using certain supplements. In addition, certain supplements may interact with other medications or treatments that your pet is receiving. Your vet can help you weigh the risks and benefits of these interactions before giving any new supplement to your pet. Finally, it's important to remember that not all supplements are created equal - some may be of lower quality than others and even potentially contain contaminants such as heavy metals or pesticides. We can help you direct you to some of the many quality supplements we carry. Please consult with your veterinarian for your specific cat related issues.
If you would like to start your giving your cat supplements or think you may need to make some changes to your cat's diet or current supplements, we are here to help. We are a resource for information on cat nutrition. This blog is written to start a conversation around your cat’s supplement needs, we are not veterinarians. We want to help you give your cat their best life and are happy to answer any questions you might have.
