Commonly used dietary supplements in canines
Abstract
Almost 30% of pet owners in the UK fed supplements to their pets in 2008, however, the feeding of supplements in Australia and the USA is lower, with approximately 10–13% of owners giving supplements to their pets. Fatty acids, probiotics and glucosamine with chondroitin have been reported as among the most common supplements fed to dogs.
Efficacy studies for these supplements show promise, however, further research is required to determine more accurate dosing schedules and safety data. It is advisable to contact the company producing a supplement for their quality control data as well as their safety and efficacy studies to evaluate the supplement prior to use. Where possible, improve the diet before considering use of a supplement, and always ask owners about supplement use for their pet when taking a diet history.
The use of complementary and alternative medicine therapy has increased in the human population over time. Approximately 40% of the USA adult population were taking supplements on a regular basis in 2000, in comparison to only 28.7% in 1987 (Millen et al, 2004). In the UK, sales of herbal remedies increased from £27 million in 1991 to £38 million in 1996 with an estimated 25% of the UK population using complementary and alternative medicine therapies (Ritchie, 2007). A survey study of pharmacy customers in Australia reported that 72% had used a complementary medicine in the previous 12 months (Braun et al, 2010).
Many people who purchase supplements are pet owners, so it is not surprising that there are now several supplements designed for dogs and cats. According to a study, almost 30% of pet owners in the UK feed supplements to their pets (Thomson et al, 2008), however, the feeding of supplements in Australia and the USA is lower, with approximately 10–13% of owners giving supplements to their pets (Freeman et al, 2006; Laflamme et al, 2008).
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