Pet Supplements at Different Life Stages: Keeping Your Pet Healthy from Start to Senior

From your puppy’s first days at home to your cat’s senior years lounging in front of the window, pet supplements can help ensure they stay fit and healthy. But, what your pet needs can vary greatly depending on their life stage, health, and overall lifestyle. Here are some of the best supplements to try out at every stage of your dog or cat’s life to keep them feeling their best.

When Is the Best Time to Start a Supplement for My Pet?

Anytime is a great time to start your dog or cat on a supplement. But, what your pet needs greatly depends on their age, their health, and what you want to achieve overall. Puppies and kittens have growing bodies that may benefit from added nutrients to boost the brain and support bone and muscle growth. Adult pets can benefit from a multivitamin when on a homemade or raw diet, or from supplements targeting specific health conditions. And, senior pets may benefit from supplements that focus on specific aging-related health issues, such as keeping joints and organs healthy.

No matter what supplement you decide on for your pet, it’s always best to talk with your veterinarian first. They can help make sure your pet isn’t on any medications that may cause an interaction. They can also safely monitor progress and any adverse effects. Luckily, most supplements made from natural ingredients have limited or no side effects, so you can give them safely at any age.

What Pet Supplements Benefit Puppies and Kittens?

Growing bodies mean a higher need for proteins, calories, and other building-block nutrients [1]. Providing a well-balanced diet designed for your puppy or kitten’s needs can help create the base for great health. A puppy or kitten-friendly supplement can help ensure those nutrients are maximized. Supplements such as a pre or probiotic can help support the GI tract and maintain digestibility of nutrients while your pet grows. Other supplements, such as DHA or omega fatty acids, can help support brain health during those early training sessions.

However, it’s good to make sure you’re not overfeeding any nutrients. Some supplements may contain too high of a daily dose of some ingredients for a small puppy or kitten. Always check the labeling to make sure it’s safe to give to a young pet. And, check in with your veterinarian regularly. Going with a supplement that contains all natural ingredients or that is safe to give at any age, such as probiotics, is best.

What Supplements Are Best for Adult Pets?

Adult pets are usually done growing by 1-2 years of age, and don’t require as many calories or macronutrients as a puppy or kitten. However, there are still many supplements that can help in the adult stage of life [2]. A general multivitamin is a great option if you’re feeding a homemade or raw diet.. Multivitamins help fill in any nutrient gaps that may be missed if your pet is a picky eater, or can’t obtain it naturally in their diet. 

Pre and probiotics are also great for supporting any underlying GI upset, especially if you’re feeding a special diet or changing your pet’s food. Other health boosting supplements include skin & coat supplements and hip and joint supplements. These can help achieve healthier skin and a shinier coat, and promote joint mobility. In addition, some supplements can help address specific behavioral issues common in adult pets, such as anxiety. A calming supplement, like Fera Pet’s Calm Goat Milk Topper, is a great addition to help with separation anxiety, when introducing a new pet, or even before a visit to the vet.

What Supplements Help Senior Dogs and Cats?

As your dog or cat ages, they may experience aging-related changes. The most common include cognitive decline and joint-related health issues. Luckily, there are many supplements on the market that can help stiff joints and other aging-related issues. Look for a joint supplement, such as one that includes collagen, UC-II® that helps promote healthy joints while also maintaining bone and muscle. Other common joint supplement ingredients include the well-known chondroitin and glucosamine. 

Supportive supplements, such as ones that can help support the liver, heart, and immune system, may help the degenerative effects of some diseases that can occur with age [3]. Omega fatty acids can also be beneficial for senior pets. They can help to protect the joints, promote good skin and coat health, and boost the immune system. Lastly, a multivitamin may be useful for senior pets that have trouble eating enough calories or suffer from chronic illnesses.

Supplements for Specific Health Conditions

Pet supplements that target a specific health condition can also be very beneficial. They may help reduce the need for prescription medications, or work alongside them to boost their efficacy. A GI-support supplement can help dogs or cats with chronic GI upset to better utilize nutrient absorption. Pumpkin and probiotics can help with chronic diarrhea and constipation by promoting healthy gut flora and forming healthy stool.

Other organ-targeting ingredients, such as cranberry, can also help promote a healthy bladder for pets with chronic stress or urinary disease. A general multivitamin can also help a pet recovering from a short-term illness that may have not been able to eat enough while sick.

From puppy to senior, kitten to geriatric, pet supplements are a great way to ensure your pet stays healthy and happy at every life stage. By looking for a supplement that targets your pet’s specific life stage or health concerns, you can make sure your dog or cat stays feeling their best.

Sources:

[1] Gollakner, R., & Marsden, S. (n.d.). Supplements for Puppies and Kittens: VCA Animal Hospitals. VCA Animal Hospital. Accessed 26 June 2024. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/supplements-for-puppies-and-kittens 

[2] Messonnier, S. (2022, April 19). Top Basic Supplements for Dogs and Cats. Animal Wellness Magazine. Accessed 26 June 2024.  https://animalwellnessmagazine.com/top-basic-supplements-for-dogs-and-cats/ 

[3] Gollakner, R. (n.d.). Supplements for the Older Pet: VCA Animal Hospitals. VCA Animal Hospitals. Accessed 26 June 2024.  https://vcahospitals.com/know-y