You should seek the advice of your veterinarian if your pet is ill as only he or she can correctly advise on the diagnosis and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your pet.

Nutraceuticals are being increasingly used in the management of diseases in animals.

According to one reputable textbook reference* a veterinary nutraceutical is:

 "a substance that is produced in purified or extracted form and administered orally to patients to provide agents required for normal body structure and function and administered with the intent of improving the health and well-being of animals"

Reference

* Small Animal Clinical Nutrition 4e (2000) Published by the Mark Morris Institute, p114

Authors notice : However, this is mainly a marketing term. If a nutritional substance has any effect on the animal it can only be working as either :

1. A nutrient - and any observed change is due to replenishment  of a deficiency OR due to the nutrient driving biochemical processes in the body. 

2. A pharmaceutical effect - eg cocaine in the coca plant

Updated October 2013