Note for Pet Owners

This information is provided by Provet for educational purposes only.

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.

The use of nutritional supplements may not be beneficial if an animal is already being fed a complete and balanced ration. However, the use of traditional supplements in the management of a variety of conditions in animals is popular with members of the public, and increasingly recommended by veterinarians.

The table below lists some of the nutritional supplements being used in animals :

 

Nutritional Supplement	Indications	Comments
Cod Liver Oil capsules Ingredients : Cod liver oil 315mg Gelatin Glycerin Vitamin A 0.5 mg Vitamin D 0.048mg	Traditionally good as a source of Vitamins A and D. It may aid : Joint mobility Stiffness	Daily Feeding Rate Capsules Cats/Small dogs (<10kg) 1 capsule Medium dogs (10-25kg) 2 capsules Large dogs (25-45kg) 3-4 capsules Giant dogs (>45kg) 5-6 capsules
Digestive Supplement Tablets Ingredients : Sugar Maltodextrin Lactose Ginger Golden Seal Root Rhubarb Root Valerian Root Gum Myrrh Sodium Starch Glycollate Talc Spearmint Oil Magnesium Stearate	Used to : Calm and settle the stomach Aid digestion Relieve flatulence	Daily Feeding Rate When required : Cats/Small dogs (<10kg) 1 tablet Medium dogs (10-25kg) 2 tablets Large dogs (25-45kg) 3-4 tablets Giant dogs (>45kg) 5-6 tablets
Elderberry and Nettle Extract Ingredients : Pure undiluted extracts of Nettle and Elderberry	Both are rich in iron and iodine, so are used to improve : Coat condition Pigmentation	Daily Feeding Rate Cats/Small dogs (<10kg) 0.25 teaspoon Medium dogs (10-25kg) 0.5 teaspoon Large dogs (25-45kg) 1 teaspoon Giant dogs (>45kg) 1-1.5 teaspoons
Evening Primrose Oil Ingredients : Evening Primrose Oil Gelatin Glycerin d-Alpha Tocopherol (Providing Vitamin E)	Evening primrose oil is a rich source (10%) of the essential fatty acid, gamma linolenic acid (GLA) It is a supplement used to maintain and support : Healthy skin Healthy haircoat	Daily Feeding Rate Capsules Cats/Small dogs (<10kg) 1 capsule Medium dogs (10-25kg) 2-3 capsules Large dogs (25-45kg) 3-5 capsules Giant dogs (>45kg) 5-6 capsules Liquid Cats/Small dogs (<10kg) upto 5 drops Medium dogs (10-25kg)        0.25-0.5 teaspoon Large dogs (25-45kg) 1 teaspoon Giant dogs (>45kg) 1-1.5 teaspoons
Keepers Mix Ingredients : Powdered Kelp Seaweed Celery Seeds Lucerne Nettles Rosemary Psyllium Husks Clivers Wild Yam	Intended as a supplement in the diet to: Maintain body functions Assist in enabling  the full benefit of the food to be obtained	A herbal supplement intended to keep dogs and cats in the best of health and their coats in show condition. This traditional blend  is based on an old formula obtained from a Dorset gamekeeper and kennelman. Feeding Rate Cats/Small dogs (<10kg) 1 measure Medium dogs (10-25kg) 2 measures Large dogs (25-45kg) 3  measures Giant dogs (>45kg) 4 measures
Kelp Seaweed Powder Ingredients : Pure Kelp Seaweed Powder	A nutritional supplement supplying all 37 minerals and trace elements that are necessary to maintain healthy metabolism Kelp is a variety of Seaweed that is a particularly rich source of minerals, and is known for its high levels of iodine and iron. Recommended when mineral supplementation is needed, and to promote : Good coat growth Pigmentation.	Feeding Rate Cats/Small dogs (<10kg) 0.5-1 teaspoon Medium dogs (10-25kg) 1-2 teaspoons Large dogs (25-45kg) 2-3  teaspoons Giant dogs (>45kg) 3-4 teaspoons
Parsley and Watercress Mix Ingredients : Dried Parsley Dried Watercress	A good source of  Iron Vitamin C Chlorophyll Used to help :  overheating	Feeding Rate Cats/Small dogs (<10kg) 0.5-1 teaspoon Medium dogs (10-25kg) 1-2 teaspoons Large dogs (25-45kg) 2-3  teaspoons Giant dogs (>45kg) 3-4 teaspoon
Tree Barks Powder Ingredients : Powdered Slippery Elm Bark Powdered White Poplar Bark	Traditionally been used : to wean pups and kittens for convalescents during recovery.  Used to support gastrointestinal health  :	Feeding Rate 1 teaspoon per 10kg body weight mixed with liquid or sprinkled on food
Valerian Compound Ingredients : Pure extract of Vervain Pure extract of Valerian Pure extract of Mistletoe	Traditionally been used : To calm dogs and cats that are Anxious Hyperactive	Feeding Rate Cats/Small dogs (<10kg) up to 0.25 teaspoon Medium dogs (10-25kg) 0.25-0.5 teaspoon Large dogs (25-45kg) 1 teaspoon Giant dogs (>45kg) 2 teaspoons
Wheatgerm Oil capsules  Ingredients : Wheatgerm oil 278 mg Gelatin Glycerin	Contains natural Vitamin E , which is helpful to maintain normal : Fertility Nervous system Skin and hair coat	Dose Rate Cats/Small dogs (<10kg) 1 capsule Medium dogs (10-25kg) 2-3 capsules Large dogs (25-45kg) 3-4 capsules Giant dogs (>45kg) 4-5 capsules

The table below lists some of the situations for which nutritional supplements are being recommended  : 

 

Situation	Nutritional Supplements Recommended	Comments
Appetite (depraved)	Keepers Mix Kelp Seaweed Powder	Sources of essential minerals and trace elements.
Coat - dull or with scurf	Cod Liver Oil capsules Elderberry and Nettle Extract Evening Primrose Oil Keepers Mix Wheatgerm Oil	In addition to a complete ration with/without supplements regular grooming is necessary.
Gastrointestinal	Tree Barks Powder	Sprinkle on food. Seek veterinary attention if signs persist or your pet is ill.
Excitability	Valerian Compound
General condition	Keepers Mix	Combined with a complete diet and regular exercise and companionship
Gastrointestinal	Digestive Supplement Tablets
Body weight control	Keepers Mix
Overheating in summer	Parsley and Watercress Mix	Avoid exposing pets to high temperatures and NEVER leave them locked in vehicles.
Digestion	Tree Barks Powder
Pigmentation	Elderberry and Nettle Extract Kelp Seaweed Powder
Joints	Cod Liver Oil capsules
Ring Shyness and Showing Problems	Valerian Compound	For short term use.
Skin	Evening Primrose Oil Parsley and Watercress Mix	Seek veterinary attention if signs persist or your pet is ill.
Travelling problems, Moving house	Digestive Supplement Tablets Valerian Compound	Digestive Supplement - Give 2 hours before travel, or the day before for cats moving house, and on the day of travel. Valerian - Give two 12 hours before travel
Gastrointestinal	Digestive Supplement Tablets	Seek veterinary attention if signs persist or your pet is ill.

Much of the text in this article about Nutritional Supplements  has been copied from, or is based upon, information kindly provided by Dorwest Herbs, and it is used with their full knowledge and permission.

Updated October 2013