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Do vitamins work? |
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This is a difficult question to answer because there is little conclusive proof that the body absorbs vitamins taken as supplements. This is true for both humans and animals.
Conventional vets say they are unnecessary because pet food companies add all the vitamins to their food. Holistic vets disagree and believe a homemade meal or raw diet with supplements is an essential part of preventative medicine. They also recommend vitamins as part of nutritional therapy to help fight specific diseases.
As with most natural remedies or health aids, it is best to take a sensible approach following the guidance of your holistic vet. You can locate one near you in our Find a Vet section.
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How vitamins are used
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Vitamin supplements are generally used in two different ways. Firstly, to fill any nutritional gaps, perhaps in old or sick animals or in those fed on homemade meals. Second, to help treat specific conditions, like asthma, or to prevent others occurring, like heart disease and allergies.
Many veterinary authorities on natural pet heath care advocate the use of vitamins in these ways and build up a reference base of knowledge through their experiences and those of their veterinary colleagues and clients. |
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The traditional veterinary view
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Traditional veterinary practitioners have yet to really acknowledge the use of vitamins other than as a general supplement.
Spokesperson for the British Small Animal Veterinary Association, Dr Freda Scott-Park says the need for vitamin supplements depends on the diet of the animal. For example, cats must get certain amino-acids otherwise their health will suffer badly. The only reason they wouldn’t is if there wasn’t enough protein in their diet.
But generally, Dr Scott-Park says if a pet is eating nutritionally formulated food provided by the big, reputable pet food companies, there is no need for supplements. However, she adds “a multivitamin and mineral supplement is unlikely to do any harm “. |
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Vitamins as a dietary supplement
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There is a plethora of multi-vitamins especially designed for dogs and cats that aim to fill the nutritional gap between modern diets and a pet’s daily needs.
Most pets need calcium and cats in particular, the amino-acid taurine. These substances are often included in multi-vitamins.
There are a number of single vitamin supplements available — vitamin A, E, and C, and iron — your vet can tell you if your pet needs any of these. While most supplements are relatively harmless, you should not use them indiscriminately, because they may interfere with other medication. |
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Vitamins as prevention
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In humans, studies have shown that daily doses of antioxidant vitamins C and E can help protect against heart disease and reduce levels of ageing and cancer-causing free radicals.
Although there is no conclusive evidence of the protective effect of antioxidants in animals, there are a number of holistic vets who recognise these benefits. |
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Vitamins as treatment
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| Doses of specific vitamins, including antioxidants, are sometimes prescribed to help fight diseases such as allergies, arthritis, cancer, heart disease, cataracts, liver disease, skin problems and viral infections. Your vet can tell you if your pet needs vitamins as a treatment and which ones to give him.
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