DIET & FITNESS
Animal Supplements RoarL. Phillips Brown DVM
Nutritional supplements for humans are growing in popularity. Today millions of people consume billions of nutritional supplements on a regular basis. In fact, US consumers spent $17 billion on vitamins and supplements in 2002, more than double the $8 billion spent five years ago. As health conscious consumers turn to nutritional products to feel better, look younger and even live longer, they are discovering similar products for their animals. As a result, industry experts forecast that animal supplements will reach $1 billion by 2005.
Reasons for increased acceptance
Pets are living longer now than ever before. Unfortunately, senior animals are prone to many of the same types of chronic conditions that plague older people, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, cataracts and even thinning hair. Many pet owners are looking to supplements to ease age-related aches and pains in their animals.
Increasingly, consumers are seeking to reduce their own health care costs with natural foods, holistic practices and nutritional supplements. And just as they would for themselves, people want to take charge of the health of their dogs, cats, horses and other companion animals with supplements that promote health and vitality.
Natural ingredients are perceived to have an edge over conventional pharmaceuticals because they rarely cause side effects or interact with prescription drugs. People seeking alternatives to conventional treatments for themselves want to share the benefits of supplements with their pets.
Another factor in the supplement boom is the growing trend to treat pets as family members. In the "2000 Pet Owner Survey" by the American Animal Hospital Association, 83 percent of respondents said they refer to themselves as their pet's "mom" or "dad" and want to care for their animals in the best possible way . People want good health for their pets the same way they want it for their children.
Horses and other large animals are subject to injury when working or competing, and owners and trainers now have the opportunity to supplement diets with nutrients that may enhance performance and improve condition without side effects.
The most popular animal supplements
Antioxidants
Oxidative stress and oxidant damage due to free radicals are increasingly recognized as important factors contributing to aging as well as the initiation of a number of human diseases. It is likely that oxidant damage from excessive numbers of free radicals has similar consequences in animals. Recent research in dogs and cats demonstrated that supplemental antioxidants can neutralize free radicals to prevent cellular and genetic damage and slow aging in these species.
Vitamins A, C and E are potent antioxidants as are the minerals manganese, zinc and selenium. Super oxidase dismutase (SOD) is an enzyme-based antioxidant.
Joint Products
Arthritis and other degenerative joint diseases are among the most common complaints in animals, especially among senior dogs and working horses. Veterinarians often prescribe cortisone, aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for the joint discomfort associated with these conditions. However, side effects are not uncommon as well as the findings that certain NSAIDs may actually promote progression of the disease process.
Arthritis occurs when joint cartilage breaks down. Glucosamine and chondroitin are naturally occurring components of cartilage that help rebuild cartilage and reduce discomfort. MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), a form of organic sulfur, green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) and Ester-C® mineral ascorbates are also recommended for their joint protecting properties.
Essential Fatty Acids
Fats in the form of fatty acids have recently become popular for controlling inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids are recommended for pets with heart disease, arthritis, allergies and immune system problems. Omega-6 is used in animals with skin problems, such as dry skin and allergies. Both have antioxidant properties and support the immune system.
Omega-3 is derived from flaxseed oil and coldwater fish, whereas Omega-6 fatty acids are derived from oils of seeds such as evening primrose, black current and borage.
Probiotics
Probiotics are defined as normal viable bacteria residing in the intestinal tract that promote normal bowel health . Clinicians recognize the importance of intestinal health in improving the absorption of nutrients from food and maximizing the elimination of waste material that could otherwise accumulate. Supplemental digestive enzymes for pets enhance digestion and assimilation of nutrients and are helpful in allergies and bowel disorders.
Is it OK to buy animal supplements?
In 1994 President Clinton signed the Dietary Health and Education Act (DSHEA) that provided labeling and claim guidelines to human supplement manufacturers and marketers. At the time Congress stated, "There may be a connection between dietary supplementation use, reduced health care expenses and disease prevention". DSHEA, however, does not cover animal products.
In the animal industry the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is a not-for-profit organization that works with the US Food and Drug Agency (FDA) to develop uniform policies regulating ingredients in animal feed products. The problem with supplements is that they don't fall into either the food or drug categories, and neither AAFCO nor FDA has realistic means to evaluate or regulate supplements. A recently formed coalition of animal supplement manufacturers, the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC), hopes to act as a conduit between AAFCO and FDA to establish labeling guidelines, manufacturing quality controls, reporting of adverse events and monitoring of the safety of animal formulations.
Conclusion
A long and healthy life depends on a well-balanced diet, adequate exercise and supplements that match an animal's needs. Increasingly veterinarians and owners alike have come to recognize that judicious and intelligent use of natural supplements can support good health, restore lost vitality, slow the aging process and help animals look and feel better…..and maybe even live longer.
Dr L. Phillips Brown is Corporate Communications Manager for Zila Nutraceuticals (formally Inter-Cal Corp.) of Prescott, Arizona. He holds a Doctorate Degree in Veterinary Medicine from the University of California at Davis and a Master of Science Degree in Animal Science and Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Physiology from the University of California.# # #
Source: AC Nielsen and company data
Source: Pet Age, August 2002
Source: Pet Age, May 2002
Source: Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats, Shawn Messonnier, DVM
