n an era where pets are increasingly recognized as integral family members, the lingering effects of a global pandemic have underscored their role as indispensable companions for many Americans. The heightened emotional connection coincided with an increased interest in improving pet wellness, particularly dietary supplements. However, the lack of stringent regulatory oversight in this booming market necessitates a discerning approach from veterinarians to guide pet parents through a maze of available options.
This phenomenon is not just isolated to pet care. As you read these lines, there is a high likelihood that you’re among the 74% of Americans integrating dietary supplements into your health regimen.2 With the U.S. human supplement industry reaching $51 billion in 2022,3 it’s no wonder pet owners increasingly seek analogous solutions for their furry companions. This also corresponds with a larger trend toward natural and organic solutions, indicating a shift in consumer preferences towards products that mirror the care and attention they give to their own health.
This mimicry extends to emerging trends such as CBD, which, despite regulatory challenges, garners over 144,000 monthly pet searches in the U.S. alone, reflecting its growing significance among pet health considerations. Additionally, emerging awareness of the gut microbiome’s critical role in overall health has propelled the popularity of probiotics among pet parents. Supplements targeting joint mobility, skin and coat vitality, immune support, dental health, heart wellness and stress relief are also in high demand.
The domain of human medicine offers a glimpse into potential trends within veterinary practice; notably, energy and weight management supplements have captured a significant portion of the human market, with their demand representing more than 30% of the total market in 2023.3 The pet industry could witness a similar pattern, especially considering that 59% of dogs in the U.S. are overweight or obese.4 The significant success of semaglutide as a weight management drug in human medicine since 2021 and the overall trend for sports are also signals for a growing interest in this category that could impact our pets in the next few years.
The trustworthiness of an ingredient, and by extension, of a supplement, grows with the body of research supporting it. For example, omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, are now part of AAHA’s arthritis management recommendations, reflecting this principle.6 As veterinarians we must demand that companies continuously provide evidence supporting their ingredients’ and products’ efficacy and safety.
The landscape of joint health supplements illustrates the dynamic nature of scientific inquiry. A 2022 review highlighted the limited efficacy of traditional options like glucosamine and chondroitin,7 contrasting with the supportive data in favor of undenatured type II collagen. This shift, supported by a growing body of evidence, signifies a broader evolution in veterinary practices toward more scientifically substantiated solutions that have already happened in markets in other countries, like France.
The trustworthiness of an ingredient, and by extension, of A supplement, grows with the body of research supporting it.
As the pet supplement market expands, pet owners increasingly seek advice from veterinarians regarding online offerings. Time constraints limit the feasibility of exhaustive product evaluations, necessitating a focused approach to selection. So, as a veterinarian, what should you be looking at?
It may come as a surprise, but many online supplement companies do not test the quality of their products, leaving them without concrete proof of their supplements’ contents. Encourage your customers to inquire about third-party analyses to ensure they aren’t inadvertently giving their pets placebos. Additionally, verify that the dosages align with those used in studies demonstrating beneficial results. Another vital document to request is the Certificate of Analysis for the ingredients, especially the active ones. Also serving as a hallmark of product quality is The NASC (National Animal Supplement Council) seal, which is particularly noteworthy.
As veterinary professionals, our dedication to evidence-based solutions shapes our recommendations, ensuring we endorse products that withstand critical examination for the wellbeing of our patients and their families. By elevating our standards, we create a demand for rigorously tested, proven solutions, setting a precedent the industry should adhere to. The scientific foundation of a product is irreplaceable. Always read the labels and scrutinize the listed ingredients.
Since pet parents are increasingly searching for supplements that mirror the quality and ethos of their own health choices, consider, from your own perspective, what criteria you use when selecting a supplement or food. Current trends include:
- A preference for organic ingredients.
- Minimal inactive components for a clean formula.
- A desire for products made in the U.S. as a guarantee of quality.
- Environmental considerations, such as sustainable packaging.
In conclusion, as veterinarians, we must attune ourselves to the evolving needs of pet parents, while also ensuring the products we endorse for our patients are safe and scientifically validated against their claims. As such, it is incumbent upon manufacturing entities to underpin their offerings with robust scientific evidence. This expectation of ongoing research underscores our collective responsibility to remain at the forefront of advancements within veterinary science, thereby ensuring our patients benefit from the latest, evidence-based care paradigms.
- United States Pet Food Market Size & Share Analysis – Growth Trends & Forecasts Up to 2029. (2022). Mordor Intelligence. https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/pet-food-market-in-the-us-industry.
- Three-quarters of Americans Take Dietary Supplements. (2023, October 5). CRN USA. https://www.crnusa.org/newsroom/three-quarters-americans-take-dietary-supplements-most-users-agree-they-are-essential
- U.S. Dietary Supplements Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report. (2023). Grand View Research. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/us-dietary-supplements-market-report
- 2022 State of US Pet Obesity Report. (2023). Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. https://www.petobesityprevention.org/state-of-pet-obesity-report
- The Drug Development Process. (2018). FDA. https://www.fda.gov/patients/learn-about-drug-and-device-approvals/drug-development-process
- 2023 AAHA Senior Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. (2023). AAHA. https://www.aaha.org/aaha-guidelines/2023-aaha-senior-care-guidelines-for-dogs-and-cats/pain-management/
- Barbeau-Grégoire, M., et al. (2022, September 8). A 2022 Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Enriched Therapeutic Diets and Nutraceuticals in Canine and Feline Osteoarthritis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9499673/
