Pet supplements can help pets the same way they help humans; by causing chemical reactions within the body and assisting in the proper absorption of fats and carbohydrates. Most pets get all their nutritional needs met through their everyday diets. Not all pets need pet supplements, and not all pets that do need them require them in the same dosages. It is important to know which vitamins are needed for your pet and which ones they aren't getting sufficient amounts of in their daily diet. If there are vitamins and minerals your pet needs that they are not receiving through their diet, consider changing the daily diet before adding pet supplements.

Pet supplements for cats can include vitamins such as B, C, D, E and K. B-complex vitamins, including niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, folic acid, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, choline, biotin and B12 help to convert food to energy and can help ensure your cat gets the maximum nutritional benefits from their food. Vitamin C promotes development of strong bones and the ligaments surrounding those bones. Both B-complex vitamins and Vitamin C are water-soluble; this means your cat will excrete whatever vitamins are not needed and vitamin buildup will not occur. If your cat is receiving sufficient amounts of these vitamins through their food, but goes a few days without eating, their levels of these vitamins could get dangerously low.

Other vitamins, such as Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E and Vitamin K are fat-soluble vitamins. This means any excess amounts are stored in your cat’s fatty tissues. Unused fat-soluble vitamins can reach toxic levels if they are given in excess. These vitamins can enhance several different body functions, such as eyesight, blood coagulation, cell stability and bone formation (in conjunction with calcium). Deficiencies in these vitamins can lead to eye problems (Vitamin A), rickets (Vitamin D) and muscle and reproductive problems (Vitamin E).

Pet supplements work basically the same way for dogs that they do for cats. B-complex vitamins help to convert food to energy and can help ensure your dog gets the maximum nutritional benefits from their food. Some experts claim that dogs benefit from supplemental Vitamin C. It is believed that this can help to prevent injuries as well as relieve stress that can be brought on by the rigors of competitions and training. Vitamin C promotes development of strong bones and the ligaments surrounding those bones. Vitamin C should be administered gradually, since excesses of it can cause gastric problems such as diarrhea. As with cats, both B-complex vitamins and Vitamin C are water-soluble. This means your dog will excrete whatever vitamins are not needed and vitamin buildup will not occur.

Likewise, other vitamins, such as Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E and Vitamin K are fat-soluble vitamins. Excess amounts are stored in your dog’s fatty tissues and can reach toxic levels if given in excess.

While many pets benefit from vitamins and other supplements, most pets that eat a well-balanced diet of quality food may not need them. Always consult with your vet before beginning your pet on a regimen of vitamins or other pet supplements.

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