Research has begun to confirm what many of us have long suspected: vitamins are probably pretty much useless. But that hasn’t stopped us from collectively pouring millions into vitamins and supplements — both for ourselves and, apparently, our pets.
According to Vox, the pet supplement industry is booming thanks largely to millennial pet owners who have fallen under the spell of the wellness trend. An April 2019 report from market research publisher Packaged Facts estimated the pet supplement industry at a value of around $636 million.
These pet supplements include everything from CBD chews to help your dog’s anxiety to personalized gut health products. Thanks to the increasing expansion of wellness and self-care culture, many of these products that would have once been considered luxuries reserved for only the poshest of pets are now necessities for pups of all economic backgrounds. Glucosamine supplements, which began as a human dietary supplement for joint health, are among the biggest examples of a little-known pet luxury turned essential.
“Ten years ago, consumers may have heard of it, but they weren’t really sure what it does,”said Steve King, president of the American Pet Products Association. “And now, it’s just part of the life stages of their pet. They know that that’s something that will be good for them and help them with joint health throughout their lives.”
While pet supplements may seem like an overwhelming waste of money, some pet owners may see them as a proactive way to avoid more expensive vet bills down the line, just as many people may take vitamins themselves in an attempt to avoid or mitigate health problems that could result in costly medical bills.
Ultimately, however, your pet probably isn’t benefitting from largely unregulated supplements any more than you are. “If a pet has a specific problem, then supplements may help,“ Dr. Bartges told Vox. “But in general, most healthy pets do not need supplements if they are eating a good quality diet. If you feel the need to supplement a diet, then consider changing their diets.”
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