Safety of Dietary Supplements for Horses, Dogs, and Cats

By National Research Council

Safety of Dietary Supplements for Horses, Dogs, and Cats explores the growing trend of pet owners giving dietary supplements to support their animals’ health. Many people assume supplements are safer than drugs, but in reality, there is very limited safety data on dietary supplements for pets. Numerous challenges hinder the ability to determine whether animal dietary supplements are safe and at what dosage. Supplements considered safe for humans or other species are not necessarily safe for horses, dogs, and cats.

An improved adverse event reporting system is badly needed, and the absence of specific laws and regulations surrounding animal dietary supplements creates significant confusion for both the industry and the public. Clear, precise regulations are essential to ensure only safe products reach the market. Safety of Dietary Supplements for Horses, Dogs, and Cats examines the broader issues of supplement safety and takes a closer look at three specific supplements—lutein, evening primrose oil, and garlic—providing a detailed evaluation of their safety in companion animals.