As I mixed a bit of krill, seaweed and a dash of calcium montmorillonite clay into my cat’s breakfast this morning, I marveled at how routine it had become compared to a few short years ago. Back then, breakfast was a matter of cracking open a can of Fancy Feast.

Then I moved on to the aquariums, dropping homemade ‘Bottom Bites’ into their tank. With fish it was always a standard practice for knowledgeable fish-keepers to supplement manufactured, processed fish food with freeze-dried or fresh food. The fish food flakes or pellets began to be viewed more as vitamin supplements for an increasing number of aquarists, especially as the Internet created awareness of manufacturing issues. For example, today we know that the most common preservative used in dry manufactured fish food is ethoxyquin, which has been proven toxic to fish and invertebrates.

In the past five years, awareness has increased greatly in regards to the manufactured food for dogs, cats and other pets. Mass recalls in 2007 called attention to all aspects of the pet food manufacturing process and ingredients. The quality of some pet food brands has improved and new brands have arrived to fill the gap.

This awareness has also created a movement away from manufactured pet food entirely. Pet parents from one end of the Internet to the other are insisting that homemade diets are the only way to keep our pets safe and healthy. While that may or may not be the case, a large percentage of pets are still eating manufactured pet food. That doesn’t mean their family cares any less about them, they do it for reasons that range from economics to convenience.

Pet parents are increasingly interested in improving upon the manufactured diet by feeding homemade pet food part of the time, and/or adding natural pet supplements to the manufactured diet. Other families are going the homemade pet food route entirely, but still like the reassurance of supplements. A dog or cat may also require supplements for a health issue.

Natural pet food supplements can take a wide range of forms. There are herbs for pets, nutraceuticals, extracts, whole food supplements for pets, natural minerals, and food sources offering exceptional benefits. How do we know what’s best for our pets?

Some methods of supplementing a pet’s diet are straightforward. When I have chicken, my cat gets some chicken. My powdered seaweed mix, krill and calcium montmorillonite clay are in spice shakers because they don’t require precise measurement. I just add a small dash a few times/week. Easy stuff.

Most methods of supplementation require more research, however. Finding reputable sources of information on the Internet is a great first step, but misinformation is rampant online so it should only be the starting point of your education. Note the supplements that interest you and why, but before you act, consultation with a pet medical professional is crucial. When it comes to natural supplements, this may require consultation with a holistic veterinarian.

While I can ‘Google’ with the best of them and have enough base knowledge to determine which sites offer reliable information, I rely more heavily on books. Several of my books are veterinarian level, while others are suitable for the average pet parent who just wants an easy reference.

There is also an issue with finding safe sources of natural pet supplements. I first discovered calcium montmorillonite clay when I read it on a package of Dainichi fish food. I was studying fish nutrition and immunity at the time so it intrigued me. I quickly became frustrated with the hype revolving around it online, so I bought a couple of books. I was soon completely convinced of the benefits it could provide to fish and other creatures (including myself and my family).

I realized my frustration was only beginning when I attempted to locate a reputable retail source of edible clay.  When I did find sources, I was wary of the quality since premium quality is essential to obtain the benefits. The same thing happened when I tried to find retail sources of seaweed. Where did the retailer get it? How had it been processed? How long had it been in storage? Was it stored properly?

When it comes to manufactured natural supplements, we at least have an expiry date. It’s still difficult to know the quality, however. After years of trial and error, I have found a handful of trusted suppliers and retailers that I stick to and place my reputation behind. Here’s a couple for you to check out:

Pet Wellbeing Inc.
Only Natural Pet Store

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