Nowadays, many pet hospitals or stores sell cat nutritional supplements, including vitamins, calcium tablets, nutrient solutions, etc. There are so many varieties that it is overwhelming. Many owners buy a lot of supplements for their cats in order to have more nutrition for their cats. Nutrients, in fact, cats do not need some nutrients, and supplementing too much can be harmful.

1. Fatty acids

Fatty acids Many nutritional supplements contain essential and non-essential fatty acids, such as the commonly heard unsaturated fatty acids. These products are commonly used when animals have dry or dandruff skin, rough and dull fur, itchy or inflamed skin supplementary food. However, since its benefits have not yet been fully recognized, it is best to seek advice from a veterinarian. Another important concept is that these products are not a major source of additional energy. Of course fatty acids can be present in the form of calories, but the body's energy sources are not sufficient to replace all other sources of fat. Often, these products also contain other nutrients, such as fat-soluble vitamins and minerals such as calcium or iodine, which are also nutrients related to skin health. These additional supplements contain small amounts of ingredients and do not cause harm, however supplements are certainly not necessary if your pet is nutritionally balanced.

2. Amino acids

1. Amino acids and proteins are the most special types of supplements. For cats, this generally means that the supplement contains aminoethanesulfonic acid. Cats can get 15-20MG per pound per day from dry cat food, and most of the other sources come from canned food. Therefore, providing 40mg of aminoethanesulfonic acid per pound of body weight per day is suitable for a variety of cats.

2. Finally, there are many products, including nutritional supplements in liquid, powder and granular form, which cover the basic nutritional needs and the above-mentioned supplementary additions, and are used to supplement cats when they are growing or under stress. Cat food will provide all nutritional needs as long as the animal is eating a normal diet. However, if your cat is not eating the appropriate amount of food, supplementation may provide balanced nutrition.

3. There are too many nutritional supplement products on the market to choose from, so it is easy for people to not know which one to choose. Most supplements are not currently required for cats to maintain a balanced diet, however, in special situations or circumstances, nutritional supplements may be helpful. Messy or careless use of supplements may be harmful to your cat, and always consult your veterinarian before using supplements.

3. Extra minerals

1. Other types of supplements for cats are sometimes mentioned, mainly including calcium, phosphorus and potassium. When cats are fed leftovers, calcium supplementation is necessary because it does not provide enough calcium. Many people believe that growing cats and dogs need calcium supplements because their bones grow rapidly. Yes, according to research, adultsLack of calcium in growing puppies will lead to abnormal skeletal muscle development and may not improve. Therefore, growing animals can use appropriate calcium supplements as recommended by veterinarians.

2. In addition, lactating female cats must also add enough calcium to avoid excessive calcium loss from milk and postpartum hypocalcemia. Another thing to note is that pregnant female cats should not excessively add calcium, and they do not even need to make additional supplements. This is because excessive addition of calcium will inhibit the female cat’s endocrine system, unable to produce self-produced calcium and must rely on exogenous supplements. Once lactation occurs after delivery, a large amount of calcium will be lost from the milk, and the result cannot be coordinated and balanced. It is the occurrence of postpartum hypocalcemia.

3. Cats rarely need phosphorus supplements because most foods already contain appropriate amounts of phosphorus minerals in commercial and household foods. In special circumstances or for certain illnesses, phosphorus supplements may be recommended by your veterinarian.

4. Potassium, a major mineral, has received more attention in recent years. Some cats are deficient in potassium and are fed food that does not contain enough minerals. These cats may have polymyopathy. In addition, when a low magnesium diet is used to prevent urinary tract disease, potassium levels are also reduced, thus contributing to the development of polymuscular syndrome. To address this problem, almost all cat foods currently contain an appropriate amount of potassium and potassium supplements, and when there is a deficiency, veterinarians can detect it in the urine.