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The 17 Best Cat Supplements

While felines, particularly house cats, are carnivores, they may eat grains and vegetables, which are high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Supplementation, particularly for cats given a raw diet, helps ensure that they receive the necessary vitamins in addition to protein.

We recommend consulting with your veterinarian before adding anything new to your cat's diet, especially because some dietary supplements for cats make exaggerated claims about their efficacy.

BestForPets (bestforpets.org) tested dozens of goods for clear ingredients and effective dietary supplements, such as amino acids, digestive enzymes, and omega-3 fatty acids for their skin, coat, and joints.

The following are the best cat supplements.

Reviews

Overall winner: The Missing Link The Original Superfood Supplement Powder Formula for Cats
 

The Original Superfood Supplement is a powdered, all-natural mix.

It contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are good for your skin and fur, as well as dietary fiber and phytonutrients, which can aid with inflammation.

Flaxseed, beef liver, dried kelp, barley grass, and alfalfa meal are included in this cat supplement for a well-rounded dosage of protein, fat, fiber carbs, vitamins, and minerals.

The cold-pressed powder can be sprinkled on kibble or wet food for your cat.

 

Nutramax Professional Line is the best for joints. Cats’ Joint Health Supplement Cosequin
 

If your cat suffers from arthritis or other joint problems, we recommend Nutramax Cosequin.

This supplement contains glucosamine, manganese, and chondroitin sulfate, which aid in the production of cartilage and the protection of bones.

It could be just what your pet needs to pounce, hop, and play like a kitten again.

You can sprinkle one or two capsules onto your cat’s food once a day for about a month, then every other day for maintenance, depending on their weight.

Aside from joint assistance, Cosequin may benefit cat bladder health.

 

Zesty Paws Core Elements Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil for Dogs and Cats is the best for skin and coat
 

Zesty Paws Salmon Oil contains wild Alaskan salmon oil, which is high in Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin E.

Every day, just one squirt on your cat’s food can help maintain their skin and coat healthy, smooth, and lustrous.

Omega-3s from EPA and DHA (found in seafood such as salmon) can also help your cat’s joints, immunological function, and heart health.

Vitamin E moisturizes the skin and encourages more glossy hair development. Best of all, the fishy flavor makes cats purr with excitement.

 

VetriScience Laboratories Nu Cat Senior MultiVitamin is the best multivitamin for seniors
 

Cats may have “nine lives,” but it doesn’t make them immortal. When your four-legged pet reaches an advanced age (about 11 years), you may notice concerns with vision, mobility, and respiratory health.

Nu Cat Senior is a multivitamin and mineral supplement designed to promote overall health in senior house cats. One pack has 30 bite-sized chews in a delectable fish taste that your pet will love.

Healthy fats, whole-grain fiber, and amino acids are provided by ingredients such as salmon oil, safflower oil, taurine, lysine, oat flour, and rye flour.

This supplement also contains calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, vitamin B12, vitamin A, folic acid, and biotin, among other vitamins and minerals.

Brewer’s yeast is also included, which can help repel fleas.

 

Pet Naturals L-Lysine Chews for Cats are the best for immune support
 

Pet Naturals L-Lysine is the greatest immune-boosting cat nutrition. Your cat will appreciate the fact that these tasty chews are naturally flavored with chicken liver.

They include l-lysine, an amino acid commonly given to cats to help them fight illnesses. Brewer’s yeast, calcium, and oat, barley, and rye flour are also included.

Giving your cat one chew a day may assist with immune and respiratory health, but consult your veterinarian before adding anything to their diet.

Buyer's Guide: How to Choose The Best Cat Supplements

In the same way that humans benefit from supplements and multivitamins, so do cats. They provide vitamins and minerals that cats need but do not get enough of due to dietary deficiencies.

Before adding a new vitamin or supplement to your cat’s diet, it’s a good idea to consult a veterinarian, but if your feline friend has a vitamin deficiency or you’ve been directed to offer a regular supplement, it’s crucial to pick the right one.

This includes checking the ingredients, determining the required amount of the vitamin in question, and ensuring that the supplement is palatable and easy to administer.

Due to the fact that each cat is unique, one supplement may be excellent for one but not for another.

Types of Vitamins and Supplements

There are supplements for virtually every essential vitamin and mineral, however the bulk fall into the following categories:

Multivitamins

As suggested by its name, multivitamins contain a variety of vitamins.

There is no specific or clear definition of what constitutes a multivitamin, and while some contain a very small number of vitamins, others contain the whole complex.

Multivitamins are convenient and can be used to strengthen your cat, prevent it from becoming unwell or debilitated, and treat vitamin deficiencies.

They are particularly good for picky eaters who may not be consuming enough vitamins.

Vitamin B12 

Cats cannot produce vitamin B12, but it is vital for their health; therefore, it is classified as an essential vitamin and must be received from a dietary source, such as food or supplements.

It aids in the maintenance of normal cognitive functions by supporting the digestive, immune, and nervous systems. Vitamin A is found in meat and liver. A diet lacking substantial amounts of meat can result in a deficiency.

Due to the necessity of multiple organs for the digestion and utilization of vitamin B12, organ failure or disease may cause complications and requiring supplementation.

Some cats are offered vitamin B12 injections, but because the body can only store vitamin B12 for a short amount of time, injections must be supplied often.

Daily supplementation may be less expensive, more convenient, and healthier than other options.

Vitamin D 

Like human skin, the skin of cats produces vitamin D when exposed to sunshine. However, although human skin naturally absorbs vitamin D, the thicker and furrier skin of cats prevents this from occurring.

They acquire a tiny quantity of vitamin D from their diet, but the vast bulk comes from licking their fur. Because vitamin D is fat-soluble, any excess is retained in the body as opposed to being eliminated by urine.

Vitamin D poisoning is possible if your cat’s levels are not continually monitored and checked. Consult a veterinarian or the manufacturer’s instructions to check that the dosages offered are safe.

Omega Fatty Acids

Omega fatty acids reduce inflammation, which can alleviate the pain associated with diseases such as arthritis. In addition to being beneficial for the skin, they preserve a cat’s coat in good condition.

In contrast to dogs, cats require more DHA than EPA; therefore, when obtaining omega fatty acid supplements, make sure they are formulated for cats.

Some fatty acid supplements in large doses may cause diarrhea and vomiting in cats, therefore avoid overfeeding.

Probiotics

Probiotics are living microorganisms that combat bad bacteria in the digestive tract of your cat. There are a variety of probiotics, each with its own set of advantages and applications.

Check the benefits of probiotic supplements before purchasing them to ensure that you purchase one that meets your cat’s requirements.

Form of Addition

In addition to analyzing the vitamins and minerals provided by dietary supplements, you should ensure that your cat will swallow them.

Cats are famously difficult to medicate, and they may be picky eaters, rejecting anything that appears strange or out of the ordinary in their food.

You will know what is best for your cat, however the majority of cat vitamins come in the following forms:

Liquid

Liquid vitamins are straightforward to administer. If your cat is eager and the liquid has a pleasing aroma and taste, you may be able to administer it with a single drop.

Alternately, you can include it in their moist food. Because it may discourage them from drinking, you should not put it in their water.

Examine the additional ingredients in the supplements and the method used to transform them into liquids.

Gel 

Gels are gaining popularity and are sometimes referred to as paw gel. This is due to the fact that one way to administer a gel is to massage it on the cat’s paws.

To enjoy the flavor, the cat will either lick or clean it off. In any circumstance, the gel is digested and the vitamins can perform their function. Gel can also be used to mix moist foods.

Supplemental powders

Supplemental powders are extremely fine powders. To effectively consume a powdered supplement, it must be mixed with liquid food.

If you do not thoroughly combine the ingredients, your cat may detect the foreign ingredient and reject the dish.
Tablets are an option if you have a cat that readily accepts medication or is a pill popper.

They are convenient because to their uniform size and ability to remain in the bottle, but because they are difficult to administer, they are not widely available.

Chews

Chews, commonly referred to as soft chewable pills, have the consistency of gum. They are ideal for senior cats and those with sensitive teeth and gums because to their softness.

However, not all cats will readily accept and ingest a liver-flavored chew, even if it is soft and flavorless.

Conclusion

The Missing Link is your best bet if you’re seeking for a high-quality supplement that promotes overall health. The Original Cat Superfood Supplement. The all-natural powdered blend is high in good fats, phytonutrients, and fiber.

If you have a senior cat, you may want to choose something made specifically for older felines, such as VetriScience Laboratories Nu Cat Senior MultiVitamin, which contains important amino acids and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as a blend of vitamins and minerals.

To help you find the finest solution for your cat, BestForPets (bestforpets.org) compiled a list of the best cat supplements on the market today.

Author Image

Dr. Deborah Fletcher

Deborah R. Fletcher, DVM, is a skilled veterinarian with more than 15 years of experience dealing with companion and exotic animals. She has experience caring for a variety of animals, including household cats and dogs, reptiles, birds of prey, and even primates. Dr. Fletcher is a valuable part of the BestForPets team, where she contributes to their aim of providing pets and their owners with the finest possible treatment and services.

Veterinarian (DVM) Dr. Deborah Fletcher

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