Finding answers to a few simple questions can make product selection much easier.
Supplements can play a key role in helping your dog or cat live a long, healthy, and happy life. This is especially true when incorporated as part of animal care which also includes high quality nutrition, regular exercise, routine veterinary checkups and a nurturing environment with training and socialization.
Many consumers believe that if a product has made it to store shelves, it must come from a reputable and responsible company. But products of dubious quality sometimes make it onto store shelves and online marketplaces. It’s important that you take a “trust but verify” approach when evaluating pet supplements and ask these five questions:
1. Do product claims sound too good to be true?
Outrageous product claims should be an immediate red flag. Supplements are not magic bullets. If a company overtly claims – or even implies – that the product will treat, prevent, mitigate or cure a disease, it is misleading consumers. And break the law. This applies to claims on product packaging, as well as marketing materials, including the company’s website and social media channels.
2. Does the product have a batch number?
Lot numbers do not guarantee quality, but they do demonstrate that the manufacturer likely meets certain types of quality manufacturing standards that require product traceability. Lot numbers are also essential to help manufacturers notify customers if there is a problem.
3. Are the ingredients and quantities of the product clearly indicated?
You should be able to easily determine the ingredients of a product and the exact amount of each ingredient contained in an administration. Ingredients should be listed in descending order of quantity, but be aware that large numbers can be misleading. An ingredient with a large number followed by “ppm”, which stands for parts per million, actually indicates a diluted concentration of the ingredient.
4. Is there contact information if I have questions?
The label should indicate the company supplying the product and its contact details. When you call, the company should have a technician or veterinarian on staff who can answer your questions about the product and the testing protocols and quality standards the company follows.
5. Does the product have the NASC seal of quality?
To display the National Animal Supplement Council’s seal of quality on its products, a supplier must pass a comprehensive third-party manufacturing audit every two years, maintain ongoing compliance with the rigorous NASC quality standards, and pass quality testing. random independent products to ensure products meet label claims.
Price is a final consideration. Cheap products are usually cheap for a reason; quality ingredients and responsible manufacturing cost money. That said, don’t spend more than you can afford. Instead, determine a price range that fits your budget and buy the best quality product you can get for that amount.
To see a list of companies whose products carry the NASC seal of quality, visit nasc.cc/members.
