Decoding the Secrets of Selecting Pet Health Supplements: Is Certification Important?

As a loving pet owner, we all want to provide the best care for our furry friends. Besides offering healthy food and treats, supplementing with pet health products is also a topic of concern for many pet owners. But did you know? Choosing the right pet health products is key to ensuring the health of your fur babies. Now, let's delve into the world of pet health products with experienced veterinarian Dr. Chung Shang-hsiu and become a professional pet owner!

Do pets need to take health supplements?

Pet owners often think that as long as they provide a balanced diet for their pets, they do not need to supplement with health products. However, in fact, cats and dogs lack essential amino acids that cannot be synthesized on their own, and long-term consumption of a single type of food may result in nutritional deficiencies and loss of nutrients during the feed processing process. Therefore, proper supplementation with health products can provide the missing nutrients. For example, modern dogs may suffer from degenerative joint disease due to lack of exercise, especially in small modern households with limited outdoor space and time to take dogs out for exercise. Therefore, supplementing with appropriate nutrients is important in delaying the onset of joint disease.

What should we pay attention to when selecting health products?

When pet owners select pet health products, they should be cautious to ensure the quality, safety, and effectiveness of the products.

• Pay attention to the food labeling and nutritional labeling of the products to confirm if the nutrients contained in the product are sufficient for the needs of the pet.
• When faced with a wide range of products on the market, it is important to make rational judgments and not be swayed by the attractive advertisements of the products.
• Choose products with certification marks, as this can ensure the quality and safety of the products.
• Consulting with a veterinarian for advice is very important, as veterinarians can provide recommendations for the most suitable health products based on the specific needs of the pet.

Why is certification important for pet health products?

The importance of certification cannot be ignored! For the safety of pets, pet owners should not only rely on the brand or celebrity endorsements when choosing pet food. Advertisements and celebrity endorsements may be just marketing tactics and do not guarantee quality. Only through certification that has been verified by inspection reports, on-site inspections, and rigorous reviews by inspection agencies can be a reliable guarantee. Therefore, when choosing pet health products, it is important to choose products with certification marks to ensure quality and safety.

What are the current certifications related to pets in the market?

In Taiwan, and even in Asia, currently there is only one certification mark specifically for pet products, which is the SNQ (Symbol of National Quality). However, this certification is for the efficacy of individual products, and there is no standardized certification for pet food production lines. Due to the lack of a comprehensive certification system, it is important for pet owners to be cautious and do thorough research when selecting pet health products, and consult with veterinarians for professional advice.