Sudden outbreaks like swine or bird flu remind us all too well that humans are not immune to diseases animals carry. These particular illnesses are most likely to affect people who work with animals regularly, like in a farm setting, but being at risk to an animal’s health hazards can happen in your own home. Improper care for a pet can lead to diseases, and a misbehaved pet can be dangerous to families.

At the same time, being around animals has been shown to increase a person’s well-being. The American Heart Association released a study this year that showed people who own pets have improved cardiovascular health. Animals often are used to help children with special needs or in visits to hospitals. Their presence can abate loneliness, increase altruism and reduce anxiety.

We all want our pets to live long, happy and healthy lives. In order to achieve this, we take them for their annual veterinary appointments, make sure they get plenty of exercise and feed them the best pet food we can afford. Some of us even go so far as to give our pets vitamins or supplements to add an extra degree of protection. But are these supplements necessary?

All mammals, including dogs, cats, and humans, require vitamins and minerals in their diet. Although the nutritional needs of a companion animal are very different from that of a human, there are also many similarities. Each requires calcium, sodium, potassium, vitamins B, C, D, and many other vitamins and minerals that naturally occur in our food. Besides starting with a healthy pet food, there are many options to make sure your dog or cat is getting the best nutrition possible.

Liavita has been providing raw materials with pet product manufacturers and finished products with veterinarian to support your pet’s dietary supplement wellness program needs.