Increasing numbers of people have now begun to realize that natural supplements are becoming readily available to assist with the health of their pets. Recent market statistics indicate that despite ongoing regulatory challenges, the sales of supplements for companion animals* are on the rise.

According to the Nutrition Business Journal, estimated U.S. sales of pet supplements were $923 million in 2007, which was an 8% increase over 2006. This publication found that the overall natural pet nutrition market (defined as pet supplements, natural and organic pet foods, and pet supplies or other products) exceeded $2.1 billion in 2007, of which supplements accounted for 43% of sales. These products are expected to experience continued growth in the near future.

There are a number of factors that have been fueling the growth of the pet supplement industry. Dr. Nancy Scalan, DVM, president of the Veterinary Botanical Medical Association (VBMA) believes the rise in associations supporting complementary and alternative techniques for animals reinforces the rise in pet ownership (from 56% in 1988 to 63% in 2007/8) and the increasing awareness among consumers about natural treatment options for their pets.

"There is now very strong awareness that the food supply is not what it used to be and that there is a need for people to supplement their diets. That carries over to animals, as well," said Tom Cameron, DVM, veterinary technical support for Standard Process' Veterinary Formulas, a line of whole food supplements for companion animals established in 2002. "A lot of health conditions are caused by nutritional deficiencies, and foods for animals, in particular, are highly processed." Dr. Cameron added that the ingredients used in Veterinary Formulas are also used in the human product line, and all of the products are developed in the same manufacturing facility. Both sets of products are produced according to the same good manufacturing practices (GMPs) and exemplary quality control standards.

Continued popularity of pet nutritional supplements has spawned tougher regulation. The National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) has always been interested in achieving a viable long-term solution to the industry's regulatory challenges. According to William Bookout, president of NASC, the FDA and state officials have expressed an interest in formulating sufficient and consistent regulations for pet supplements, and the NASC intends to assist in those efforts to help ensure that future regulations are fair and responsible (Standard Process is a member of NASC).

The full article can be found in HerbalGram, May-June issue or online at www.standardprocess.com.

*Dogs, cats, horses, and other animals not intended for human consumption are considered "companion animals". Supplements marketed for pets are typically geared toward dogs, cats or horses.