Hi Sue, 

All our products are designed to complement each other, so that they can be combined in whatever way is best for a particular pet, to support optimum health and quality of life. And if any advice is ever needed on what to choose and how to do this, we are always more than happy to help.

The most important thing when supplementing the diet of a pet with health issues of any kind, is to only introduce one at a time, and to start with just a 1/4 teaspoon or so initially. Then, if all is going well, the amount can slowly be increased over the following weeks until the suggested daily level is being given (divided between meals). 

This is gentle on the digestive system and also avoids a pet being put off their food because it smells or tastes unusual. It's also the best way to confirm that a supplement suits a dog or cat, and is healthy and nutritious to give long-term. 

With regards to Vitality, most dogs and cats need multivitamin, mineral and trace element supplementation these days because the food chain is not as rich in these as it used to be. In addition to this, the level of nutrients the body needs to stay healthy in the face of modern day stress and pollution is much higher. Adding Vitality to the diet helps to bridge this gap, by making sure that essential micronutrients which need to be present in the diet each day (because the body can't store or manufacture these for itself) are supplied. This is even more important when there is evidence that the digestive tract is not assimilating nutrients from food effectively - which is often the case when blood folate and B12 levels are low. 

IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) as you know, is a descriptive term rather than a specific diagnosis, which means that various parts of the digestive tract are inflamed for some reason. This can be due to dietary sensitivities, parasitic infections, autoimmune diseases and a range of other conditions. It is best to work with your vet to address these and other possible underlying causes for the best possible results. 

Such an approach typically includes the following:

1. Identifying and avoiding dietary allergens.
2. Supporting the gut microbiome with prebiotics (Digestion) and probiotics that have proven to be effective.
3. Ruling out worm infections as a contributory factor - which can be done with this kit.
4. Providing a rich supply of essential vitamins, minerals and trace elements in an easy to digest and assimilate form, such as Vitality.

Additional information:

1. IBD / GI Support Diet - Raw
2. IBD / GI Support Diet Home-cooked
3. When your pet's food is the enemy - what do you do?
4. Probiotics and Prebiotics - What's the difference?

Joints is the supplement of choice for maximising flexibility and mobility.

When stiffness is severe and / or long-standing, giving Joint Support too, further eases discomfort and aids ease of movement.

These can be bought as a bundle here.  

Both Joints and Joint Support are safe to use alongside any other natural products, and medication prescribed by vets. 

Hi Katie, yes this is the best supplement for ensuring that many of the vitamins, minerals and trace elements which the body needs in the diet each day are supplied. 

A typical Labrador would require 3 teaspoons daily, divided between meals. It is advisable however, to give half this amount to start with to allow the digestive system time to adapt to a richer diet. After 7 days, if the stools remain well-formed and health otherwise good, this can be increased to the full amount. The powder can be mixed into any wet dog food, or even a little live, plain yoghurt. Do let us know how you get on.