Complementary therapeutics are becoming well-accepted by the pet-owning public. Practitioners are being introduced to products developed specifically for dogs, cats, horses, and other companion animals. Terms used include nutraceuticals, botanicals, herbals, and "supplements" can be confusing. The Food and Drug Administration in the United States does not regulate these products, therefore potency and label claims may not be accurate. Formulations for pet birds are being used by practitioners adaptedfrom studies done in poultry or small animals, or from anecdotal effects on humans. Some of the most commonly used products include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, L-carnitine, milk thistle, taurine, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, lactobacillus, policosanol, coenzyme Q, ginseng, garlic, and L-lysine. A formulation used by one of the authors as an adjunct to traditional cardiac medications, diet, and exercise has been well-accepted by the owners and the birds. The birds have shown clinical improvement, even in cases where the cardiac formula was the only change and treatment.
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