You’ve probably noticed that, over the last few years, the way society views our feline and canine companions has changed. The trend towards humanization continues to rise, and for many people, pets are a vital part of their lives – they’re considered cherished family members.
With this rising trend comes a focus on health and wellness that has never been seen before. Pet parents are prioritizing whole food diets and supportive natural supplements for dogs and cats made from whole food sources and the purest, sustainably-sourced ingredients.
What’s in the jar is just as important as what the contents do.
And that makes sourcing so important!
Natural Supplements for Dogs and Cats: Why Sourcing Matters
It’s a running joke in our house that our dogs eat better than we do. Their meals are carefully curated to meet their needs, and their supplements are chosen based on a variety of factors, including daily wellness, seasonal support, and proactive prevention.
They’re also chosen based on their ingredients. We want ingredients of the highest quality, sourced ethically, and friendly to the environment.
Sourcing is the process of selecting where and how ingredients come from. Careful sourcing should ensure that products are made with pure, potent, and sustainable ingredients that are both safe for your pet and kind to the planet. Without it, the word “natural” becomes nothing more than a marketing buzzword.
- Purity: Clean sourcing means ingredients are free from harmful contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals, or unnecessary fillers. You want ingredients in their whole, unadulterated form, grown without harsh chemicals, ethically harvested, and minimally processed to maintain their natural nutrients. This is critical because pets have smaller bodies than humans, and toxins can build up quickly.
- Sustainability: Responsible sourcing protects the environment and ensures that future generations of animals and humans will have access to these resources. It means harvesting in ways that don’t deplete ecosystems or exploit communities. It means sourcing that supports biodiversity, respects wildlife habitats, and considers the welfare of farmers and suppliers. For example, wildcrafted herbs harvested responsibly, or plant-based ingredients grown using regenerative farming practices.
When a product is both pure and sustainable, it’s not only better for your pet’s health but also for the health of the planet. Brands that focus on sourcing are usually more open about where their ingredients come from, how they’re processed, and why they’re included. They’re a badge of honour, and something that should stand out to you as a pet parent when choosing the best natural supplements for dogs and cats.
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What About Synthetics?
Sometimes you’ll find synthetic ingredients in products labelled as “natural.” While not all synthetics are harmful, it’s worth asking:
- How “natural” are they, really? Many are created in labs to mimic natural compounds but may lack the synergy and bioavailability of the real thing.
- Are they necessary? In many cases, whole-food, plant-based, or herbal sources can provide the same benefits in a more complete, body-friendly way.
- Do they cut corners? Using synthetics often costs less than sourcing pure ingredients. This can make products cheaper—but also less effective and less holistic.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to natural supplements for dogs and cats, sourcing isn’t just a detail – it really is the foundation of quality. The right sourcing ensures ingredients are pure, potent, and sustainable, giving your pet the full benefits of nature without compromise.
At Adored Beast, we focus a great deal on sourcing best practices. We spend countless hours researching ingredients, speaking to growers, harvesters, farmers, and suppliers about their practices. It’s something we pride ourselves on. We know that our animals deserve the best, and the best starts with careful sourcing.
So, the next time you’re choosing a supplement, treat, or natural product for your animal, look beyond the label. Ask questions like: where was this ingredient grown? How was it harvested? Is it sustainable and ethical?
Because when sourcing is done right, your pet gets products that truly honour their health, and the natural world we all share.
