Tests reveal some pet supplements skimp on meds

[Kadie]

Tests reveal some pet supplements skimp on meds

By MARILYNN MARCHIONE, Ap Medical Writer – Thu Jul 9, 2:21 pm ET

Arthritis supplements bought by millions of pet owners for their dogs, cats and horses sometimes skimp on the ingredients the makers claim can help aching paws and aging joints, and some contain high amounts of lead, an independent laboratory found.

Four of the six joint supplements for animals tested by ConsumerLab.com lacked the amounts of glucosamine or chondroitin promised on their labels or had other flaws, such as lead. Wider testing by a trade group of 87 brands found that one-quarter fell short.

Over-the-counter dietary supplements for humans do not have to be proven safe or effective before they are sold, and pills for pets get even less scrutiny.

"There is and there always has been" a quality problem, although many companies do a good job, said Mark Blumenthal of the American Botanical Council, which tracks research on herbal products.

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http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090709/ap_on_he_me/us_med_unproven_remedies_pets_1