Canina PETVITAL Energy-Gel, 100 ml is a high-energy concentrated gel from the German brand Canina for cats and dogs. It's 76% easily digestible fats, including evening primrose oil, enriched with vitamin E and B vitamins. Its job is to quickly make up for missing energy and nutrients when an animal is weak and eating little: after illness or surgery, with sudden weight loss, during long journeys and in other stressful situations.
What it is and who makes it
Canina is a German maker of animal supplements. The PETVITAL range supports the body in special situations. Energy-Gel packs a lot of energy into a small volume, since a few grams of gel provide many calories, which matters when a pet can't eat a normal portion. The maker also recommends it for show animals during preparation.
Ingredients
Crude protein 1.5%, crude fat 76%, ash 6%, fibre 1.2%. Evening primrose oil provides polyunsaturated fatty acids. Additives per kg: vitamin E 1000 mg, vitamin B1 200 mg, vitamin B2 150 mg, vitamin B6 100 mg, vitamin B12 1000 mcg, calcium pantothenate 500 mg and nicotinamide 1000 mg.
| Animal | Daily dose | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Dog | 1 teaspoon per 10 kg | 4 teaspoons |
| Cat | 0.5 teaspoon | 1 teaspoon |
Pros
- Lots of energy in a small volume. 76% fat, handy when a pet eats little.
- Evening primrose oil. A source of polyunsaturated fatty acids.
- B vitamins. Involved in metabolism and support appetite.
- Vitamin E. An antioxidant.
- For cats and dogs. Simple teaspoon dosing.
Cons and what to keep in mind
- Very high in fat. With pancreatitis or a tendency to it, only with your vet's approval.
- Not a treatment. If an animal won't eat, find the cause first.
- Not a complete food. It's low in protein — a supplement, not a meal.
- Don't exceed the maximum. Too much fat can upset stools.
How to give it
Dogs: 1 teaspoon per 10 kg of body weight daily, up to 4 teaspoons a day. Cats: 0.5 teaspoon, up to 1 teaspoon. Give it from a spoon, dab it on the nose or paw for the pet to lick off, or mix it into a little food. Start with a smaller dose and watch the stools. Fresh water should always be available.
When a pet needs an energy boost
After surgery and anaesthesia, after serious illness or parasite treatment, with sudden weight loss, in older animals with poor appetite, and on long journeys or during a move. The gel is handy because it doesn't require eating a large portion. After neutering and other surgery, follow your vet's recovery advice; more in caring for a cat after spaying.
When you need a vet, not a gel
If a cat hasn't eaten for more than a day, or a dog for more than 1–2 days, or there's vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, fever or rapid weight loss, see a vet. Prolonged fasting is especially dangerous for cats, which quickly develop liver problems. An energy gel helps keep strength up but doesn't treat the reason for not eating. When supplements are really needed is covered in vitamins for dogs and cats: when they're needed.
For travel and moving house
A long journey is stressful, and pets often refuse food and lose strength. A small tube of gel is easy to take along and give per the dosage on the way. Pack water, a bowl, familiar food, pads and a first-aid kit too; the full list is in an emergency go-bag for cats and dogs.
Who it suits
Cats and dogs weakened after illness, surgery or treatment, with sudden weight loss and poor appetite, older animals, pets on the road and animals preparing for shows. Other supplements are in vitamins and mineral supplements.
Verdict
Canina PETVITAL Energy-Gel is a fat-based energy concentrate with evening primrose oil, vitamin E and B vitamins to help cats and dogs regain strength quickly. Convenient support through a hard patch, but if a pet stops eating, see a vet first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much Energy-Gel for a dog?
1 teaspoon per 10 kg a day, up to 4 teaspoons.
How much for a cat?
0.5 teaspoon a day, up to 1 teaspoon.
What does it contain?
Fats (76%) with evening primrose oil, vitamin E and B vitamins.
Can it be given after surgery?
Yes, that's one of its uses; check with your vet.
Does the gel replace food?
No, it's a supplement to restore energy.
Can it be given with pancreatitis?
It's very high in fat, so only if your vet decides.
