About Animal Necessity
What began in 2005 as a mission to fill a gap in zoo and aquarium nutrition has grown into one of the most respected names in pet health supplementation. Dr. Johanna Mejia-Fava, Joseph Fava, and orthomolecular nutritionist Dr. Norma Pestano co-founded Animal Necessity after identifying an unmet need for science-backed dietary supplements in animal care. The brand quickly expanded into companion animal health, partnering with board-certified veterinary specialists to bring research-grade nutraceuticals to everyday pet parents. Today, every Animal Necessity supplement carries the NASC Quality Seal, awarded only after a company passes an independent audit based on rigorous FDA-level manufacturing standards.
Animal Necessity Product Range
Eye Care and Vision Support: Ocu-GLO is Animal Necessity's flagship product and the most recognisable vision supplement in veterinary ophthalmology. Developed by board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists and a compounding pharmacist with over 75 years of combined professional experience, it is NASC-approved and backed by more than 15 years of ongoing research. The formula is available as Gelcaps for small and medium-to-large dogs, Powder Blend Capsules that can be opened and sprinkled over food, and Chewables for dogs and mature cats. A Vegan Vision formula is also available, providing cardiac and brain support alongside its ocular benefits.
Immune System Support: Imuno-2865 is built around a carefully selected blend of plant-based hemi-cellulose extracts, drawing on the beta-glucan content of Shiitake, Reishi, and Maitake mushrooms alongside rice bran and yam-derived fibres. This combination works to activate white blood cell activity, reinforce the liver's antioxidant capacity, and keep gut flora in good balance for both dogs and cats.
Joint and Mobility Support: Joint Guard Vet is formulated to promote normal range of motion and lasting joint comfort in pets. It is particularly beneficial for ageing animals or those recovering from physical strain, helping maintain joint longevity through consistent daily supplementation.
Skin and Coat Care: SHaNa Vet combines amino acids, botanical extracts, and components naturally present in healthy skin. Available in both capsule and topical cream formats, it supports skin health from the inside out, making it a versatile option for pets with chronic coat or skin concerns.
Calming and Nervous System Support: Serenin Vet is a multi-ingredient formula designed to encourage normal behavioural patterns and a balanced nervous system response, especially in situations that trigger stress or anxiety in pets.
Why Buy Animal Necessity from HardyPaw?
- Genuine, Authentic Products: Every Animal Necessity supplement stocked at HardyPaw is sourced directly and 100% authentic, so your pet always receives the real formula, nothing less.
- Licensed Pet Pharmacy: HardyPaw is a licensed pet pharmacy. All supplements are handled, stored, and dispatched to the highest care standards, giving you full confidence in what arrives at your door.
- Competitive Pricing and Value: Shop Animal Necessity at some of the most competitive prices available online, with regular deals that keep specialist pet wellness genuinely affordable.
- Fast and Reliable Delivery: Orders are processed and dispatched promptly through trusted courier partners, so your pet's supplements arrive without unnecessary delays.
- Expert Pet Health Support: Not sure which Animal Necessity product suits your pet's needs? Our knowledgeable team is here to help you choose the right formula with confidence.
Why Vets Trust Animal Necessity?
- Board-Certified Veterinary Formulation: Ocu-GLO was created by board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists and a compounding pharmacist who together bring more than 75 years of combined veterinary health experience to every capsule.
- NASC Quality Seal Certified: Every Animal Necessity supplement carries the NASC Quality Seal, granted only to companies that successfully pass an independent manufacturing audit held to rigorous FDA quality standards.
- University of Cambridge Clinical Research: Researchers at the University of Cambridge's veterinary department ran a rigorous placebo-controlled, double-masked pilot study on dogs and recorded consistent vision-preserving outcomes in animals receiving regular Ocu-GLO supplementation.
- Number One Globally Recommended Vision Supplement: A global survey of board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists spanning North America, Latin America, Asia, and Europe identified Ocu-GLO as the top vision supplement recommended by specialists worldwide.
- Inc. Magazine's Fastest-Growing Companies, Three Years Running: Animal Necessity's science-led approach earned it a place on Inc. Magazine's 5,000 fastest-growing companies list for three consecutive years, reflecting both strong clinical credibility and rapid commercial growth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Animal Necessity
Q1: What is Animal Necessity and what kind of products does it make?
Ans: Animal Necessity is a nutraceutical brand committed to delivering high-quality supplements to veterinary professionals and pet parents worldwide. Using a holistic, protocol-based approach to animal wellness, its range covers eye health, immune support, joint care, skin health, and calming supplements for dogs, cats, and zoo animals.
Q2: Who formulates Animal Necessity supplements?
Ans: Every Animal Necessity formula is developed in collaboration with board-certified veterinary specialists, guided by 40 years of nutritional research from orthomolecular nutritionist Dr. Norma Pestano. She has worked alongside leading DVMs to adapt protocols originally developed for human health to the specific needs of companion animals and marine mammals.
Q3: Are Animal Necessity supplements safe for dogs and cats?
Ans: All Animal Necessity products are NASC-approved and produced in the United States, free from synthetic colours and potentially harmful preservatives. While the formulas are designed with safety as a priority, any pet that is pregnant, lactating, or already on a prescribed treatment plan should be cleared by a vet before a new supplement is introduced.
Q4: What is Ocu-GLO and what does it do for pets?
Ans: Ocu-GLO is a vision supplement built on three core antioxidants: Grape Seed Extract for retinal and lens protection, Lutein as a natural UV filter for the cornea and retina, and Omega-3 fatty acids to support overall retinal health and tear quality. It is available for dogs and mature cats in gelcap, powder blend, and chewable formats.
Q5: Is Ocu-GLO recommended by vets?
Ans: A global survey of board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists across four continents voted Ocu-GLO the number one vision supplement they recommend to their patients. The product is also supported by a University of Cambridge placebo-controlled double-masked study that found real vision-preserving benefits in dogs receiving consistent supplementation.
Q6: Do I need a prescription to buy Animal Necessity products?
Ans: No prescription is needed. Animal Necessity products are sold as over-the-counter supplements and are openly available to pet owners without a prior veterinary consultation. That said, speaking with a vet first is always sensible, particularly when a pet has an ongoing health condition or is currently on other treatments.
Q7: What is Imuno-2865 and which pets can use it?
Ans: Imuno-2865 is an immune-support supplement containing a blend of hemi-cellulose plant extracts derived from Shiitake, Reishi, and Maitake mushrooms. These beta-glucan-rich ingredients help prime the immune system's white blood cells and support normal inflammatory and digestive function. It is suitable for both dogs and cats and is often recommended by veterinary specialists for animals facing immune challenges.
Q8: Are Animal Necessity products made in the USA?
Ans: All Animal Necessity supplements are produced in the United States, with ingredients carefully selected from both local and international suppliers. Independent quality audits tied to the NASC Quality Seal provide an ongoing check that production standards remain consistent and trustworthy.
