High-Calorie Nutritional Gel

What is high-calorie nutritional gel?

High-calorie nutritional gel (brand name Nutri-Cal®) is a nutritional supplement for dogs and cats. It provides calorie replacement in pets who are recovering after an illness or surgery, aging pets, and pets who have recently given birth.

High-calorie nutritional gel is sold without a prescription (over-the-counter) but should be used under the direction of your veterinarian for the management of your pet’s nutritional needs.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not review non-drug health products (e.g., herbals, nutraceuticals, shampoos, and other supplements) for safety or effectiveness before they are sold to the public. Manufacturers of non-drug health products must ensure their products are safe and labeled accurately. The FDA requires that these non-pharmaceuticals contain a disclaimer that says, “This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.” Health Canada licenses “veterinary health products” after reviewing safety, efficacy, and manufacturing information provided by the manufacturer. These products are not tested by Health Canada. 

Your veterinarian is the best source of information about the safety of non-drug health products in pets. Just because a product is natural does not mean it is safe. All medicines and medicinal plants are potentially toxic if used inappropriately or given at high doses. Supplements can also have side effects, like pharmaceuticals. Few supplements and herbs have been subjected to rigorous scientific trials to determine their efficacy. 

Although the information in this handout may be helpful, it may also be incomplete and may not represent the full range of effects the supplement could have on your pet.

How do I give my pet high-calorie nutritional gel?

• High-calorie nutritional gel comes in an oral gel format that is given to pets by mouth.
• Place a small amount on your pet’s nose or paws to acquaint them with the flavor.
• Follow your veterinarian’s directions and use products according to their label.
• Ideally, give this product at the same time daily.
• This product is recommended only for intermittent or supplemental use.

This product should take effect within several days and improvement in clinical signs should follow. However, visible effects may not be noted outwardly, and laboratory tests may need to be done to evaluate this supplement’s effectiveness.

What if I miss giving my pet the supplement?

If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember and then continue the regular dosing schedule. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

Are there any potential side effects from high-calorie nutritional gel?

There are no documented side effects from high-calorie nutritional gel. Drug sensitivities can develop over time with repeated exposure. Your pet may have no reaction after the first few doses but may develop a sensitivity later. It is important to watch for signs of an allergic reaction over the entire course of treatment. Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian immediately. This short-acting supplement should stop working within 24 hours, although effects can be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease. 

Are there any risk factors for this supplement?

This supplement should NOT BE USED in pets who are allergic to it or to any of the ingredients in the product

Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?

There are no documented drug interactions for high-calorie nutritional gel. Certain medications and products may interact with high-calorie nutritional gel and so it is important to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your dog is taking before starting any new treatment.

Is any monitoring needed with this supplement?

• At home, monitor for any abnormal changes. If these occur, discontinue the product and contact your veterinarian. 
• Your veterinarian will let you know when they want to reassess your pet to ensure the product is working and not causing side effects.

How do I store high-calorie nutritional gel?

• Ensure product is stored in a tightly sealed containers to prevent accidental ingestion.
• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store at room temperature in a cool dry place (20°C–22°C,68°F–72°F). Do not freeze.
• See carton flap for lot number and expiration date.

What should I do in case of emergency?

If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the product, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility.