Should I use the ID or the full path for the google_product_category attribute?

You can use either, but the numeric ID 5081 is preferred because it is language-independent and less prone to formatting errors.

Is it mandatory to include this category in my feed?

It is optional, but strongly recommended. If you omit it, Google will assign a category automatically, which may be inaccurate and negatively impact your ad targeting.

Can I use product_type instead of google_product_category?

No, they are different attributes. product_type is for your own organizational structure, while google_product_category is for Google's official taxonomy.

Google product category

Pet Vitamins & Supplements

Category ID5081

Full path for the feedAnimals & Pet Supplies > Pet Supplies > Pet Vitamins & Supplements

Product examples in this category (US market)

Real products found in Google Shopping, shown as examples.

Zesty Paws Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil for Dogs & Cats
Proviable DC Probiotic & Prebiotic Supplement for Dogs & Cats Sprinkle Capsules
NaturVet Advanced Probiotics Enzymes Soft Chews
Nutramax Cosequin Joint Health Supplement for Senior Dogs
Denamarin For Dogs
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets FortiFlora Canine Probiotic Supplement
Digestive Enzymes With Pre & Probiotic Dog Supplement
Zesty Paws 8 in 1 Multivitamin Chicken Bites for Dogs
Zesty Paws Probiotic Bites for Dogs
Pet-Tabs Plus for Dogs
Flexadin Advanced
PetNC Natural Care Hip & Joint
Naturvet Glucosamine Ds Plus
Zesty Paws Chicken Stay Green Bites Soft Chews for Dogs
VetriScience Immune Plus Capsules for Dogs

Pet Vitamins & Supplements (ID 5081)

The category Pet Vitamins & Supplements with ID 5081 is designed for products intended to support animal health through nutritional additives. This category specifically covers non-medicinal supplements meant for dietary enhancement rather than active medical treatment.

What belongs in this category

This category contains items that provide nutritional support, joint health, and overall wellness for household animals. Examples from the US market include:

Salmon oil for skin and coat support.
Probiotic and prebiotic capsules for digestive health.
Soft chews for joint and mobility enhancement.
Multivitamin bites for general well-being.
Glucosamine supplements for senior animals.

What does not belong here

Do not include items that are defined as primary medical treatments or medications. If a product is a pharmaceutical drug prescribed by a veterinarian, it likely belongs in Pet Medicine. Similarly, do not place grooming products like shampoos or flea treatments here; those items are categorized under Pet Grooming Supplies or Pet Flea & Tick Control. Any items related to diagnostic monitoring should be placed in Pet Biometric Monitors.

How to map this in your feed

You can define this category in your feed using the numeric ID 5081 or the full path: Animals & Pet Supplies > Pet Supplies > Pet Vitamins & Supplements. While this attribute is optional, providing it prevents Google from incorrectly guessing your product category. Remember that the product_type attribute is for your internal classification and does not replace the required google_product_category field for Google's taxonomy system.

Frequently asked questions

Should I use the ID or the full path for the google_product_category attribute?: You can use either, but the numeric ID 5081 is preferred because it is language-independent and less prone to formatting errors.
Is it mandatory to include this category in my feed?: It is optional, but strongly recommended. If you omit it, Google will assign a category automatically, which may be inaccurate and negatively impact your ad targeting.
Can I use product_type instead of google_product_category?: No, they are different attributes. product_type is for your own organizational structure, while google_product_category is for Google's official taxonomy.

This category in other languages

ru: Животные и товары для питомцев > Товары для домашних животных > Витамины и пищевые добавки для домашних животных
uk: Тварини та товари для тварин > Товари для домашніх тварин > Вітаміни та харчові добавки для домашніх тварин