One of the most important things to keep in mind when feeding your dog is to ensure they are getting all the vitamins and minerals they need. Dogs have very different metabolisms than humans, so it’s not as simple as just giving them a “one-a-day” vitamin-like you might take for granted. Fortunately, there are plenty of foods naturally rich in vitamins and minerals to keep your dog healthy.
The best way to ensure your dog is getting all the vitamins they need is to feed them a well-rounded diet filled with meat, vegetables, omega fatty acids, fruits, etc. With so many different things to choose from, it shouldn’t be hard for you to ensure your dog is getting what they need.
Do Dogs Need Vitamin Supplements?
Pets get most of their nutrients from pet food. You should carefully consider the nutritional content of any food you are about to serve your dog. Dogs that do not eat proper, healthy foods (e.g., junk-food dogs) may need supplements to compensate for deficiencies in their diets.
Dogs that eat a healthy, balanced diet typically do not need vitamin supplements because their food contains all the vitamins and minerals a dog needs for good health. Dogs that eat a varied diet of quality pet food typically receive adequate nutrients from their food. There are some exceptions to this rule:
- Certain breeds have different nutritional needs.
- Dogs with medical conditions may need to take supplements.
- Senior dogs are more likely to have nutritional deficiencies.
- Certain dogs may eat poorly for unknown reasons, or they simply might not be getting all the nutrients they need from their food, no matter how good it is.
What Vitamins Do Dogs Need?
Generally speaking, vitamins are divided into two categories: water-soluble and fat-soluble. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body’s fatty tissue, where they can accumulate to toxic levels if over-supplemented over an extended period. These include Vitamins A, D, E, and K. Water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the body and are excreted through urination. They include Vitamins B and C.
Water-soluble vitamins should always be given consistently, as they cannot accumulate to toxic levels. Always give your pet fresh water when offering supplements; this will help flush out toxins and keep them hydrated, which is necessary for the absorption of vitamins in their system.
Vitamin A:
Good for healthy eyesight, skin, and coat; also protects against infections. Liver, eggs, dairy products, carrots, sweet potatoes are all good sources of Vitamin A.
Vitamin B-complex:
Essential for the nervous system to function properly. Brown rice, chicken, lean beef are all good sources of the Vitamin B complex.
Vitamin C:
Aids in blood clotting, strong connective tissue formation, healthy gums, and teeth have anti-aging properties and antioxidant effects. Broccoli, oranges, green beans, tomatoes are all good sources of Vitamin C.
Vitamin D:
Needed for strong bones and teeth. Egg yolks, fish oils, lard are all good sources of Vitamin D.
Vitamin E:
Essential for a healthy immune system. Almonds, sunflower seeds, spinach are all good sources of Vitamin E.
Vitamin K:
Aids in blood clotting and healthy bones. Green leafy vegetables are a great source of Vitamin K.
Choline:
Necessary for normal nerve function, metabolism, heart health, and liver health. Eggs, meat, fish, soybeans are all good sources of Choline.
Can Add Vitamins to a Dog’s Diet Hurt?
We all know that vitamins and supplements can be great for helping our dogs maintain a healthy lifestyle. They promote strong bones, muscles, teeth, and joints! Adding vitamin-rich foods or supplements to your dog’s diet may seem like a no-brainer, but if you’re doing it wrong — such as forgetting to check with your veterinarian first — adding vitamins and supplements to your dog’s diet could hurt his health.
Often, owners who want to give their dogs daily vitamins will purchase chewable or powder vitamin tablets, then hand them out as if they were treats. Unfortunately, this is a dangerous mistake that can lead to serious toxicity and nutrient overdose problems if not handled correctly.
How to Choose the Best Dog Vitamins?
We have to admit that the animal’s health is very important. If they are not healthy, our work becomes much harder because we have to take care of them all day long. For this reason, please buy some dog vitamins, which will help your dog stay healthier for a longer time. There are many brands on the market, but you have to choose the best one. If your dog is very active and spends a lot of time outdoors, it will be a good idea to take some vitamins. Not only will it help your dog stay healthy and free from infections and illnesses, but it can improve its coat and skin as well. You can buy Multivitamin Complex 12-in-1 Chews recommended by a veterinarian. It supports daily overall health & immunity and maintains healthy digestion, gut flora, heart, brain function, coat strength, dog allergy relief.
