It doesn’t take long to fall in love with a dog. Once there, most dog owners will do pretty much anything to make sure their pup lives a long and healthy life. One sure-fire way to help your four-legged friend lead a fit and active life is by supplementing their diet with multivitamin chews. These extra treats offer a range of benefits for all kinds of dogs.
Just as in human diets, multivitamin supplements are becoming hugely popular to improve different aspects of canine health. It is very important to note that at no point should dog be given any supplements made for humans or in the same quantity. Dogs’ dietary requirements are very different from our own. When you choose to add vitamins to your pet’s nutrition plan, it is advisable to speak first with your vet.
What Vitamins Do Dogs Need?
The basic vitamins required in a dog’s diet include vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K. Different dog multivitamins and dietary supplements contain a variety of minerals and nutrients. These help with numerous aspects of canine development and growth.
? Vitamin A deficiencies could stunt growth and reproductive processes. It is essential for a healthy immune system and cell function. It is especially necessary to promote strong skin and hair cells as well as good sight.
? Vitamin B complex regulates energy and metabolism in dogs. The different B vitamins also help in skin and hair growth as well as the production of red blood cells.
? Vitamin C is an antioxidant that is actually synthesized naturally in dogs’ livers. However, some dogs can still suffer deficiencies and therefore it can be greatly beneficial to offer vitamin C in supplement form. It fights free radicals and reduces inflammation.
? Vitamin D is essential for bone and muscle growth. It controls the levels of phosphorus and calcium in the body.
? Vitamin E, another important antioxidant, fights free radicals that can cause cancer, heart disease, and common arthritis in dogs. It also helps to form cell membranes. Deficiencies can lead to sight and muscle problems.
? Vitamin K improves the blood’s ability to clot.
Dogs get many vitamins from their diet. However, due to the many stages of production with commercial dog foods, it is possible that they could be lacking in certain required vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. During different stages of their lives, dogs need distinct quantities of varying nutrients. As a puppy, an adult, and a senior dog, the required vitamins and minerals should be adjusted due to the body’s changing conditions.
How Can Multivitamins Help Your Dog?
Many commercial dog foods, even the premium brands, can lack the vital minerals required for a healthy diet. Certain nutrients such as the vitamin B complex can be destroyed in cooking due to the extreme temperatures. This means it is not always contained in commercial pet foods. This is why adding a supplement to your dog’s nutritional plan can have huge benefits for their health.
As a preventative measure, the extra minerals and vitamins can help dogs to avoid future diseases. They can also help to counteract even common health problems such as hip or joint pain, as well as preventing arthritis. Multivitamins can also promote nourished hair growth for dogs’ coats and healthy skin.
The right combination of vitamins in your dog’s diet can help to prevent immunological and heart problems in addition to reducing stomach issues while improving the digestive system.
Extra vitamins, in the right doses, can help increase the energy and mobility of your pup, even at an advanced age. They also assist the body with the correct heart, eye, liver, and brain function.
Vitamin supplements for dogs usually also contain a healthy dose of selected essential minerals. These include magnesium, iron, zinc, selenium, and copper. They promote bone growth, boost the immune system and healthy hair development, and contribute to energy levels.
Are There Any Risks?
It is vitally important to consult with your local vet before making any changes in your four-legged pal’s diet.
Broadly speaking, vitamins only cause damage to your pet in large quantities. Too much calcium, for example, can cause bone problems. Excessive vitamin A intake can cause problems with blood vessels and joints. Whereas, an abundance of vitamin D can cause muscle atrophy.
Always check the labels of dog foods and supplements to make sure they do not contain extra additives that could be harmful to your dog. It is widely understood that treats and vitamins available on the market today are specially designed for dogs. They usually undergo strict testing and are perfectly safe for canine consumption. If you have doubts, it is best to speak to a medical professional with training in dog nutrition. Get in touch with your vet or local pet store to help make any decisions about vitamins in your dog’s diet.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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