If you’re health-conscious, you’re probably taking vitamins every day. Vitamins are packed with essential nutrients and minerals that boost your energy, reduce stress and anxiety, improve short-term memory, and maintain muscle strength. And if you’re vying to become one of the world’s best pet owners, you might be thinking of giving your dog vitamin supplements.
But is it really necessary to give your dog supplements? Will these benefit them the same way it benefits you? What kind of vitamin supplement should you give your dog?
If these questions still bother you, this article has answers. We’ve compiled some FAQs pertaining to pet parents giving vitamins to their fur babies. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better idea of whether your dogs need vitamins and what kind of dog vitamins are best for them.
Does My Dog Need Vitamins?
Most dogs receive a complete and balanced diet – including essential vitamins and minerals – from their dog food. Commercially processed dog foods are specially formulated to meet canine’s nutritional needs. So if your dog is eating a complete and balanced diet and not exhibiting any symptoms or health issues, they probably don’t need any supplements.
However, dogs with particular health problems can benefit from the use of dog supplements. These supplements come in different formulas and usually include vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and other natural substances. These products are intended to improve your pet’s health: from supporting overall wellness to shiny coats to healthy vision.
Veterinary nutritionist, Susan Wynn, stated that supplements could be extra beneficial for senior and aging dogs. Supplements that contain antioxidants can reduce inflammation and help aging dogs with memory problems.
Your dog needs vitamins if they’re following a homemade diet. Homemade food diets are great for canines, but if you’re making everything from home, you might not have access to all the specific nutrients that your pet needs. This is where vitamin supplements come in handy.
How Should You Choose Vitamin Supplements For Dogs?
By definition, supplements are different from medications. Vitamin supplements aren’t tested and regulated the same way as medications, which means that supplements are easily accessible and can be purchased even without a prescription. However, this also means that supplements don’t address any specific health condition and shouldn’t be used as an alternative to any medication.
Pet owners should always consult a vet about whether they should give vitamin supplements to their dog and what vitamins are ideal for their pet’s health. Ingredients in dog vitamin supplements widely vary, and not all are usually indicated on the label. Instead of providing health benefits, some ingredients can interact with medications and can harm your dog.
Generally, your vet will recommend dog supplements from a brand they trust and results from peer-reviewed studies (if available). In addition to your vet’s recommendations, take note of the following tips when choosing vitamin supplements for your fur baby:
- Look for supplements made by brands that commissioned clinical studies of their products. This will give you peace of mind knowing that the product is safe and has passed the standards set by the industry.
- Take the time to read labels carefully. You need to make sure that the product is safe and made from high-quality ingredients.
- Only buy vitamin supplements that have a lot number on their packaging. This shows that the product has undergone quality control checks.
- Invest in brands with a good track record in the industry and are known for confirmed expertise in dog health.
- Be wary of claims that seem too good to be true. As mentioned, vitamin supplements don’t cure any canine health conditions, so stay away from brands that advertise their product as a magic pill for dogs.
- Never give human supplements to dogs. What is healthy and harmless for you can have adverse effects when given to your four-legged friends.
Simply put, vitamin supplements can bring health benefits to your dog but only if it’s approved by your vet. It’s also important to monitor your dog during the use of any supplements. If you notice your dog suddenly exhibiting any symptoms, take them to the vet immediately.
What Vitamins Do Canines Need For Good Health?
Similar to humans, your dog also needs vitamins to stay healthy and support normal growth. Vitamins aren’t naturally produced by the body, which is why humans and animals have to get them from the right foods.
Generally, your dog needs the following vitamins to live an active and healthy life:
- Vitamin K for activation of bone proteins and the body’s clotting processes. This vitamin is important to ensure that your dog heals from wounds and injuries fast.
- Vitamin B1 or thiamine is necessary for carbohydrate metabolism and the activation of ion channels. Vitamin B1 is also essential for the proper functioning of your dog’s brain and other high-energy organs.
- Niacin and riboflavin are important for your dog’s enzyme functions. Without these vitamins, your dog will be more susceptible to excessive weight loss, ataxia, and lethargy.
- Vitamin B6 is necessary for your dog’s red blood cell functions, glucose generation, immune response, nervous system function, and hormone regulation.
- Folic acid is crucial for protein synthesis and metabolism. This vitamin is highly important for pregnant dogs as this prepares their bodies for lactation.
What Are Some Vet-Approved Vitamin Supplements?
We’ve made it easier for you to find the perfect vitamin for your fur baby. Listed below are some vet-approved vitamins for dogs, but make sure to reach out to your vet to determine which among these is ideal for your dog.
Amazing Nutritionals Turmeric Supplement for Dogs
Because it’s packed with antioxidants, giving the Amazing Nutritionals Turmeric Supplement for Dogs can help relieve symptoms of joint pain, itchy skin, and hot spots. This supplement can also support your dog’s healing process, reducing their risks of infections.
You won’t have any problems feeding your dog this supplement because it comes in liver and bacon flavors. Your dog will immediately come running to you once they sniff this supplement!
The Honest Kitchen Instant Goat Milk with Probiotics
Are you still comparing different probiotic supplements to see which one is the best for your pooch? Your search is finally over because the Honest Kitchen Instant Goat Milk with Probiotics is definitely the best. It contains dehydrated goat’s milk, digestive enzymes, and added probiotics that support a healthy immune system and regular digestion.
To prepare The Honest Kitchen Instant Goat Milk with Probiotics, simply add water to the mix. You can buy this supplement in single-serve packets or multi-serving cans.
Select Antioxidant Supplement
The Select Antioxidant Supplement contains different antioxidants, namely vitamins C and E, that can prevent cell damage from free radicals and reduce the effects of aging. This supplement also slows down cognitive dysfunction and memory loss in dogs.
Zesty Paws Advanced Vision Bites
The Zesty Paws Advanced Vision Bites is an excellent option for senior dogs because it contains omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants to support healthy vision. This vitamin also features the brand’s marigold-derived Lutemax 2020, known to produce eye strain in dogs throughout their life stages. It’s also full of essential vitamins and minerals that support immune function and skin health.
Dr. Lyon’s Advanced Strength Hip and Joint Health Soft Chews
Dr. Lyon’s Advanced Strength Hip and Joint Health Soft Chews are made with six powerful ingredients scientifically proven to support healthy joints. These supplements can also protect your dog’s mobility, making it easier for them to fulfill physical activities, such as running, walking, and jumping.
Additionally, Dr. Lyon’s Advanced Strength Hip and Joint Health Soft Chews also have vitamin c, manganese, and hyaluronic acid – ingredients that can boost the immune system of your dog. It comes in an irresistible flavor derived from liver, so your dog will surely love it!
Ultra Mega Fish Oil Advantage Soft Gel Capsules
Fish oil supplements are essential in your dog’s diet as these contain omega 3 fatty acids that can improve the quality and shine of their coat. If you often see your dog scratching to the point where they develop skin redness and even wounds, fish oil supplements can help. This ingredient has anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve itchiness and skin allergies.
Zesty Paws Multivitamin Supplement for Dogs
The Zesty Paws Multivitamin Supplement for Dogs is specially designed to support eight different aspects of your dog’s health and wellness. It offers healthy levels of vitamin e and biotin, necessary for the skin and coat health of your fur baby. It also has digestive enzymes and probiotics that encourage healthy and regular digestion.
Is There Any Danger In Giving Your Dog Supplements?
Possibly. If your dog already eats a complete and balanced diet and you still continue to give them supplements, the effect can be detrimental to their health and wellness.
For example, too much calcium in dogs can cause skeletal problems, especially to large-breed puppies, such as Great Danes, German Shepherds, and Dobermanns. Too much vitamin A can cause dehydration and damage to your dog’s blood vessels, while excess vitamin D can cause your dog to stop eating.
Consult A Vet
With the number of vitamins available today, choosing one can be tough. This is especially true if this is your first time incorporating supplements into your dog’s diet.
Instead of choosing on your own, consult a vet. They can help narrow down your options, so you’ll end up giving your dog the best vitamins suitable to your dog’s needs.