Many pet owners wonder if their dog is getting enough vitamins in their diet or if they should be supplementing with a dog vitamin. Most commercial dog food is formulated to meet a dog’s nutritional needs, however, there are some breeds and dogs with illnesses or under stress who will benefit from adding nutritional support.
Vitamins for dogs should be considered carefully and researched before adding them to your pet’s diet. Many vitamins are fat-soluble, which means any excess is stored in the liver and can create toxicity if the animal receives too much. Dogs also create certain vitamins within their bodies more effectively than humans, but many people think dogs need additional support just as they do. Vitamin C is one example where many people benefit from a supplement, but dogs do not as they create their own.
To determine if your pet needs dog vitamins, examine their diet and if they are displaying any deficiencies. A lackluster coat and skin ailments are often times ones of the first signs that their diet is lacking essential nutrients.
Additionally, if your dog is experiencing any emotional or physical stress, he or she may benefit from adding certain vitamins to their daily routine until the ailment or issue is resolved. The best way to determine if your dog needs additional supplements is talking to a veterinarian. They can help determine if your dog is lacking in any vitamins and which vitamins for dogs are most needed and will offer the best support.
Best Vitamins for Dogs
The best dog vitamins are vitamins that your dog actually needs. If your dog does not need a certain vitamin, then giving them too much can be harmful to their health.
There are several multi-vitamin supplements formulated for dogs available on the market. Be sure and check to see if the vitamin is made for a specific breed, a small breed dog, medium breed dog or large breed and always follow the recommended dosage and directions.
You can also supplement your dog’s diet as a preventative if they are prone to certain genetic conditions such as hip dysplasia, epilepsy, heart disease, urinary bladder stones or degenerative myelopathy. Check to see if the breed of your dog has any of these, or other, common genetic disorders they may experience. Adding certain vitamins and other supplements to their daily routine may prevent or slow down these and other conditions.
Above all else, it is critically important to never give your pet any vitamins or supplements made for humans. They will not be the right dose and can seriously injure, harm or even kill your pet.
If you are interested in vitamins for dogs, talk to your vet. They will be able to help determine the right vitamins for your pet.