There is a wide range of vitamin jars stacked row upon row in markets. It is too obvious to wonder if these vitamins will work for your beloved pooch. But hey, what vitamins does your dog need?
While there are so many dog multivitamins available in the market, it’ll be too much elbow grease to see what’s the best product for your buddy. I’m going to mention all the vitamins you should look for in supplements. Moreover, are you also worried about what risks are associated with it? We have answers.
A Little Bit About Vitamins
According to Wikipedia, “A vitamin is an organic molecule (or related set of molecules) that is an essential micronutrient that an organism needs in small quantities for the proper functioning of its metabolism.” These nutrients cannot be synthesized in organisms in adequate amounts, therefore they are to obtain from the diet only.
Here’s the list of all the vitamins that are crucial for your pooch’s health and well-being.
- Choline
- Vitamin K
- B vitamins (biotin, folate, niacin, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, thiamine, vitamin B-6, and vitamin B-12)
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin A
Choline
Choline is a vitamin that is available in several forms in foods, including phosphatidylcholine (PC). It is the responsible vitamin for the regulation of liver and brain functioning. Choline is also indicated as a part of therapy for epilepsy in dogs and cats. Moreover, it is used for treating cognitive disorders like cognitive dysfunction, aka “doggy and kitty Alzheimer’s”.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble type vitamin with the property of activating your dog’s blood’s ability to clot. It reverses the process of anticoagulation caused by the ingestion of rat and mouse poison in your dogs. If it is left untreated, it can become a matter of grave. Other vitamin K deficiency problems include chronic oral antibiotic administration, intrahepatic cholestasis, intestinal malabsorption, and biliary obstruction.
B Vitamins
B vitamins or also known as vitamin B complex are crucial for your dog’s health.
- Niacin, B12, and Riboflavin look after enzyme function in your pooch.
- Pantothenic acid promotes energy metabolism.
- Thiamine controls and regulates energy and carbohydrate metabolism, and activates ion channels in neural tissues.
- Folic acid plays a vital role in nucleotide and amino acid metabolism and in mitochondrial protein synthesis.
- Vitamin B6, the most vital vitamin, is responsible for red blood cells and nervous system function, glucose generation, niacin synthesis, gene activation, immune response, and hormone regulation.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant for dogs. It eliminates potentially dangerous free radicals and helps reduce inflammation and cognitive aging. In fact, dogs can synthesize vitamin C on their own in their livers, but supplementation in some cases can give added benefits.
Vitamin E
Next up is vitamin E which is a defense against your dog’s body’s oxidative damage. It’s a fat-soluble vitamin that is crucial for fat metabolism and cell function. The deficiency of this vitamin can promote muscle and eye degeneration and reproductive issues.
Vitamin D
This fat-soluble vitamin is also known as the “sunshine vitamin” due to the fact that it can be synthesized in the body in the presence of sunlight. It helps in balancing minerals like phosphorous and calcium for healthy bone growth. Deficiency can develop improper growth or weak bones and muscles. Also, excessive vitamin D can cause vitamin D intoxication.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is essential in maintaining the overall health of your pooch including skin, coat, muscles, and nerves. The earlier signs of vitamin A deficiency is an unhealthy coat, skin, and night blindness.
Do Dogs Need Vitamin Supplements?
Dogs get all their vitamins from their food. Commercial dog food labeled as “complete and balanced” ensures that the food packs all the necessary vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in an adequate amount.
Food specially available for the different stages of your pooch’s life has different levels of nutrients including vitamins in regulated amounts. But in the case of large dog breed puppy, these vitamins can cause diseases like hip dysplasia because of the growth of their bones too quickly.
Dogs being fed on commercial food do not need vitamin supplements unless recommended otherwise by their vets. Moreover, if your dog suffers from a deficiency of several particular vitamins or some disease, your vet may suggest the supplements.
On the other hand, dogs being fed on homemade dog food may need multivitamin supplements added to their meal. For this, you will have to calculate the nutritional value of the food and should add good multivitamin supplements available in the market accordingly.
For any confusion, seek the help of a canine nutrition expert. Excessive vitamins can also cause intoxication. So make sure that your dog gets a wholesome healthy meal.
What Are The Risks Associated With Dog Multivitamin Supplements?
There’s no second thought on the vitality of vitamins. But there should be no surprise if these vitamins, when consumed in excessive amounts, can be potentially dangerous.
It is a known fact that too much of mineral, calcium, can cause problems in large dog breed puppies. Vitamins also can cause problems in similar ways.
For example, too much vitamin A causes dehydration, harm blood vessels and can cause joint pain. So while you think your dog is sick and suffering from any diseases, vitamin intoxication can also be a culprit. Simply, visit your vet in any case of confusion.
The EndNote
Vitamins are vital for your pooch in many ways. I hope you have noted down all the vitamins I’ve listed in this article. It is important to keep in mind that, vitamins in excessive amounts can cause severe problems. So before you give multivitamin supplements to your dog, ensure that your dog requires it and in how much quantities. Seeking the help of a canine nutrition expert or vet is always advised.
