Vitamins For Dogs: Should You Give Them?

Just about everyone, including our dogs, can benefit from taking vitamins. Vitamins help to release nutrients from the food so that the body can utilize the food. And while most dog foods contain the proper amounts of vitamins for dogs, many factors come into play as to whether or not it is enough for your dog. One of the easiest ways to make sure your dog is getting enough is to give them specially formulated dog vitamins.

Why Your Dog Food May Not Have Enough Vitamins For Your Dog

Dog foods are formulated to be ‘complete and balanced’, therefore you assume that it has all the vitamins and minerals needed to keep your dog healthy. But several factors come into play as to how much vitamins your dog actually gets and how much they need:

The genetic makeup of your dog

Different breeds have different needs, so unless you are feeding a dog food formulated for your breed of dog, they may be getting enough of the necessary nutrients.

How your dog food is processed

Different processing methods, such as high heat, can destroy many nutrients that are originally contained in the food. While some nutrients and vitamins are added back in after processing, there is still the possibility that your dog isn’t getting enough. Homemade dog foods can vary on the amount and types of vitamins depending upon what foods you are adding and whether you are cooking the foods or not.

How your dog food is stored

How you store your dog food is much more important than people think. Unless you go through a bag of dog food per week, chances are that your dog isn’t getting the same amount of vitamins at the bottom of the bag of food as they did when you first opened the bag. Storing your dog food in a clean, airtight dog food storage container is the best way to ensure you are not losing vital vitamins.

The age of your dog

As dogs get older, they are unable to produce as many nutrients as they could when they were younger, this goes for vitamins and enzymes. Getting extra vitamins and enzymes are a great way to keep your elderly pet feeling healthy and full of energy.

Types of Vitamins

There are two types of vitamins, water soluble and fat soluble, and your dog needs both kinds.

Water soluble vitamins, such as Vitamins B and C, are not stored in the body and excess of these will eliminated through their urine. These need to be replenished every day.

Fat soluble vitamins , such as Vitamins A, D, E, and K, are stored in the body in fat tissue and also in the liver. Since they are stored, it is not necessary to be replenished daily.

The main vitamins

• Vitamin A is for the skin and coat and supports the immune system
• Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) helps maintain normal energy metabolism
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) helps cells produce energy
• Vitamin B3 (Niacin) is vital for red blood cell formation, and is required for normal metabolism in all cells
• Vitamin B5 (Pantothenate) plays a key role in energy metabolism
• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) is an essential part of protein and amino acid metabolism
• Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) forms part of the coenzymes essential for all cells, particularly rapid turnover cells such as red blood cells, muscle and intestinal cells.
• Vitamin C for dogs helps with stress and is also an antioxidant; it helps maintain the immune system and the skin
• Vitamin D is for bones and teeth
• Vitamin E is an antioxidant and a mild anti-inflammatory; supports the immune system

The B complex vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B12) are needed for the breakdown of protein, fats, and carbohydrates for the body. The B complex vitamins are also of value in recovery from parasites, injury, surgery and illness, and in old age. Talk to your vet about the proper amount to supplement in these cases. Vitamins C & D work together to make collagen for the tendons and ligaments

Dog Vitamin Supplements

Canine vitamins come in two standard forms: chewable tablets and powders. You want to look for a good multivitamin for your dog’s conditions. For example, if your dog has joint problems, you want a dogs multivitamin that has glucosamine and chondroitin.

Puppy Vitamins

We know that puppies, like children, have different nutritional needs than their adult counterparts. Missing Link makes top of the line pet supplements (for birds, horses, cats, and dogs) and has created the Missing Link Puppy Health Formula. This multivitamin is geared towards puppies from the post-weaning stage till around 1 year old.

Adult Regular

Regular dog multivitamins, also known as maintenance, are just like a regular multivitamin that we would take, but specially formulated for our dogs. Most of these also include digestive enzymes for dogs, as many enzymes are destroyed in the processing and cooking of foods. Three of the top dog multi-vitamins include Missing Link Canine Formula, Only Natural Pet Super Daily Vitamins & Enzymes, and Nupro Gold All Natural Dog Supplement.

Adult Regular with Skin & Coat

Another common reason people like to give dog supplements revolves around skin issues and itching dogs, so some manufacturers have incorporated essential fatty acids (omega 3 & 6) aimed at creating healthy skin and coat into their multi-vitamin. While you can get separate dog supplements just for improved skin and coat, if you believe your dog would benefit from a multi-vitamin, this, Only Natural Pet Super Daily Vitamins Skin & Coat, simply combines the two.

Adult Regular with Joint Help

Many dogs wind up with joint problems, while others are predisposed to them by their breed. Most vets recommend adding glucosamine and chondroitin supplements for these problems. If you think you dog may end up with joint problems, it is recommended to start giving this supplement around 2 years of age before any problems occur. Reasoning behind this is to keep problems from happening by keeping the joint well lubricated. However, if your dog already has joint problems, while this won’t cure the problem, it has been shown to provide some pain relief. Two of the top supplements with joint help include Nupro Silver Daily Vitamin & Joint Supplement and Only Natural Pet Super Daily Vitamins Joint Support.

Other Dog Supplements

If your dog suffers from other types of ailments, such as allergies, thyroid, anxiety (among many others), you can look for supplements that also address these issues, although they are not normally found within a dog multivitamin. A great place to look for these types of supplements is Only Natural Pet, which is a holistic pet store that carries a very wide variety of natural products for pets.

While providing your dog with the proper vitamins, enzymes, and any other type of nutrients will allow your dog to stay healthy well into old age, it does not overcome feeding inferior food. Always start with the healthiest food for your dog as the basis for proper nutrition. Supplementing with daily multivitamins will just help their bodies stay healthier.

Vitamin Toxicity in Dogs

Too much of certain vitamins can cause more harm than good. A good canine multi-vitamin shouldn’t cause any problems, but if you are adding in additional supplements, keep these in mind to ensure your dog is not getting too much:

Vitamin A Toxicity:  watch for lethargy, anorexia, weight loss, limping (front legs), changes in sensitivity over the neck and forelimb region, stiffness and constipation.
Vitamin B Toxicity: watch for changes in the nervous system (neurotoxicity) and sensitivity to light.
Vitamin C Toxicity: watch for diarrhea and abdominal bloating.
Vitamin D Toxicity: watch for vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, excessive drinking and urination, depression, hemorrhage (bleeding), abnormal heart rhythms, bone pain and limping.

Source: Vitamin Toxicity in Dogs