Vitamins Your Dogs Need
It’s logical to think that if humans need an essential amount of vitamins, don’t dogs need vitamins too? But do dogs actually need vitamins? Are there any risks? Which vitamins should you give your dog? We have some answers.
What Are Vitamins?
Vitamins are organic compounds that are necessary to sustain life. Most are found naturally in food. Animals’ bodies need vitamins for maintenance and growth. We have created a list of vitamins animals need:
- Vitamin A is the vitamin in carrots that is responsible for good vision. There are eye care supplements for dogs that include Vitamin A.
- B Vitamins, like thiamine helps regulate energy and carbohydrate metabolism, and activates ion channels in neural tissue.
- Vitamin C is an important antioxidant. It can help reduce inflammation and cognitive aging.
- Vitamin D, also known as the “sunshine vitamin,” allows your dog’s body to balance minerals like calcium for healthy bone growth. Without it, your dog would not be able to grow properly or maintain healthy muscles and bones.
- Vitamin E is one of your dog’s defenses against oxidative damage. This vitamin is also essential for cell function and fat metabolism.
- Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin essential in activating your dog’s blood’s ability to clot.
- Choline is a necessary component of the phospholipid cell membrane. It supports healthy brain and liver function.
Do Dogs Need Vitamin Supplements?
Your dog gets his vitamins from dog food. Commercial dog food diets labeled “complete and balanced” are specially formulated to contain all of the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients your dog needs. That’s why it’s extremely important to make sure your are buying the best food that fits your pup’s needs.
Dogs fed an appropriate commercial diet should not require vitamin supplements unless recommended otherwise by a veterinarian.
How do you ensure your dog is getting the vitamins he needs to live a long and healthy life? Do you extensively check dog food labels or DIY dog food? We would love to hear from you!