Dog Vitamins: Boosting Health and Immunity

Vitamins are essential to your dog’s metabolic process. Vitamins support the body’s natural processes, such as coat changes. What other functions are these nutrients and what foods contain them?

Most high-quality dog foods already contain a balanced composition of vitamins. Ask your vet for the dosage and requirements if you still feel that your dog is missing something. Your four-legged companion should get “real” vitamins, i.e. Natural vitamins are those that haven’t been subjected to lengthy processing or storage. They are generally of higher quality than the synthetically produced vitamin feed supplements.

Difference between water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins

Water-soluble vitamin can be absorbed easily by your dog, while fat-soluble vitamin is bound to fat for transport. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble substance that strengthens the immune system and vision of your dog. It is essential for a healthy metabolic rate, and it is also good for skin and mucous tissues. You can find it in egg, calf liver, spinach, and carrots. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption as well as bone structure. Vitamin D is found in fish, cod liver oils, and egg yolks. Vitamin E comes from wheat germ oil, which has positive effects on your dog’s fertility. Vitamin K is essential for healthy blood clotting. It is produced by the large intestine of dogs.

Water-soluble Vitamins: B, C, and H

B1 is for the nervous system and B2 is for growth, metabolism of protein and fat. B2 is available in brewer’s yeast or liver, for instance. Vitamin B6, found in both ox hearts and brewer’s yeast, is beneficial for blood formation. Vitamin C is not a problem in fresh fruits and vegetables. It’s produced by your dog. This vitamin is essential for the immune and connective tissues. Vitamin H, or biotin as it is also known, is important for the skin and hair. You can find it in liver, kidneys and whole grain foods.

Do I need to give my dog vitamin supplements?

The vitamin requirements of dogs are affected by factors like age, illness and weight. Speak to your vet about the vitamin requirements of your pet. Supplementing your dog’s diet with vitamins is not usually necessary if he is eating a high-quality, complete food. A dog’s overdose of vitamins can cause symptoms of illness. Vitamins can only be given to your dog if he has a vitamin deficiency. This could be due to malnutrition, intestinal disease or other factors. If you cook the dog food, and many vitamins are destroyed by the cooking process, adding vitamins can still be beneficial. However, it is important to discuss this with your vet.