2024-07-01
What is the best combination of vitamins and food supplements that you can give to your precious four-legged partner? The answer to that is not as simple as going to your local pet supplies shop or veterinary clinic and buying the most expensive product they have. It is difficult to answer this question but we will try to do this in this article.
If you have your pet’s health at the top of your list of priorities you might be following the products on your local pet supply store. You might have seen that reputable pet food manufacturers sometimes recall products for various reasons. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) regularly publishes alerts for US citizens about pet food, supplements, and vitamin-rich foods that are either not up to code or potentially harmful.
For example, in March of 2023, AVMA reported that multiple brands producing supplements for cats and dogs had to issue recalls for omega-v3 softgels due to potentially elevated levels of Vitamin A. The list included 62 brands that you have probably seen on the shelves of your local stores. In August of 2023, there was a major recall of the produce labeled “Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental Canine Formula” due to potentially elevated levels of vitamin D.
Let’s break down what vitamins your dog needs the most and what might not be covered by your store-bought dry and wet food. Vitamins are organic compounds that are essential for various bodily functions and overall health. They are required in small amounts and must typically be obtained from the diet, as the body either cannot produce them or produces them in insufficient quantities.
We will be listing the most important vitamins for your canine and present you with recommendations on how to change your dog’s diet so that it includes them.
It is vital for maintaining good eyesight. It is a component of rhodopsin, a protein in the eyes that absorbs light, which is necessary for night vision and overall visual health. It supports the immune system by helping maintain the integrity of mucous membranes in the respiratory, digestive, and urinary tracts.
Vitamin A is important for maintaining healthy skin and a shiny coat. It is essential for the proper growth and development of cells. This includes embryonic development, making it crucial for pregnant dogs. If you plan on expanding your furry family you have to make sure your canine has healthy levels of Vitamin A.
Additionally, it aids in the proper formation and maintenance of bones and teeth. If you have a dog with dental problems, you should talk to your veterinarian about a treatment that includes Vitamin A.
Signs of Vitamin A Deficiency:
• Dry eyes, poor production of tears
• Dry skin
• Dull and brittle coat
• Hair loss
• Stunted/slow growth
• Chronic runny nose
It plays a key role in the absorption and regulation of calcium and phosphorus in the body. These minerals are essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. Vitamin D ensures that these minerals are effectively absorbed from the diet and utilized properly. Vitamin D is involved in modulating the immune system, helping dogs fight off infections and diseases. It supports the body’s immune response and can help reduce inflammation.
Signs of Vitamin D Deficiency:
• Appetite and Weight Loss
• Lethargy
• Weak teeth
• Weak bones
Unlike humans, dogs do not produce sufficient vitamin D through their skin when exposed to sunlight. Therefore, dietary intake is crucial. You should opt for commercially available dog food that includes fish, liver, eggs, and fortified grains, which are good sources of vitamin D. Of course, you can boil these foods at home and give them to your dog directly. These types of food are also rich in Vitamin A.
It acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress, leading to cell damage and contributing to aging and diseases such as cancer. It helps maintain skin elasticity, reduces inflammation, and can alleviate skin conditions such as dry, flaky skin or dermatitis. Vitamin E supports fertility and is vital for the health of both male and female reproductive systems.
Signs of Vitamin E Deficiency:
• Muscle weakness or degeneration
• Poor skin and coat condition
• Impaired immune function
• Reproductive issues
You can treat your dog to sunflower seeds, safflower oil, spinach, and broccoli if you want to make sure they are receiving proper nutrition.
The primary role of vitamin K in dogs is to aid in blood clotting (coagulation). It is necessary for the synthesis of certain proteins required for the blood clotting process. Additionally, it helps in the synthesis of osteocalcin, a protein that binds calcium to bones, thus contributing to bone strength and health.
Signs of Vitamin K Deficiency:
• Excessive bleeding from minor wounds or surgical sites
• Nosebleeds
• Blood in urine or feces
• Bruising easily
• Prolonged clotting times (observed in blood tests)
Vitamin K deficiency in dogs can lead to several health issues, primarily related to bleeding disorders. You can counteract the deficiency by feeding your dog raw or boiled carrots, blueberries (no more than 3-6 per day), a spoon of olive oil (no more than 1 per day), and raw or steamed spinach.
B1 (Thiamine): Helps convert nutrients into energy and is crucial for heart, muscle, and nervous system function.
B2 (Riboflavin): Involved in energy production and the metabolism of fats, drugs, and steroids.
B3 (Niacin): Supports digestive health, skin health, and nerve function.
B5 (Pantothenic Acid): Essential for the synthesis of coenzyme A and the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
B6 (Pyridoxine): Important for protein metabolism, cognitive development, and the production of neurotransmitters.
B7 (Biotin): Plays a key role in the metabolism of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates.
B9 (Folate/Folic Acid): Crucial for DNA synthesis and repair, and important for cell division and growth, particularly during pregnancy.
B12 (Cobalamin): Necessary for red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis.
Signs of Vitamin B Deficiency:
• Incoordination, stumbling, and difficulty walking
• Sensitivity to light
• Lethargy
• Ulcers and sores on the skin, particularly around the mouth and tongue
• Loss of appetite and diarrhea.
Yogurt, boiled pork, and chicken (without salt and seasoning), as well as eggs, are the best sources of Vitamin B for your dog. Remember that dogs do not handle salt very well so you should avoid giving your dog any salty foods if you don’t want to cause stomach problems for them.
It is a major component of bone tissue, providing strength and structure to the skeleton. Calcium is continuously deposited in bone tissue maintaining bone density and integrity. Calcium acts as a co-factor for many enzymes involved in various metabolic processes, including energy production and cell signaling. It is deposited and reabsorbed by the body continuously.
Signs of Calcium Deficiency:
• Weak and slow body movement
• Pale gums
• Slow healing
• Increased heart rate
You can treat your dog to turkey and chicken necks that are full of small and soft bones. This can improve the calcium levels in your canine’s body. Steamed broccoli and cheese can be valuable additions to your dog’s diet to improve their calcium deposits.
It promotes bone growth and strength when it combines with calcium. It plays a major role in muscle function and aids liver function. Furthermore, it enables your dog to digest fats and carbohydrates too.
Cheese, eggs, yogurt, and chickpeas are excellent if you want to boost your dog’s phosphorus levels. Just make sure to consult your veterinarian about the proper dosage.
Making sure your dog has good vitamin levels does not have to be expensive or difficult. You do not need to buy expensive supplements and vitamin mixes. We recommend you prepare their meals at least once per day and switch between mixes of boiled meat, carrots, spinach, eggs, yogurt, cheese, and a few spoons of olive oil or fish oil for a silkier and shinier coat. If you are on a very busy schedule you could opt for commercial solutions like:
DogVites CoQ10 Beef Flavored Chewables
