People take supplements and vitamins to stay healthy. But in the past few years, vitamins for dogs are also gaining in popularity. But do dogs need vitamins? Is it safe for them to take vitamins in the first place?
Well, the simple answer is yes, dogs need vitamins and supplements specifically for their coat, skin, arthritis, and joint pain.
But while both humans and dogs need the same vitamins to stay fit, healthy, and thrive, it is important to remember that dogs should never be given any medication or supplement intended for human use.
Aside from the obvious difference in dosage and size, the body of canines processes things differently from the human body. On top of that, supplements specifically formulated for humans may also often contain dangerous ingredients for dogs.
Vitamins for dogs are available in different forms ranging from dog vitamin powders to puppy vitamin paste that you can sprinkle or add to their food. Always check with your veterinarian when in doubt.
The following are some of the most important vitamins that your dog needs:
Table of Contents:
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is one of the most essential vitamins that dogs need, specifically for clear and healthy eyesight. The vitamin is also essential for cell function and immune function.
It has also been found that vitamin A is important for fetal growth and development, making it extremely useful for pregnant mother dogs and puppies. You can think of vitamin A as a prenatal supplement for canines.
B Vitamins
The different B vitamins have a lot of benefits to offer to dogs. For example, vitamin B1, popularly called thiamine, is important in carbohydrate metabolism and energy regulation. Vitamin B2 or riboflavin and vitamin B3 or niacin are also important B vitamins for dogs that help with enzyme functions.
Meanwhile, vitamin B6 is critical for red blood cell function, hormone regulation, immune response, nervous system function, and glucose generation. Most supplements for anxiety and calming supplements for dogs often contain B vitamins of different varieties.
Vitamin C
- As a potent antioxidant for dogs, vitamin C gathers all the dangerous free radicals in a canine’s body to slow down aging and reduce inflammation.
- Vitamin C is also a common addition to supplements for senior dogs.
- It is interesting to note, however, that dogs can synthesize vitamin C in their liver, which means that it is unlikely but still possible that your pup will require a supplement.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is one of the essential vitamins for dogs that help with healthy muscles and bones and proper development. Your pooch may suffer from calcium and phosphorous imbalances if they don’t get enough vitamin D.
Vitamin E
- Vitamin E supports metabolism and cell function in dogs.
- It is usually used as an ingredient for supplements that help with itchy skin.
- It is also added to supplements for dog coats and skin.
- A vitamin E deficiency can result in reproductive difficulties as well as muscle and eye degeneration.
Vitamin K
As one of the essential vitamins for dogs, vitamin K helps with blood clots. A vitamin K deficiency can result in uncontrollable bleeding, and worse, even death.