7 Vitamins Your Dog Needs for a Healthy Life

Do dogs need vitamins and minerals? Do they get enough from their food? As a dog owner, you may wonder if you’re feeding your dog the right food and if they are getting what they need from it. It can be tough to get it right, with different breeds needing different things. While many dog foods claim to be complete, many don’t contain enough natural vitamins.

What Vitamins do Dogs Need?

Dogs bodies, just like humans need vitamins for growth and to maintain healthy functions. But dogs will need vitamins in different amounts to us. You can add vitamins to your dog’s diet with the addition of superfoods or talk to your vet about a quality health supplement. Dogs need these seven vitamins;

• Vitamin A. This is a fat soluble vitamin needed for healthy immune function, good vision, growth, cell function and fetal development. Add foods like spinach, liver, carrots or eggs to your pup’s food. Other options are fish oil or an eye care supplement containing vitamin A
• Vitamin D. Known as the ‘sunshine vitamin’, vitamin D is needed to maintain healthy bones and muscles. Add fatty fish, dairy products, egg yolks, liver or beef to his meals to make sure he gets enough
• Vitamin E. This vitamin is essential for your pup to defend against oxidative damage and help with fat metabolism and cell function. Add leafy green vegetables, liver or whole grains to his meals for added vitamin E
• Vitamin K. An important vitamin, assisting your dog’s blood to clot when needed. Can be found in leafy greens, milk, cabbage, liver and fish
• Vitamin C. An essential antioxidant helping to reduce cognitive ageing and inflammation. Found in vegetables, fruits and organ meats
• B vitamins. These include thiamine, riboflavin, B12, B6, pantothenic acid and folic acid. All have an important role in your dog’s health. Add whole grains, liver, beans, green vegetables, spirulina or dairy products to his diet for a B vitamin boost

Should Dogs Take Vitamin Supplements?

Most quality commercial dog foods should contain a full array of vitamins, minerals and nutrients. It’s important to feed your pup the right food according to his stage in life e.g; puppy food, adult dog food or senior dog food. This is because, dogs need different levels of vitamins at different stages of their life.

If you feel your pup isn’t getting the right vitamins, always check with your vet before starting a new supplement regime. Giving too much of a vitamin or a vitamin your dog doesn’t need, can lead to development problems.

How to Choose the Best Vitamins for Your Dog?

It’s important to always talk with your vet before starting your pooch on a vitamin supplement regime. Depending on your dog’s age, breed and whether he has any medical conditions will affect whether he needs extra vitamins. Feeding your dog a quality diet and getting him enough exercise should be the most important factor.