Vitamins For Dogs: 3 Reasons To Stay Away
You probably give your dog vitamins for one of three reasons:
If you think these are great reasons for your dog to get vitamins and supplements, youre not the only one. Research firm Mordor Intelligence reports the 2021 value of the pet industry supplements market was $102.5 billion, and its projected to keep growing.
But before you dig deeper into your pockets, lets take a realistic look at whether vitamins are the best investment you can make in your dogs health because there are three important reasons why vitamins might not be a great idea. Read on to find out what vitamins are made of, whether they work, and where theyre made
Dog Vitamins And Toxicity What You Need To Know
As is often the case in life, there can be too much of a good thing. And vitamins are no exception. There are many studies available that outline the dangers and side effects of Vitamin D toxicity. Large doses of Vitamin D are thought to cause permanent damage to the kidneys. Abnormal deposits of calcium in the organs and in the blood were also found in dogs that had been given large doses of this vitamin.
As we touched on earlier in this article, while vitamin A can be a savior in some cases of dermatitis, too much in a dogs system can cause many of the same symptoms as the deficiency.
You may have read something about the benefits of vitamin A and are looking for dog vitamins for shedding, for instance. Clearly, you cannot assume that vitamin A will do the trick. In fact, it could actually end up causing your pooch more grief.
There has also been evidence of neuropathy, or weakness and numbness, in beagles that had been given excessive doses of vitamin B6. Even after the dosages were stopped, the condition didnt fully regress.
Tips For Shopping For Dog Multivitamins
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Dog Vitamins: Tips And Advice
Some vitaminsor ingredientsmight not be safe for certain dogs, including pregnant or nursing dogs or dogs taking certain medications. Its best to consult with your veterinarian for advice on the best dog vitamins.
Remember: Its essential to stick to vitamins made for dogs. Several vitamins and supplements manufactured for humans contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that can be fatal for dogs. In fact, ASPCA Poison Control included it on its top 10 list of pet toxins.
Store supplements in a cool, dry location out of reach of pets.
The more information you have about how vitamin supplements for dogs can improve overall health and wellness and how to find the best dog vitamins, the more confident youll feel purchasing products that will help promote your dogs health and wellbeing.
Human Multivitamins Vs Dog Multivitamins
Humans and dogs dont have the same needs when it comes to vitamins and minerals. Our systems handle vitamins differently and require varying amounts of supplementation. Multivitamins for humans are developed for humans, not for dogs, and can be dangerous to our canine companions. Only feed your dog a vitamin made specifically for dogs.
Most multivitamins developed for humans tend to include 100% of the dietary needs in each vitamin. Canine multivitamins, however, were developed with only about 20% of their dietary needs, because they should already be getting most of the vitamins through their food. Giving a human multivitamin to a dog will likely to lead to an overdose, most commonly of vitamin D or Iron.
Human multivitamins may also include supplements that are fine for people but are toxic to dogs. These include caffeine, ephedra, fluoride, and xylitol all of which should never be given to dogs.
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Should I Give My Dog A Daily Multivitamin
You may be one of the many people around the world who take daily vitamins to boost their well-being. Vitamin supplements are beneficial for people, but are they also important for your dogs health? Dog food certainly provides your four-legged friend with many necessary vitamins and minerals. However, a daily dog multivitamin provides your dog nutrients that may be missing from their diet and can help them live a happier, healthier life. Read on to discover if a vitamin supplement is the right choice for your fur baby.
Zesty Paws Omega 3 Alaskan Fish Oil Chew Treats For Dogs With Alaskomega
Help your pooch feel their best from the inside out with Zesty Paws chew treats. Unlike other multivitamins that offer a more generic blend of vitamins and minerals to boost overall health, these are formulated especially for better skin and coat health, whilst also providing hip and joint support for dogs with joint and mobility problems, as well as helping to maintain a healthy heart, brain and immune system. The treats are available in either bacon or chicken flavour, and is suitable for dogs of all ages, breeds and sizes.
Ingredients
AlaskOmega or pollock oil is the primary ingredient, and along with a blend of biotin and Vitamin E, helps to reduce flaking, excessive scratching and discomfort among dogs with dry and itchy skin. Omega fatty acids give a new lease of life to dull and brittle coats, giving them a softer, shinier appearance, and also help to reduce joint discomfort and improve mobility, especially in senior pets. Meanwhile, Vitamin C and Omega-3 with EPA and DHA boosts the immune system. Other ingredients included in the Zesty Paws are zinc, pea flour, palm fruit oil, garbanzo and tapioca flour, flaxseed meal, fish oil, algae, sunflower lecithin, cod liver oil, coconut glycerin, sorbic acid and powdered cellulose.
Certification
Value
Pros
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Is There Any Danger In Giving My Dog Vitamins
Possibly. If an animal already eats a balanced diet and receives excess portions of some vitamins and minerals, they could be harmful, according to the FDA and veterinarians.
Too much calcium can cause skeletal problems, especially in large-breed puppies too much vitamin A can harm blood vessels and cause dehydration and joint pain. Excess vitamin D can prompt a dog to stop eating, harm bones, and cause muscles to atrophy.
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Natural Ways To Include More Vitamins And Minerals In Your Doggos Diet
Your dog doesnt necessarily have to get extra vitamins in pill or powder form. Lots of people foods are rich in vitamins and nutrients. Remember when your parents told you to eat your vegetables? Well, you can now tell your fuzzy BFF that, too. For a comprehensive list, check out this handy guide to help you determine what tasty treat to split with your pooch.
For a quick reference guide, here are some delicious people foods that are healthy for your pup. Just remember to be moderate when feeding your dog these tasty snacks. We dont want any upset tummies.
- Carrots. Bite into a delicious carrot and split it with your dog for a crunch of Vitamin A.
- Apples. An apple a day is full of Vitamin A .
- Salmon. This fish is swimming with omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin B.
- Blueberries. Dont be blue and worry about vitamin C and antioxidants. Pop a couple of blueberries!
- Sweet potatoes. This tuber roots for proper consumption of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and B6. Sweet potatoes should always be served soft/boiled.
- Bananas. Your dog will go bananas for all the magnesium and potassium in this smooshy treat.
- Watermelon. Along with a nice dose of hydration, this vine-grown treat is chock full of Vitamin A and B-6. Watermelons should be served without seeds and rinds to avoid the potential for choking.
- Cucumbers. Sure cucumber starts with a c, but its full of vitamin K.
- Green beans. This type of bean really is magical. Green beans are a great source of calcium, iron, and vitamin K.
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Dog Vitamins For Nutritional Support
Giving your dog vitamins to support their nutrition can help fend off health issues such as arthritis and joint stiffness to heart health, digestion, and an oily coat. The most popular dog supplements are glucosamine, fish oil, antioxidants, and probiotics, as well as multivitamins for dogs with vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K, and choline. All are important for development and living a happy life.
The Best Dog Vitamins
Chicken flavoured to entice all dogs
Contains over 35 minerals, vitamin, and nutrients
This dog multivitamin is as multifaceted as they come it helps your furry little friend in more ways than one and since they come in tasty little bites there is no doubt that your dog will be more than happy to indulge in this healthy habit. Produced by a renowned company that cares as much about canine health as actual dog owners, this product is packed with ingredients that are sure to be beneficial to your pet instantaneously as well as in the long run. Zesty paws multivitamin for dogs contains over 35 minerals, vitamins, and nutrients that are sure to leave their users as healthy as ever.
It achieves this through a five action plan the first of which is total nourishment of the dogs skin and coat it does this with the aid of an anti-itch formula which is packed with cod liver oil, vitamin B7 and vitamin E resulting in its general groomed appearance. As part of its second point of action, this dog multivitamin contains OptiMSM which is a mobility boosting ingredient which works with a number of other vitamins to promote overall hip and joint vitality.
A years supply as it contains 365 chewable tablets
High-quality source of protein
Can be used by dogs at all stages of life
Scientifically tested and certified safe
Tackles the issues of dental hygiene
Enhances canine immune system
Tasty and chewable tablets for dogs
Does wonders to the skin and coat
New and improved formula
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Best Dog Vitamins Buying Guide And Faq
There is a large number of dog vitamins out there, it is figuratively a dog-eat-dog situation when you are faced with the choice of which product to go for. When it comes to health, there should be zero room left to experiment and as such, this guide will give you all the pointers you need to make the best choice for both you and your canine companion.
Vitamins And Minerals Essential For Dogs
All dogs need certain vitamins and minerals to thrive. Fortunately, these can all be found in acomplete and balanced diet. If you are feeding your dog a commercial diet with the AAFCO label, then the food contains all the vitamins and minerals necessary to keep your dog healthy. You can take this a step further and choose a diet made with high-quality ingredients. Many experts agree that the vitamins and minerals in diets made with high-quality ingredients are more easily absorbed and used by your dog’s body.
If you choose to feed a home-prepared diet to your dog, then you may need to add vitamins and minerals to make the food complete and balanced. You must work with your veterinarian to find the right recipes and source the appropriate vitamins, minerals, and supplements. Consider using a website like BalanceIt.com or PetDiets.com. These sites are excellent tools to help you create a recipe that is complete and balanced. You can even develop recipes for dogs with specific health concerns. If the homemade diet is intended to treat a certain condition, your vet may prefer to refer you to a veterinary nutritionist to help you develop the right diet for your dog.
Only give your dog vitamins, minerals, or supplements in the following situations:
Either way, there is never a reason to just randomly start giving your dog vitamins. Always act under the supervision of your veterinarian. It’s also important to verify dosing information with your vet before starting any supplements.
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Dog Multivitamin Buying Guide
While the majority of dogs are able to get proper nutrition from their kibble, many require additional supplements to get the vitamins they need. Your veterinarian may also suggest a multivitamin to treat a health condition, to supplement a homemade or raw diet, or to support a dog with a poor appetite. Senior dogs with decreased mobility and cognitive function may also need a multivitamin.
While dog food with the complete and balanced labeling on it has to meet adequate health recommendations from AAFCO, it doesnt mean that its providing optimal levels of each vitamin or mineral. With the right product, a dog multivitamin can lead to improvements in skin and coat health, immunity, digestion, and cognition even for an otherwise healthy dog!
Zesty Paw Mobility Bites
With over 35 different types of vitamins present, Zesty Paw takes the top spot in our recommendations for the best dog vitamins.
These highly rated multivitamin tablets come in an attractive orange packaging that is sure to grab your attention. But thats not all, reading the product label will please you even more.
To make your pets coat look its best, zesty paws have filled these treats with precisely whats needed. They contain good doses of biotin, vitamin E, and cod liver oil. All these things make it rich in vitamin C, which is known for its anti-aging properties.
When it comes to dogs, joints and hips are essential for good posture and great strength. To make sure they are in optimum condition, a daily supplement of glucosamine, MSM, and chondroitin is a must. Zesty paw treats have given special attention to that and come up with a product containing all 3.
Other than vitamins, the company has also included digestive enzymes inside the treats. This is great to make sure the digestion of these vitamin loaded treats takes place smoothly. Probiotics are also present that improve gut health.
An additional ingredient is Co2q, which is a type of antioxidant. As we all know, antioxidants are very much needed to fight against cancer cells and many other harmful radicals inside a dogs body.
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How To Infuse Your Dog’s Diet With Essential Vitamins & Minerals
Being a pet parent means constantly learning about our pet’s nutritional needs, and discovering what we can do to best satisfy them!
- Rely on whole foods. A majority of vitamins and minerals should be found in whole meats, vegetables, and oils in the diet, with only slight additions to ensure a complete diet. Highly-processed diets tend to lose many natural sources of vitamins and minerals in production and are less likely to naturally supply these nutrients. If you’re needing to add your own vitamins and minerals to your dog’s food, that’s a sign to switch to a different diet– you shouldn’t have to add any nutrients on your own.
- Do not prepare your own dog food, unless advised by a veterinary nutritionist. DIY homemade dog food recipes seem like a healthy solution to kibble but are often lacking in nutrients. Only prepare your dog’s food yourself if following a recipe created by a veterinary nutritionist who specializes in fresh recipes. Chicken and rice diets are not balanced, nor complete, and DIY raw diets can be flat out dangerous when prepared on your own.
- Do your research. Rather than going to the store and trying to assess the nutritional value in real time, do your research at home first. If you can’t find sufficient nutritional information posted anywhere, contact the company directly. You shouldn’t feed your dog anything you aren’t sure about and should clarify that a diet includes all the essential vitamins and minerals listed above.
Specific Reasons To Supplement
When you have a dog with special medical needs, supplements or vitamins can be great ways to help your dog live a happy, healthy and active lifestyle. Most dogs don’t need supplements until they are much older, but some dogs may require supplements from an early age due to different genetics.
It is also important to not give extra vitamins with the thought that you are creating a super healthy dog. Vitamin D, for example, can have great health benefits, but it can also be deadly if given improperly. Just because your neighbor swears by a certain supplement for their furry friend doesn’t mean the supplement will have the same effect on your dog.
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Cosequin Maximum Strength Joint Supplement Plus Msm
Vet-preferred joint supplement
What we love: The Nutramax Cosequin Joint Supplement Plus is especially formulated for adult dogs that need a little extra joint love and care. The supplement supports cartilage protection and is easy to crush up in your doggos food they wont even notice its there.
What customer reviews say: Many noticed a significant change in their older dogs aftering using this supplement. One reviewer noticed their dog had significantly more spunk and energy after four weeks of use. Another said their dog was up and running once again after having slowed down due to age. Its no wonder this supplement comes 97% recommended on Chewy with almost 2,000 customer reviews.
Ingredients: Glucosamine hydrochloride , sodium chondroitin sulfate, methylsulfonylmethane , and manganese.
