Can Dogs Eat Blueberries Super Foods For Dogs
Yes, dogs can eat blueberries! Blueberries, which are available year round either fresh, frozen or freeze dried, are a great treat for your dog. The deep blue color comes from anthocyanidins, which are potent antioxidants, and the berries also supply Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin E, phytochemicals, manganese and fiber.
Phytochemicals are chemical compounds produced by plants including both fruits and vegetables. Some phytochemicals are thought to help protect against some cancers.
Blueberries are known to be one of the most nutritional berries for dogs. With a cup of blueberries containing just 84 calories it makes them an amazing source of these important vitamins for dogs. Plus canine studies suggest that antioxidants like those in blueberries can provide significant improvements in cognitive functions in aging dogs.
What Vitamins Does My Dog Need
Your first question about dog vitamins probably pertains to which vitamins your doggo needs. Not surprisingly, dogs need similar vitamins to us humans. For example, Vitamin A aids in growth, fetal development, immune function, and cell function in dogs. Vitamin B plays many roles in regulating enzyme function and immune responses. Vitamin C helps reduce inflammation and cognitive aging, making it another important vitamin. Vitamin D helps your pup balance minerals for healthy bone growth, and Vitamin E helps prevent oxidative damage. These vitamins are extremely beneficial for your dogs health and help them live happy and healthy lives!
What Do Trace Minerals Do
Trace minerals work hand in hand with macrominerals like calcium and phosphorus. Without the proper balance of trace minerals, macrominerals cant do what they need to.
Here are just a few of the benefits of trace minerals:
- Iron: vital for bodily function and helps provide oxygen to organs and muscles
- Selenium: an antioxidant that helps prevent oxidative damage that can cause premature aging, cancer and inflammatory diseases
- Zinc: boosts the immune system and the quality of your dogs skin and fur
- Copper: helps absorb iron, which participates in the synthesis of melanin and helps to stop anemia
- Manganese: needed for bone growth and thyroid hormone production. It ensures the quality of bone and cartilage, while playing a significant role in the mitochondria function
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Your Dogs Health Depends On A Variety Of Vitamins And Minerals Otherwise Known As Micronutrients In The Right Amounts And In The Right Balance Here Are 17 Of The Most Important
Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals necessary for our health, and that of our dogs. A deficiency in one or more micronutrients can cause illness or even death, depending on several factors, such as how much of the vitamin or mineral is missing, the rest of the dogs diet, and his genes. At the same time, too much of a certain micronutrient can also cause problems. Its important to know which vitamins and minerals your dog needs for his health and well-being, and to work with an integrative or holistic veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist to ensure hes getting the right amounts of each.
Are Human Vitamins And Supplements Safe For Dogs
Before you start sharing your supplements with your dog or buying supplements at a human pharmacy, make sure they are safe! Although dogs need many of the same vitamins and minerals as humans need, the types and amounts may vary greatly. Ask your veterinarian about the strength and dose recommendation of each supplement you are giving. In many cases, it’s better to get the products made especially for dogs.
Read Also: How To Know What Vitamins You Need
Digestive Health: Nusentia Probiotic Miracle
Giving your dog a daily probiotic can help regulate his digestive system, especially if he has problems with diarrhea, an upset stomach, or constipation. Nusentia Probiotic Miracle contains six probiotic strains to help with these issues and more, including yeast overgrowth, bad breath, itching, and scratching.
Price: $107.99
If your dog is suffering from age or illness-related vision problems, you may want to consider the Ocu-GLO liquid gelcaps. Board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists formulated them with essential vitamins, minerals, grape seed extract, omega-3 fatty acids, and lutein for optimal eye support.
Price: $78.75
Revival Animal Health Breeders Edge Oxy Mate prenatal vitamins are fortified vitamins, minerals, and elevated levels of iron, folic acid, and zinc to provide pregnant dogs and their developing embryos with the optimal nutrients for healthy growth. Its suitable for both dogs and cats.
Price: $50.85
Waggedy Chewable Dog Vitamins
Chewy: Find It Here
These dog multivitamins come in the form of chewable treats and they are available for puppies, seniors and adult dogs. However, they only come in a package of 60 treats and they are not the cheapest option you can find on the market.
This supplement contains essential nutrients, minerals and vitamins that can promote a healthier coat, skin and nails. Additionally, this product can boost your dogs immune system and energy levels, improve his dental health and aid his digestion. Thanks to natural antimicrobials in these multivitamins, your dog will also have better breath.
While my dog actually liked these treats, I noticed that they have a strong smell and some dog owners reported that their dogs refused to eat these multivitamins even when they were mixed with food.
Pros: Different Formulas for All Life Stages, Good for Skin and Coat Health, Good for Digestive Issues, Can Boost the Immune System, Great for Dental Health
Cons: Only Available in One Package, A Bit Expensive, Strong Smell, Not for Picky Eaters
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Why Would My Senior Dog Need Vitamins
Some older dogs need daily vitamin supplements if theyre on a homemade diet, but there are other instances where your fur baby may need to take vitamins. A dog may need supplements in these cases:
- Dogs with a vitamin or mineral deficiency
- Dogs diagnosed with a disease that responds well to specific supplements
- Dogs who arent eating well or eating enough
- Dogs who have osteoarthritis and/or other painful conditions
Dogs in these cases can benefit from the nutrients provided by vitamins. However, its a good idea to check with your veterinarian before giving your furry canine friend any type of vitamin supplement.
I Was Told That Dogs Cannot Digest Carbohydrates Is This True
To meet their energy needs, dogs have evolved to use proteins and fats as their primary energy sources, but they can also use carbohydrates for energy. The fact that the dog’s digestive system produces enzymes that are specific for digesting starches and sugars shows that they are capable of digesting carbohydrates. However, complex carbohydrates such as grains are more digestible when they are cooked.
Also Check: What Is Vitamin C With Bioflavonoids
Q: How Can I Boost My Dogs Immune System
To boost your dogs immune system, giving them a daily multivitamin is a great option. Once youve confirmed it is safe for your pet by speaking with your vet and researching the products ingredients and brand reputation, you can determine the right type of immune support. Most products will show results within a few weeks.
Tips For Shopping For Dog Multivitamins
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What Vitamins And Minerals To Add To Homemade Food
Dog Food AdvisorForumsHomemade Dog FoodWhat vitamins and minerals to add to homemade food?
Brit-sounds like you are doing a lot, as I do. The itching? How much sweet potato are you feeding for breakfast? I ask because both my dogs have scratched less since Ive ommitted sweet potato from my recipes, which was 15% at times. Ive replaced it with pumpkin.
One of my dogs is skinny so I add oatmeal to her food and feed her unsalted peanut butter as a snack a few times per week.
How much salmon are you feeding? Are you adding vitamin e? I freeze my juicing pulp for my dog food, nice to hear someone else uses it too:)
my dog does not seem to have a problem with the sweet potato but if he did, I agree that pumpkin would be a good option. He weighs 55lbs and gets maybe 1/2 a medium size sweet potato, a TBL goat yogurt and probably just 1/4cup of the canned salmon and a drizzle of olive oil. Tonight for dinner he got about 5ozs raw beef heart and a cup of the crushed veggies and a tsp of his cod liver oil . I also add a TBL each of sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds to his veggies as I crush them and I think he gets his Vit E and zinc from that. He has environmental allergies that seem to come every winter, first I thought it was food but after spending a fortune on rabbit etc turns out its not. brit
Just to let you know I responded to your post and it was removed?
PS: I hope these may help somebody:
Does My Dog Need Vitamins
Most dogs receive a complete and balanced diet – including necessary vitamins and minerals – from commercially processed dog food, according to the FDA. Dogs fed a homemade diet may need supplements. Its absolutely critical, but it should be done to match the diet, Wynn says. You cant just create a meal and give your dog a vitamin. Check with a veterinarian or nutritionist for help in determining what, if anything, is needed.
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Clinical Examinations And Adverse Event Reporting
The puppies underwent physical examination before the start of the trial and every 4 weeks thereafter. Particular attention was paid to signs of joint or muscle pain. In addition, any illness or injury between the examinations that required veterinary attention was considered an adverse event. Adverse events were classified into ten categories, namely: poor faeces quality, vomiting, foreign body ingestion, lameness, accident/injury, skin conditions, eye conditions, ear conditions, dental conditions and urinary conditions. On each occasion, the type and duration of treatment were recorded. Any blood parameters outside of the puppy reference range were referred to the veterinarian for investigation and re-tests were conducted within 24 h and repeated as required for diagnosis. The veterinarian was blinded to the dietary treatment groups.
Vitahealth Senior Dog Vitamins
Older dogs may be missing important vitamins in their diet. This could be due to poor eating or medical conditions that come with getting older. This vitamin supplement is made especially for senior pups. Its an all-natural product packed with maximum strength daily vitamins need by senior dogs. The product supplies vitamins and supplements to support joints, skin, nails, coat and heart health. These chewy tablets are made in the USA and the company regular tests the safety, purity and consistency of their product.
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Pet Md Canine Tabs Plus Advanced Vitamin And Mineral Dog Supplement
Chewy: Find It Here
This multivitamin is formulated to offer daily nutritional support for dogs of all ages, breeds and activity levels. It comes in the form of liver-flavored chewable tablets and in a package of 365 tablets, which is enough for an entire year for dogs that weigh more than 10 lbs.
Each chewable tablet provides a mixture of essential nutrients and vitamins, including calcium, zinc, iron, antioxidants, etc. These tablets also contain vitamin B complex. All of this is formulated to maintain your dogs overall health, support his immune system and promote coat and skin health.
Although these tablets dont have a bad smell, some dogs still wont eat them. If your dog is a picky eater, this may be a problem. My dog loved the chicken flavor spiced with liver powder but some of the tablets in my package arrived broken.
Pros: Affordable, Suitable for All Life Stages, Good for Skin and Coat Health, Good for Digestive Issues, Can Boost the Immune System
Cons: Only Available in One Package, Not for Picky Eaters, Some Tablets May Arrive Broken
Risks To Giving Your Dog Vitamins
Unfortunately, the dog vitamin and supplement industry is still unregulated by the FDA. This means you need to be extra careful when picking out a multivitamin for your dogs body. Just because its sold by Amazon or another popular retailer, does not mean its safe! If you want to be safe, run anything youre considering by your veterinarian. And make sure to use a vet-approved vitamin or supplement, like the ones we listed above.
Water-soluble vitamins like B and C are excreted in urine, so its not easy to accidentally give your dog too much of them. Fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and E, as well as certain heavy metals can be overdosed and cause illness. If after giving your dog a vitamin they are suddenly vomiting, having diarrhea, lethargic, or experiencing skin peeling, contact your vet as these are possible signs of vitamin toxicity.
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Do Dogs Need Daily Vitamins
Taking vitamins makes us feel like were doing something to improve our health. As such, you may be tempted to dish out some vitamins to your pooch as well. Before you start sharing your gummies, though, check out our guide on vitamins for dogs. You may be surprised at the effects they can have on dogs!
Do Dogs Need Daily Multivitamin Supplements
Did you take a multivitamin or other nutritional supplement this morning? According to a 2009 Nielsen study, about half of us probably did. In the survey, 56 percent of U.S. consumers said they take vitamins or supplements, with 44 percent saying they take them daily.
I dont have any statistics regarding the use of vitamin and mineral supplement in dogs, but I suspect it is pretty high based on the number of products that are available. But just because a product is readily available and widely used doesnt necessarily mean that you should give it to your dog.
Like most things in life, vitamins and minerals are not wholly bad or wholly good. There are some instances when dogs should receive supplements. Here are a few:
- Your dog has been diagnosed with a vitamin/mineral deficiency or a disease that responds to supplementation . In most of these cases, you should be giving your dog specific vitamins and minerals, not a “multivitamin.”
- Your dog eats a home-prepared diet. To be nutritionally complete, you need to add a vitamin and mineral supplement to home-cooked foods. These recipes are best prepared under the advisement of a veterinary nutritionist.
- Your dog is eating very little or will only eat a poor-quality diet. Whether this is because your dog is ill or just extremely finicky, a multivitamin can help ward off deficiencies in these situations. However, this is really a poor substitute for a better diet.
Dr. Jennifer Coates
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Studies Prove The Difference
As long ago as 1942, authors in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that treating scurvy with 50cc of lemon juice, containing 25 mg of ascorbic acid, produced quicker results than giving 25 mg of ascorbic acid as a vitamin. They also noted the ascorbic acid didnt stay in the body as long as the naturally occurring vitamin C and even today, this is a well-known limitation of synthetic vitamins.
Unlike synthetic vitamins and minerals, whole foods and herbs provide essential nutrients complete with the cofactors they need to make a healthy change in your dog
This early research showed scientists that synthetic vitamins dont always act like their real food counterparts even with todays more sophisticated vitamins and research. This is likely because synthetic vitamins are chemical isolates, which are isolated or fractionated pieces of the whole vitamin. Vitamins are defined as a group or complex of organic compounds and its best to think of them this way. Vitamin activity is the sum of many parts.
Theres a lot of research showing similar differences between many different food sourced vitamins and synthetics.
Unlike synthetic vitamins and minerals, whole foods and herbs provide essential nutrients complete with the cofactors they need to make a healthy change in your dog just as nature intended!
Do Supplements Contain The Promised Nutrients
Again, it depends. ConsumerLab.com, which tests products for its industry certification program and sells subscriptions to its reports for consumers, surveyed glucosamine/chondroitin supplements for pets and humans. Sixty percent of the pet products failed, compared to 25% of those manufactured for people, says Tod Cooperman, MD, president of ConsumerLab.com.
The National Animal Supplement Council also checked its members joint support products and found that 25% didnt meet label claims, president Bill Bookout says. We require companies to do an investigation, find out why that is, and take corrective action.
ConsumerLab.com tests of three probiotic supplements in 2006 showed that only one contained enough viable organisms to be effective. In the pet area, weve seen the quality is lower than it is for human supplements, Cooperman says.
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Vitamins Dogs Need For A Healthy Lifestyle
Note To Reader: We are not veterinarians. This is not intended as a diagnosis article. If you have questions or concerns please contact your veterinarian.
Dog vitamins have become ever more popular over the years. But what vitamins are more important? how do you really know that your dog is getting enough? In this article, we will go over 5 of the most important vitamins for your dog, how much they can have, and what types of deficiencies can occur without them.
