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What Vitamins Does My Dog Need

What Is My Take

Does My Dog Need Supplements or Vitamins?

Choosing a high-quality food from the hundreds of available brands and formulas can be challenging. The pet nutrition industry is very competitive, and most commercially available foods are very good balanced diets. Ask your veterinary health care team to help you select a diet that is backed by scientific principles and research and that meets your dog’s individual needs. If you have any questions about a particular food, your best source for help is your veterinary health care team.

Contributors: Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM Cheryl Yuill, DVM, MSc, CVH

Too Much Vitamin D Is Toxic To Dogs

Vitamin D deficiencies in dogs can cause health problems over time, but so can an oversupply. Because vitamin D is fat soluble, it accumulates in body fat. Overdoses can be toxic and even fatal.

Most canine fatalities related to vitamin D stem from the accidental ingestion of prescription drugs that contain vitamin D, such as topical medications for human skin conditions like psoriasis, and from the ingestion of rodenticides, which are poisons designed to control rats, mice, and other rodents.

Cholecalciferol was registered as a rodenticide in the United States in 1984. Toxic doses lead to too much calcium in the blood, which can affect the central nervous system, muscles, gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system, and kidneys.

Although less common, overdoses of vitamin D from foods and supplements can occur. Excessive vitamin D causes hypercalcemia anorexia excessive thirst, urination, drooling, and vomiting muscle weakness soft tissue mineralization and lameness. In growing dogs, excessive vitamin D can disrupt normal skeletal development as a result of increased calcium and phosphate absorption.

In 1999, DVM Nutri-Balance High Protein Dog Food and Golden Sun Feeds Hi-Pro Hunter Dog Food were recalled because of excessive vitamin D3 due to a feed-mixing error. This caused the illness and death of at least 25 dogs.

Could Your Raw Fed Dog Be Lacking Important Vitamins And Minerals

Are you a raw feeder who worries your dog isnt getting enough nutrients? or maybe youre reluctant to switch your dog to a raw diet for fear he wont get the vitamins and minerals he needs?

Or perhaps youre spending a ton of money giving him synthetic vitamins and minerals out of a bottle. Ill tell you in a minute why thats not a good idea.

Ive got a great practical guide for you so you can make sure your dog gets the vitamins and minerals he needs from his food. And Ive divided it into two parts

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Is Dry Or Canned Food Better

In terms of nutrition and digestibility, there are simply no differences between dry and canned dog food. You should make your decision based on your lifestyle, preferences, and budget. For dogs that need to consume more water or have certain special dietary needs, canned foods may be a better choice. Otherwise, most dogs will do fine on dry kibble.

Some dry kibble rations have been specially formulated as dental diets and can help to mechanically remove plaque. For further information, see the handout “Dental Disease in Dogs”.

Ii Vegetable Sources Of Vitamins And Minerals

Does My Pet Need Supplements?

There can be many health benefits to giving your dog vegetables and fruits. Plants contain not just vitamins, but phytonutrients as well. While a dog wouldnt survive without vitamins and minerals, phytonutrients play a role in helping to prevent or treat disease. So lets go over phytonutrients first.

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A Multivitamin That Supports Senior Dogs

While dogs are always puppies at heart, when their bodies age, they may struggle to remain as active or lively as they were in their earlier years. However, aging doesnt have to keep your dog from enjoying their life. A daily vitamin supplement is a great way to promote and support your dogs well being as they grow older. Waggedys Daily Essential Senior vitamin provides essential vitamins and minerals that are important for aging dogs but may be absent in your pets regular diet. You can rest easy knowing that this is a multivitamin that can support healthy coat growth and promote overall health. Every owner wants to give their dog the best chance to live a happy, healthy life. While providing high-quality dog food is an essential part of caring for your pet, your dog could still be missing out on crucial nutrients. This is why Waggedy provides multivitamins for adult and senior dogs. Produced here in the United States, our veterinarian-formulated vitamins are made to high standards of quality and purity. To help your dog live its life to the fullest, learn more about Waggedys range of pet-friendly products.

Basic Vitamin And Mineral Requirements For Dogs

Essential vitamins and minerals are present in all types of dog nutrition and food, and they help the performance of basic functions of the body. There is a minimum and maximum requirement of each mineral and vitamin.

If ingested in excessive amounts, some of the nutrients can cause toxicity. However, if nutrients are administered in less quantity, certain deficiencies can occur such as hair loss, weight loss, and digestive issues.

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What Vitamins And Minerals Do Dogs Need

Dogs need the whole range of vitamins and minerals. It is the quantity and the balance that is critical to their well-being. That is one reason that buying a high quality dry dog food is better for most dogs than trying to make their food at home. Using traceable, sustainable ingredients, a dog food maker such as Connollys RED MILLS can ensure that your pets diet provides all the nutrients they need to thrive.

Vitamin A promotes healthy growth and a strong immune system, as well as good vision. But if a dog gets excess vitamin A, it can eventually lead to joint damage and stiffness. Vitamin A toxicity is caused by feeding too much organ meat or by overdoing supplements.

The B vitamins all play an important role. Pantothenic acid and thiamine are critical for metabolism, while B6 is essential for the nervous system and red blood cell function. The B vitamins are water soluble. That means it is difficult, although not impossible, to overdose on them.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant, and unlike humans, dogs can actually produce it in their liver. Its water soluble, but excess can cause bladder or kidney stones to form as the body flushes it out. Unless your vet advises otherwise, dogs do not need vitamin C supplements.

Is My Dog Already Getting Enough Nutrients

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According to Jerry Klein, DVM, an emergency and critical care veterinarian based in Chicago, IL, the answer to that is yes. “Many healthy dogs and cats don’t need extra supplements because they are getting them in their food,” he says to POPSUGAR. He notes that food that is labeled “complete and balanced” have gone through rigorous testing to ensure they are packed with the all of the nutrients dogs need.

“Owners just need to check the label and look for this designation. If your food has it, you can feel comfortable knowing that your pet is getting everything it needs from its food,” he says.

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Minerals For Canine Health

1. Calcium

Calcium is needed to build healthy teeth and bones, and maintain normal muscle contractions and nerve firing. However, large breed puppies are especially sensitive to too much calcium as well as too little, especially if they are given too much vitamin D at the same time. Nursing females can develop a condition known as eclampsia if they do not get enough calcium and/or vitamin D. Small breeds on all-meat diets will not have enough calcium in their bones.

2. Phosphorus

Phosphorus is calciums partner. The two minerals counterbalance each other, which means they must be properly balanced in the dogs diet. NRC guidelines state that a 33-pound dog consuming 1,000 calories a day requires a daily minimum of 1 gram of calcium and 0.75 gram of phosphorus.

3. Zinc

Zinc is useful for proper wound healing and for healthy skin. Because chronic skin disease is often helped by zinc supplementation, its possible that recommended doses are too low.

4. Selenium

5. Iodine

Iodine is important for proper function of the thyroid gland, and is present in high quantities in kelp. Dogs that have a borderline thyroid problem, in which the thyroid hormone level is only slightly decreased, may be helped by adding a kelp tablet to the diet. Too much iodine can cause dandruff and a bad hair coat using a liquid iodine supplement instead of a kelp tablet is most likely to bring this on.

6. Magnesium

7. Manganese

Manganese is needed for proper bone development and neurological function.

I Have Heard That Dogs Should Only Eat Raw Foods And That Dogs Cannot Properly Digest Cooked Foods Is This True

Domesticated dogs have adapted over millennia to consume diets provided by their human companions, including foods that have been cooked. As mentioned above, dogs can actually digest complex carbohydrates more easily once they have been cooked. Feeding raw diets can carry a number of risks to the dog as well as people in the home, especially those who are young or immunocompromised.

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What About Supplements In Dog Food

Check the label to see how much of an ingredient is actually in the food. Some adult dog foods contain glucosamine/chondroitin but because of state regulations that restrict the amount, its usually not a therapeutic dose.

A prescription dog food, on the other hand, may contain therapeutic levels of the supplement. Other dog foods might contain botanicals, such as cranberry, to ward off urinary tract infections or DHA to boost cognitive development in puppies.

From an efficacy and safety standard, if its in a pet food, I have a greater level of confidence, Boothe says.

Since Dogs Are Carnivores Doesnt This Mean That They Need To Eat A Diet That Is Meat Based

When does my dog need supplements?

As a species, the dog is a member of the scientific order Carnivora, a large group of mammalian animals that share a similar tooth structure. The dietary needs of animals belonging to this order vary. Some members of this group have an absolute requirement for meat in their diet , while others can meet their nutrient requirements through eating plant material or a combination of meat and plants . Cats are an example of an obligate carnivore, cows are an example of an herbivore, and dogs and humans are two examples of omnivores.

Because of the dietary needs of dogs, both their tooth structure and intestinal tract have become adapted to an omnivorous diet. This means that, under normal circumstances, dogs can meet their nutritional needs by eating a combination of plant and animal foods. The source of the proteins and fats is less important than the quality and digestibility of these essential components of the dog’s diet. Dogs can thrive if they are fed a properly balanced vegetarian diet. However, an all-meat diet would be unbalanced and would not meet all of a dog’s nutritional requirements.

“Under normal circumstances, dogs can meet their nutritional needs by eating a combination of plant and animal foods.”

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Veterinarians Are A Dogs Best Friend

When it comes to choosing the best vitamin supplement for your fur baby, dont hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian. A vet can help you decide what vitamins might be missing from your pets diet and advise you on the best way to support your dogs long-term health. Our veterinarian formula vitamin is crafted in the United States in a cGMP and NSF certified facility to ensure purity and unmatched quality.

Regardless of age, your dog may benefit from supplements that promote their health. Your vet is the best resource for determining whether your dog is facing a health issue and how you can care for your pup moving forward.

The Final Word On The Best Dog Vitamins And Supplements

The saying health is wealth is not only true for people, but also for our furry friends. As pet owners, we want our dogs to feel safe, healthy, happy, and sharp for as long as possible. By complementing a balanced diet with specifically formulated dog multivitamins, youll be setting your dog up for success. And given the abundance of high-quality, trustworthy, and comprehensive vitamins for dogs available today, you can feel good about giving your pooch a tasty, veterinarian-approved treat each day.

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Cod Liver Oil Quarrel

Last summer fans of fermented cod liver oil were rocked by the online report Hook, Line, and Stinker by nutritionist Kaayla Daniel, PhD, in which she claimed that Green Pastures Fermented Cod Liver Oil is not a cod liver oil at all but rather rancid pollock oil.

Health researcher Craig Elding at the British site Health Cloud, American health writer Chris Kresser, and others examined these accusations in detail. See the Weston A. Price Foundations review of the controversy, including Morells November 2015 report titled Hook, Line, and Thinker. Years of independent tests have never shown Green Pastures Fermented Cod Liver Oil to have oxidative rancidity, and its source fish, Alaskan pollock , is not a member of the pollock fish family but rather a cod fish.

Supplementing With Meat As An Example Of Mineral Interaction

Does My Dog Need a Joint Supplement?

One common supplement is feeding additional meat. However, because meat contains 20 to 40 times more phosphorus than calcium, adding meat to a balanced diet will upset the calcium to phosphorus ratio, which is important for proper bone development and maintenance. This may prompt the animal’s body to absorb calcium from the bones in order to reach the right balance. This is often the case in older animals that experience tooth loss due to the resorption of bone from the lower jaw. Ca:P ratio should range between 1.1 to 1.4 parts of calcium for each 1 part of phosphorus.

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Vitamins And Minerals Required In Dog Nutrition

When we talk about dog food as being “balanced and complete”, it means they include the essential vitamins and minerals our dogs’ bodies need to function optimally. But how many of us know which nutrients our dogs rely on to stay healthy and happy and how should we as pet owners best incorporate these essential vitamins and minerals in the right proportion?

We’ve outlined some best practices for pet owners on how to infuse dog food with the proper vitamins and minerals and we’ve listed them out with information on how they work in your dog’s body! Each of our fresh dog food recipes includes the essential vitamins and minerals outlined below.

Working With Your Vet To Determine Your Dogs Vitamin Needs

Never buy dog vitamins or mineral supplements without first consulting your pets veterinarian. If your dog is already getting appropriate amounts of a particular vitamin or mineral, too much can harm their health. Too much vitamin A, for example, can cause joint pain or even damage your dogs blood vessels. Additionally, certain pet vitamins and minerals can negatively interact with your dogs existing medication, causing additional health problems.

If you make your own dog food, have a pet with sensitivities or suspect that your dog may be suffering from a vitamin or mineral deficiency, speak to your vet. Your veterinarian can review your dogs diet and test your dog for vitamin or mineral deficiencies. They can then recommend some of the best dog vitamins for your canine.

In some cases, your vet may recommend mineral supplements for your pet. Some of the best dog supplements are used for calming or hip and joint support. Hip and joint supplements are often recommended for older dogs to help manage arthritis. Calming aids can be helpful for nervous or anxious dogs, those prone to excitable barking and for pups who suffer from separation anxiety.

In some cases, your vet may refer you to a veterinary nutritionist for a more thorough evaluation of your pets diet. If you think you might want to begin making pet food at home, consult a veterinary nutritionist for guidance on developing a wholesome eating plan and dog supplement regimen for your dog.

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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: $62.49

What Is Meant By Life

Does My Dog Need Calcium Supplements?

Dogs have varying nutritional needs during different stages of their lives, and feeding a diet that is formulated for all life stages is not necessarily appropriate. An all-purpose dog food may not provide enough nutrients to meet the needs of a growing puppy or a pregnant or nursing mother. Conversely, this same all-purpose diet may provide excessive nutrients to a senior or inactive dog. Feeding your dog according to its stage of life is now recommended by respected nutritionists to maintain your dog’s overall health and well-being and improve both the quality and the quantity of your dog’s life. This information can be found on the label of your dog’s food as the AAFCO Statement.

Life-stage feeding for puppies. Early in life, puppies must eat often and lots! They need relatively larger quantities of food because they are growing rapidly and have limited space in their tiny stomachs. At 6 to 8 weeks of age, they need to be fed about four to six meals a day. By 6 months, the need for food is decreased because puppies are about 75% of their adult size and can be fed two to three meals a day.

After weaning, the majority of puppies lose the ability to digest milk sugar . Therefore, while small amounts may be tolerated, feeding milk can cause intestinal upset and diarrhea because dogs cannot digest it properly.

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