What are the best vitamins for dogs? Grocery stores and pharmacies are lined up with all kinds of vitamin supplements. Vitamins are an essential part of our diet, whose deficiency can affect our health in several ways. Vitamins play an important role in maintaining proper eyesight, good hair, immune system, bone health, teeth, and muscle health. Although the natural sources of foods have lots of vitamins in them, we require more vitamins more than that, mainly because of our lifestyle and dietary habits.

 

As much as vitamins are important for us, they are important for our dogs too.  Dogs have similar body functions to us and need vitamins to boost their body functions and maintain proper health. With growing problems of aging and obesity, many dog owners have started giving their dogs vitamin supplements. Vitamin supplements can also help maintain a good and soft coat of your dog.

What vitamins does your dog really need? Are there any risks associated with vitamins to your dog? If you have these questions, then we are here to answer you.

What are Vitamins

Vitamins are essential micronutrients necessary for our bodily functions. Micronutrients are substances that our body needs in minute amounts daily but are crucial for good health. The required daily intake of vitamins is just a few hundred milligrams, but when the body does not get the required amount, it leads to negative effects on the health. The following vitamins are not only necessary for us but for dogs too.

• Vitamin A
• B vitamins
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin K
• Choline

Vitamin A for Dogs

Much known for being present in carrots and improving eyesight, Vitamin A has several benefits for dogs. Vitamin A is very necessary for the muscles, nerves, skin, and fur coat of the dogs.

Vitamin B for Dogs

Vitamin B is a group containing crucial vitamins for your dog’s health.  Thiamine helps regulate energy and carbohydrate metabolism. Deficiency of thiamine can lead to digestive problems and can make your dog dull.  Vitamin B6 is very important for several functions. It helps in the production of blood cells, glucose regulation, nervous functions, and hormone regulations. Folic acid is a crucial Vitamin B required for protein synthesis and regulation in the body.

Vitamin C for Dogs

Vitamin C is an important oxidant necessary for removing toxic substances, reducing aging, and for the promotion of cognitive functions. Dog’s liver naturally produces a small amount of Vitamin, but added supplements can benefit your dog.

Vitamin D for Dogs

Vitamin D allows proper regulation of important minerals like phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium in your dog’s body. Without Vitamin D, your dog will not be able to have good bone and muscle health.

Vitamin E for Dogs

Vitamin E is crucial for your dog’s defense against oxidative damage. It also helps in cell function and fat metabolism.

Vitamin K for Dogs

Vitamin K is the most important blood clotting factor. Deficiency of Vitamin K can lead to excessive bleeding and hemorrhage, which can be fatal for your dog in case of an injury.

Choline for Dogs

Choline is an important component of the body cells. It also promotes brain and liver health. It is also used for treating epilepsy in dogs and cats.

Risks of Vitamins to Dogs

Vitamins are essential for your dog’s life. However, nothing is good in excess. Regardless of how important vitamins are, too much of them can harm your dog’s health. Excess intake of Vitamin D can harm the bones and muscles, leading to muscle atrophy. Excessive Vitamin D leads to higher calcium absorption in the bones, leading to skeletal problems.  Too much Vitamin A can affect the blood vessel and can cause dehydration and joint pain as well.

The risks associated with vitamins are due to their excess intake. Before supplementing your dog’s diet with any vitamins, it is important to consult with your dog’s veterinarian.

How to Choose Vitamin Supplements for your Dog

Consulting what amount and which of the vitamins is very important for your dog’s health. Also, the brand of supplements you choose for your dog is crucial. You should want to give your dog supplements that carry the required amount of vitamins and are FDA approved for your dog to consume. Here are things you need to look for in for your dog’s vitamin supplements:

You must find a brand that specializes in dog food and supplements. The company should provide clinical studies for the manufacturing of their product.

You should read labels very carefully. Look for the right ingredients and what percentage of vitamins they contain. Also, check the lot number on the product. Lot product is present when the product undergoes quality testing.

Beware of claims that sound too good. It is better not to believe supplements label with promises to alleviate diseases like cancer or hip dysplasia; after all, they are only vitamins.

It is always good to look at the manufacturer’s contact number. Call and ask for who formulated the product and their expertise. Also, ask how long the manufacturer is in the business to ensure that the manufacturers are experienced.

Get the Right Vitamin Supplements for your Dog

Are you worried about giving your dog the right vitamin supplements? We at Green Mountain Animal formulate vitamin supplements of premium quality. Our vitamin supplements have no additives and are made commercially available after many research and clinical trials.

Does your dog require any special formulations or specific vitamin requirements? No worries, consult us, and we will make a custom formulation according to what is best for your dog or to supply your retail chain stores.

GREEN MOUNTAIN ANIMAL LLC
75 Catamount Drive
Milton, Vermont 05468
802-752-4738