Vitamins are essential to supporting your dog’s total health. But what are the best vitamins for your dog?
Most synthetic vitamins aren’t recognizable by the body and are treated like toxins (hence, your dog pees yellow). Instead, choose a natural food-based supplement. Vitamin A improves eyesight and promotes cell function and fetal development, while vitamin E reduces oxidative damage to the liver and boosts immunity.
Vitamin A
What vitamins are good for dogs? One of the essential vitamins is Vitamin A, which is crucial for boosting the immune system, promoting healthy skin and coat, aiding bone growth, improving eyesight, and preventing night blindness in some dogs.
Many pet owners supplement their dog’s diet with vitamins, especially if their pup has a specific health condition that warrants it. But it’s important to discuss any vitamin supplement with your veterinarian first. They’ll ensure your dog is getting the right amount and won’t have any adverse side effects from too much of a good thing.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D, known as the “sunshine vitamin,” allows your dog’s body to absorb minerals like calcium and phosphorous for healthy bone growth. It also supports muscle movement, immune function, and proper cellular regulation.
Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and cod liver oil are rich in vitamin D3. This nutrient facilitates phosphorus and calcium homeostasis, prevents osteomalacia in adult dogs and rickets in puppies, and improves bone strength and muscle health.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that prevents the oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids in vegetables and fish. This substance is believed to protect the body’s cellular membranes from damage caused by free radicals.
Vitamin E has been shown to reduce the pro-inflammatory molecules produced in arthritic joints and improve cartilage synthesis. It may also reduce itching associated with atopic dermatitis. It is available in powder and liquid form and can be added to your dog’s food.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps prevent excessive bleeding by assisting in blood clotting. Dogs usually get enough of it from their gut bacteria that synthesize coagulation proteins, but some conditions can deplete the natural supply and lead to deficiency.
B-complex vitamins are water-soluble nutrients that help your dog digest and turn food into energy. Thiamin improves heart and nerve function, B6 regulates blood glucose, pantothenic acid supports hormone regulation, and folic acid helps with protein metabolism.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C improves the function of white blood cells, the body’s primary defense against infections and cancer. It also increases the production of interferons, and it has powerful antioxidant properties.
Other vitamins in the B family, such as pantothenic acid (B5), improve liver health and eyesight, B6 regulates blood glucose and reduces arthritis symptoms, and biotin supports hair, skin, and nail growth. Vitamin C comes in various forms, from mineral ascorbates to oil-soluble vitamins, but they all play important roles.
Vitamin B6
Kibble is a good source of vitamin B, but adding supplement can help your dog thrive. Try a multivitamin with a balanced dose of B vitamins, like this one, and antioxidants and omega fish oils to support your dog’s health.
Vitamin B is a family of water-soluble vitamins that assist biochemical reactions in changing carbohydrates into glucose. These vitamins include B1, B2, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12. They have many benefits, including promoting healthy metabolism, improving hair and skin, and strengthening nails.
Pantothenic Acid
Vitamin B5, or Pantothenic acid, is crucial for numerous metabolic processes, including protein synthesis, neurotransmitter production, and the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. It serves as a precursor to Coenzyme A. It also supports stress-related hormones and promotes healthy skin and coat.
While most dogs receive adequate vitamins from a balanced commercial diet, supplementation may be needed under certain circumstances. It’s best to consult with a veterinarian before starting any supplements.
Folic Acid
Folic acid (sometimes called Vitamin B9) is the water-soluble vitamin that helps your dog digest food and convert it into energy. It plays a role in cell growth, red blood cell production, and the synthesis of amino and fatty acids.
Vitamin C, an antioxidant, supports immune function, reduces inflammation, and promotes healthy aging.
The best way to ensure your dog gets all the necessary vitamins is through a balanced diet complemented by vet-recommended dog supplements.