Are you committed to living your best life? Chances are you take vitamins and supplements to add nutrients to your diet that you may miss from your daily meals. Yet, do your four-legged friends need the same? How do you know whether your dog needs additional vitamins, minerals, or supplements to keep it healthy and its tail wagging?
The pet pros with Pure Peak know that confusing the nutritional needs of your forever friend can be. We want this comprehensive guide on dog vitamins and supplements to provide you with the data you need to make informed decisions about your pet’s health and well-being.
What Vitamins Should Dogs Have Daily?
Dogs are at their best when they have a well-balanced diet. Thankfully, most commercially available dog foods on the market day have all the vitamins and minerals your dog needs to stay fit and healthy. The Association of American Feed Control Officials is an independent organization with established guidelines to provide manufacturers with the necessary vitamin and mineral levels that commercially available dog foods should include for optimal pet health. Dog foods that meet AAFCO standards give your four-legged friends everything they need in one bowl.
According to the AAFCO, dogs need these vitamins daily to grow and thrive:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- B vitamins, including folic acid, thiamin, riboflavin, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid, biotin, and choline
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Iron
- Zinc
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Copper
- Iodine
However, pet families also need to consider their dog’s special needs, including age, breed, activity level, and health. High-energy or working dogs need more protein than smaller breeds, and growing puppies need more vitamins than adults.
Should I Be Giving My Dog Any Supplements?
Should I be giving me dog supplements? A trusted veterinarian best answers this question. During your companion’s next wellness visit, share your concerns with your vet. They can test for vitamin deficiencies, so you know if your pet needs to add a specific vitamin or multivitamin into their routine.
If your dog gets a balanced diet every day, do not add vitamins or supplements to your dog’s routine without first checking with your veterinarian. More is not always better. Sometimes, it can be downright fatal. Vitamins like vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble. These vitamins dissolve in fats and oils and can be stored by the body for long periods. Consuming too much fat-soluble vitamins can be toxic and cause significant health problems in dogs and cats. Vitamin D and iron poisoning are common in dogs. Vitamin A poisoning, while not as common, is still a concern.
On the other hand, vitamins like vitamin C and B vitamins are water-soluble. These vitamins do not get stored in the body. They enter the bloodstream, the body absorbs what it needs, and the rest gets eliminated as waste through the urine. If your dog doesn’t need these vitamins, giving them to your pet won’t hurt, but you waste money every time you take your dog out for a potty break.
Do Dog Vitamins Make a Difference?
Canine vitamins can make a difference in the health and wellness of your pet if they have special medical conditions or vitamin deficiencies. They can also help keep your pet healthy if they are a picky eater or are not getting everything needed from food. Some pets with specific physical or mental issues may also benefit from the addition of a doggy supplement.
Share information about your four-legged friend's overall health and condition with your vet. Have you noticed that their coat looks dull or their skin is flaking? It may be time to add an omega-3 fatty acid supplement to your dog’s diet. If your pup is suffering pain, you notice mobility issues, or they are later in life, an Omega 3 supplement may put a little pep in their step.
There is such a wide variety of products on the market today that it can be challenging to narrow down which ones are safe and effective for your furry friend. That is why it is vital to communicate with your veterinarian, who can help you understand your dog's needs and direct you to the products that can benefit your pet and enhance your pup’s quality of life.
How Do You Know If Your Dog Needs Supplements?
Friendship works both ways. Dogs may be man’s best friend, but we are dogs' best friends, too. Your dog can’t speak human, so it is up to you to monitor your best friend’s health and take note of unusual signs or symptoms that something may be wrong. Supplements can be one helpful tool in addressing health conditions in your pet.
One of the most common ailments that plague aging dogs is joint issues. When you see signs that it is harder for your dog to move, they are not as playful or energetic, or you see limping or other mobility problems, a joint supplement may help. Support from supplements that contain glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids, and collagen may help improve lubrication, decrease inflammation, and improve joint health in older animals. In addition to supplements, additional support with CBD may also help address stress and anxiety that may stem from mobility issues in some dogs.
While supplements are not a substitution for medical care and other treatments, they are a valuable tool that can help support good health and wellness and enhance your dog’s quality of life. A visit to your vet can help determine if your dog needs a supplement and which supplements and vitamins may help improve your companion’s health and well-being.
Your Dog Deserves the Best of the Best
Pure Peak is leading the charge in the pet health revolution. Our company is passionately committed to delivering high-quality, clean, quality-assured pet products. If you want to give your pet the best, we can help. Explore our range of pet products carefully crafted to deliver unmatched benefits.
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