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The Importance Of Dog Vitamins

By Lou Manning


Dogs have different nutritional needs that may require them to take dog vitamins. Take those who are on a raw food diet, for example. They are generally suggested to take vitamin supplements in order to make up for the lack of nutrients they are receiving.

Older dogs would especially need supplements because they are no longer able to eat as much as they did when they were younger. This could mean that they are lacking in certain nutrients. If you have no idea which vitamins to get yet, then you should start by finding out what each vitamin is actually for to begin with.

Vitamin A is good for the skin as it can help prevent irritable and flaky skin in your pets. Vitamin D, on the other hand, is good for the teeth and bones. Certain breeds, such as golden retrievers, who are prone to hip problems and arthritis would be the ones who would benefit the most from vitamin D supplements.

Vitamin D is especially important for dogs that are prone to arthritis and hip problems, such as golden retrievers, because it targets their bones and teeth. Vitamin E, on the other hand, is an antioxidant; while Vitamin K helps with blood clotting. Vitamin B helps dogs maintain healthy muscles, skin and blood. Lastly, Vitamin C relieves them of stress and acts as an antioxidant, as well.

While good quality pet food may be advertised as complete with all of the nutrients your dog needs, some people will still argue otherwise. Some premade dog foods can go through a cooking process that strains the nutrients and leaves the food lacking in that department, for instance. There are also foods that include a good dose of recommended vitamins, but do not provide additional ones for protection against illness.

Vitamins also help in regularizing metabolism. As an active animal, a dog needs to have a good balance in his digestive system. The water soluble ones are B and C, which have to be replenished everyday. The fat soluble ones are A, D, E, and K and are stored in fatty tissue and the liver. These do not necessarily need to be replenished everyday.

Supplements also include minerals, which keep the body fluids balanced. Dogs need calcium, magnesium, a little bit of sodium, and potassium just like humans do. Be careful not to let them take too much, though, because the minerals can affect each other.

If you aren't giving any supplements to your dog at the moment, try to look at him for a moment. If he seems to be losing a lot of weight or fur, then he might be lacking in vitamin A. If he seems to be losing some muscle tone, then he might be lacking in vitamin D. No matter what the case may be, though, it would be best to ask your veterinarian for advice on which food changes or vitamin add-ons would be best for your furry friend.

A lot of the time, vitamin deficiencies exist in packaged food that can be bought at local supermarkets. Because of this, you should always make it a point to read food labels before buying them. This way, you can make sure that your pet actually gets all of the dog vitamins that he needs in the end.




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