If you’re a health-conscious you probably take a multi-vitamin, or at least pay attention to which foods will give you more of certain vitamins. But what about vitamin supplements for your dog? Do dogs need vitamins in addition to their food? And if so, what kind? Read on to learn all about vitamin supplements for dogs.
All living organisms need vitamins and organic compounds essential for balanced nutrition and normal growth. Vitamins aren’t naturally synthesized by the body, so animals and human beings have to consume foods that provide them. Consider vitamin C: humans need it to survive, but our bodies don’t make it. So, we eat fruits and vegetables, and maybe add some supplements, to ensure we get the right amount.
- Dogs have specific vitamin requirements, which can include: Vitamin K for activation of clotting factors, bone proteins, and other proteins
- Vitamin B1 (thiamin) for carbohydrate metabolism and the activation of ion channels in neural tissue
- Riboflavin and niacin (also known as vitamins B2 and B3, respectively) for enzyme functions
- Vitamin B6 for glucose generation, red blood cell function, nervous system function, immune response, and hormone regulation
- Folic acid for metabolism and protein synthesis
Commercial dog food is specifically formulated to meet those needs. If your dog’s food is labeled “complete and balanced,” it contains all the vitamins and minerals your dog needs.
