A balanced diet and adequate physical activity are key to maintaining your pet's good health and overall well-being. To take even better care of your pet, it's worth giving them appropriate dog supplements. Find out which vitamins to choose for your dog.
What vitamins do dogs need?
The most important vitamins for dogs are definitely the fat-soluble ones, including A , D , E, and K , but there's more! Your dog's daily diet should include plenty of vitamins to support their health. Check out this list of essential vitamins for your pet!
| Vitamin | What is he responsible for? | Source |
| AND | eyesight, skin condition, digestion, immunity | liver, eggs, fish oil |
| D | metabolism and absorption of calcium and phosphorus – essential for healthy bones and teeth | fish, liver |
| E | red blood cell production, free radical neutralization, and immunity. Supports muscle, liver, skin, and coat health. | vegetable oil, cereals, peppers, liver |
| K | blood clotting, wound healing, prevents heart disease | green leafy vegetables, liver |
Dogs also need B vitamins , which are found in sources such as offal, legumes, and fish. These vitamins are responsible for metabolizing carbohydrates and are essential for maintaining proper physical condition. They positively impact brain function and the digestive system. B vitamins also contribute to glucose production and red blood cell function. It's worth knowing that vitamin deficiency:
- B12 – causes loss of appetite in dogs, which often leads to anemia,
- B1 – causes damage to the nervous system, symptoms of which include paresis and neuralgia,
- B5 – manifests itself in digestive problems, severe fatigue and accelerated pulse and breathing,
- B7 – has a negative impact on the condition of the skin – the hair becomes dull and falls out.
Can you give your dog human vitamins?
Since dogs and humans need the same vitamins to function healthily, does that mean you can share supplements with your pet? No! Under no circumstances should you give your dog (or any other animal) vitamins, let alone any other medications you take yourself .
Dog supplements typically have different dosage concentrations than those intended for humans. You won't find dosage instructions for animals on the packaging of "human" vitamins. Furthermore, supplements may contain substances harmful to dogs. Don't risk it – choose only products designed with your pet's health in mind !
What supplements should a dog take?
Let's start with which vitamins are crucial in a puppy's diet. Small dogs, just like adults, should take supplements rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K. Remember that dogs grow rapidly, so it's crucial to provide them with the right amount of minerals and vitamins. Pay particular attention to vitamin D3 , which is responsible for proper bone growth and calcium and phosphorus regulation.
Supplements for joints
When it comes to dog vitamins for joint health , it's worth choosing supplements rich in vitamins D , C , and E. However, vitamins alone may not be sufficient. Therefore, it's a good idea to choose comprehensive supplements with added glucosamine and chondroitin.
Coat and skin supplements
If you want your dog to have beautiful, radiant skin , give them supplements with B vitamins . Vitamins B7 (biotin) and B5 (pantothenic acid) are especially valuable. Furthermore, vitamins A , E , and C are recommended to delay the skin aging process and eliminate free radicals.
Immunity supplements
Vitamins for dogs that have antifungal and antibacterial properties, as well as support the body's regenerative processes, include A , C , and K. They should be given regularly to prevent the development of disease.
What vitamins are in dog food?
Not all dogs are created equal. The question of what vitamins are in dog food is answered: it depends. Vitamins in a pet's food come from two sources. The first is the ingredients from which the food is made , such as poultry, beef, lamb, offal, oils, and vegetables. The second source is so-called vitamin and mineral supplements . These are specially prepared mixtures in proportions designed to meet dogs' needs. Therefore, dog food can contain a wide range of vitamins: A, D, E, K, and B vitamins. The higher the quality of the product, the more natural, valuable vitamins it contains.
Dog treats with vitamins
Dog treats with vitamins are an important part of your dog's diet. Whether you use ready-made (dry and wet) food or cook it yourself, it's definitely worth introducing these nutritious treats into your dog's diet. However, remember that they are meant to be a dietary supplement only—they cannot replace full-fledged meals.
Treats can support your pet's entire body, strengthen its immunity, or focus solely on a single area: skin , fur , or joints . An example of such a product are the crunchy O!mega Fur treats from Pokusa, which care for the condition of your pet's fur.
Dog supplements available at Poshpaws
If you're looking for quality, high-quality supplements for your pet, explore the wide range of products available at Poshpaws! The supplements listed below are just a small portion of our selection.
Blue Pet Co. – GoShine
Supplements come in a variety of forms. Blue Pet Co.'s chewable functional supplements are certainly an interesting option. These products contain naturally derived compounds from seaweed that have a multifaceted effect on your pet's body. They support hair growth, making them an effective solution in the fight againstAlopecia X.
Jampy – The Good Boy (5 in 1 Multivitamin)
For comprehensive support for your pet, a comprehensive supplement from Jampy is perfect. This product contains not only vitamins but also other valuable ingredients such as glucosamine , echinacea extract , tryptophan , and prebiotics . The Good Boy supports bones, skin, joints, digestion, and the immune system, and is also responsible for stress management. It's a great supplement for allergy sufferers . It's free from wheat, salt, lactose, gluten, corn, flavorings, and preservatives.
Temptation – GreenLine MultiVit Dog
The Pokusa brand's GreenLine MultiVit Dog supplement is a complete blend of vitamins , amino acids, and minerals. Regularly consumed, it has a positive impact on the immune system, digestion, and skin and coat condition. The supplement comes in tablet form with a pleasant smell and taste, so dogs are unlikely to reject it.
How to give your dog vitamins?
There's a wide selection of dog vitamins on the market today. You can opt for the aforementioned treats in the form of small crunchy kibbles . Supplements, on the other hand, usually come in powder form, which you can sprinkle on food or mix with kibble.
There are also supplements in tablet form , which can be given directly to the dog, incorporated into food, or crushed into food. A user-friendly way to administer supplements is through vitamin drops , which can be administered directly into the mouth or added to food. Furthermore, you can also treat your pet to chewable supplements , such as paste or oil .
