Vitamins for Dogs

Vitamins are essential for our dogs, not just for us humans.

Without these little helpers, nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, or fats cannot be utilized in the body.

A dog’s body can produce some vitamins itself. Other vitamins must be fed in the appropriate amount.

The tasks of the vitamins

A dog’s metabolism is very complex. For it to function smoothly, it needs vitamins as well as enzymes.

The enzymes act as accelerators in individual chemical reactions. Vitamins support the enzymes in this.

6 essential vitamins for dogs

Vitamins ensure optimal growth, help with energy production and play a major role in digestion.

• Vitamin A
  – Deficiency can lead to scaly and dry skin and acne
  – Overdose leads to serious health problems
• Vitamin B Complex
  – Is important for nerves
  – Found in milk, liver, yeast, and lungs
• Vitamin C
  – Dogs can produce vitamin C themselves via the liver and kidneys
• Vitamin D
  It– Important for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus and therefore for bones
• Vitamin E
  – Found in nuts or seeds
• Vitamin K
  – contained in spinach, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or fishmeal, and liver
  – influences blood clotting
  – does not have to be supplemented

Excretion, detoxification, and the defense against diseases are also influenced by vitamins. If your dog is under or oversupplied, this can have serious consequences for the health of the animal.

Vitamin A must be well dosed

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin found in egg yolk, liver, milk, or fish oil. The dog stores the vitamin in the liver.

Colored fruits and vegetables contain the precursor to this vitamin. If the dog eats this food, its body converts this so-called provitamin beta carotene into vitamin A, which the dog’s body needs for healthy skin and eyesight.

A lack of vitamin A can lead to scaly and dry skin and acne. Blisters in the mouth, susceptibility to infection, and growth disorders are also among the dangers of an undersupply.

But always make sure that your dog does not get too much vitamin A. This is what happens when you feed a lot of liver.

An overdose leads to serious health problems. Signs of this can be hyperexcitability, as well as bone growth in the vertebrae or an excess of potassium in the blood.

Vitamins D, E, and K for bones and blood clotting

Vitamin D is also fat-soluble. It is important for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the intestine. It helps keep our dog’s bones healthy.

Vitamin D is found in the liver and fish. A deficiency is rare. An oversupply can lead to calcification.

Vitamin E is also one of the fat-soluble vitamins and is found in nuts and seeds. It supports energy production and protects the animal from cardiovascular diseases.

Too much or too little vitamin E has no particular effect on the animal. Only in very extreme cases can an undersupply lead to central nervous disorders or growth and movement disorders.

Vitamin K affects blood clotting. It is found in spinach, broccoli, Brussels sprouts or fishmeal, and liver.

Vitamin K does not necessarily have to be supplied, because the dog can produce it in the intestine. A deficiency is very rare but can occur, for example, after the administration of antibiotics. There are no known consequences of an overdose.

Vitamin B complex is important for the nerves

The water-soluble vitamins include those of the B group. B1 is essential for metabolism and the functioning of the nervous system. Signs that your pet is getting too little vitamin B1 can be a lack of appetite, tiredness, eating feces, circulatory disorders, or cramps.

Vitamin B2 is found in milk, liver, yeast, and lungs and is also needed for metabolism. A deficiency is extremely rare. Loss of appetite, muscle weakness, and growth failure can be symptoms of this.

A B6 deficiency, which is contained in almost all foods of animal or plant origin, is just as unlikely. Vitamin B6 supports the metabolism of amino acids and protein.

Vitamin B12 can be found in every cell in the body. It is involved in cell division, blood formation, and the functioning of the nervous system. Meat and offal are rich in vitamin B12. Anemia would be a symptom of undersupply.

The good feed contains the right amount of vitamins

Unlike us humans, our dogs can produce vitamin C themselves. This happens in the liver or kidneys. A supply only makes sense in special cases. This may be necessary after surgery or liver disease.

All vitamins are contained in the right amount in high-quality complete food, so you as a dog owner can be sure that your darling is well cared for.

It’s different if you feed your dog raw. Then you should pay particular attention to the correct vitamin intake.

Frequently Asked Question

How do you know if your dog has a vitamin deficiency?

The lack of minerals, fats, or proteins often translates into reduced energy, a weakened immune system, a dull coat, and perhaps even hair loss and dandruff. There are also changes in behavior such as increased susceptibility to stress or apathy.

How does a vitamin b12 deficiency manifest itself in dogs?

The symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency in dogs and cats are very unspecific, such as exhaustion, emaciation, anemia, possibly also diarrhea, and neurological disorders.

Which vitamins are important for the dog?

Your dog needs iron, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K. But since vitamins are sometimes not contained in sufficient quantities in daily food, specialized manufacturers have developed tablets and powders that provide your dog with the missing nutrients must.

What vitamins and minerals for dogs?

For a dog to have a healthy, long, and vital life, a whole range of minerals (by the way: not minerals, these are rocks) are necessary. These include above all calcium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, and potassium as well as iron, copper, zinc, selenium, iodine, manganese, and fluorine.

Where do dogs get vitamins from?

If you put together your dog’s food yourself, you should ensure that it has an adequate supply of vitamins, especially vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is found in liver, muscle meat, and dairy products, not in plant foods.

What dietary supplements for dogs?

Antioxidant supplements may be a good idea for senior dogs. This includes preparations with zinc, selenium, vitamins C, E, and B2 – all of these substances help to protect the cells from oxidative stress. Since vitamins E and B2 are fat-soluble, there is a risk of overdosing.

How good is coconut oil for dogs?

Coconut oil also helps with dry and scaly skin and cares for the coat. With regular use, it gives shine and makes the coat supple and combable. In addition, it eliminates unpleasant odors thanks to the pleasant coconut scent.

Can I give my dog flaxseed oil?

Due to the proportion of fatty acids, it contains, linseed oil is ideal for feeding dogs. It is suitable for all ages and breeds. Also as an addition to dry or wet food meals, the linseed oil contributes to a healthy diet for your furry friend.