Dog supplements can help canines the same way they help humans: by causing chemical reactions within the body and assisting in the proper absorption of fats and carbohydrates. Many dogs get all their nutritional needs met through their everyday diets. Not all dogs need supplements, and not all dogs that do need them require them in the same dosages. It is important to know which vitamins are needed for your dog, and which he is not already getting in sufficient amounts through his daily diet.
B-complex vitamins, including niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, folic acid, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, choline, biotin, and B12 help to convert food to energy and can help ensure your dog gets the maximum nutritional benefits from her food.
Some experts claim that dogs benefit from supplemental Vitamin C. It is believed that this can help to prevent injuries as well as relieve stress that can be brought on by the rigors of competitions and training. Vitamin C promotes development of strong bones and the ligaments surrounding those bones. Vitamin C should be administered gradually, since excesses of it can cause gastric problems such as diarrhea.
Both B-complex vitamins and Vitamin C are water-soluble. This means your dog will excrete whatever vitamins are not needed, and vitamin buildup will not occur.
Other vitamins, such as Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E and Vitamin K, are fat-soluble vitamins. This means any excess amounts are stored in your dog’s fatty tissues. Unused fat-soluble vitamins can reach toxic levels if they are given in excess. The aforementioned vitamins can enhance several different body functions, such as eyesight, blood coagulation, cell stability, and bone formation (in conjunction with calcium). Deficiencies in these vitamins can lead to eye problems (Vitamin A), rickets (Vitamin D), and muscle and reproductive problems (Vitamin E).
Dog supplements are more than just vitamins. Minerals also play an important part in your dog’s
health .
Like vitamins, most of these are present in commercial pet
foods, but some dogs may require additional amounts through supplements. Proper bone formation and strength rely on correct amounts, and proper proportions, of calcium and phosphorous. Magnesium also works in concert with calcium, and aids in the function of the heart, nervous tissue, and muscles. Magnesium also assists the body in metabolizing sodium and potassium.
Recent studies have shown benefits of the dog supplement glucosamine. As with humans, glucosamine helps maintain joint health and relieve some of the symptoms associated with arthritis and degenerative joint diseases.
While many dogs benefit from dog supplements, most dogs that eat a well-balanced diet of quality dog food may not need them. Always consult with your vet before beginning your pooch on a regimen of dog supplements.
