Dog vitamins? Sure, we take them...why can't they?

As vitamins are sometimes also recommended for dogs that are too thin or suffering from malnutrition, it is vital that you visit your vet with your dog if you suspect that there might be an underlying health problem causing weight loss.

Many types of dog food that we feed our pets is overly processed causing a lack of important vitamins and other nutrients such as amino acids, enzymes, fatty acids, and minerals that dogs need to stay healthy. Some of the most necessary dog vitamins are vitamin A, C, D, E, niacin and folic acid; minerals such as calcium, potassium and chromium are essential.

Providing extra vitamins for dogs will aid your pet's health by keeping his skin and nails healthy (with calcium and vitamin C), keeping his body fat at a healthy level, developing muscle tissue (with chromium) and maintaining your dogÕs appetite, with B vitamins. These vitamins can be given to your animal by providing more fresh vegetables or by feeding it vitamin supplements (such as drops, tablets or capsules).

What about vitamin C for Dogs?

Vitamin C and D in combination will help the body produce collagen, which helps to keep the muscles and ligaments strong and flexible. Dogs need a lot of vitamin C, but mainly the kind of vitamin C for dogs that is produced by their own bodies.

Vitamin C and other vitamins for dogs can help prevent the development of arthritis, but it is important not to give your pet high doses of from pills or capsules. Providing a diet with vegetables such as carrot and broccoli stems or occasionally cooked potato will supply your dog with all the extra vitamin C it needs as its body will be able to produce this vitamin on its own.

What about human vitamins for dogs?

Don't be tempted to give your dog any vitamins that are manufactured and labelled as suitable for people. Dogs have different dog vitamin requirements and vitamins for dogs come in different amounts/potencies. A dose of a certain vitamin might be just right for a person but not for a dog...high doses could actually be toxic for your animal.

Human vitamins for dogs are not a good idea...give your pet special dog vitamins, and consult your vet before you start giving any supplements to your canine friend. Some dogs might suffer from conditions that could worsen from certain nutrient increases. Your veterinarian can advise you on food supplements and vitamins that might be good for your dog.