A proper nutritional plan for your dog includes a balanced diet, a dog multi vitamin and, in some cases, special supplements. Dog obesity contributes to a host of medical conditions from arthritis to heart disease. Maintaining your pet’s weight is the ideal way to ensure her a long and healthy life.
Some vitamins and minerals in dog foods break down when exposed to light and air. Give your dog the balance she needs by adding vitamin tablets to her diet plan.
Swap Snacks for Vitamins
Rewarding your pet for good behavior is the focal point of any good training strategy. But instead of offering up a typical treat, make it a pet vitamin. They are a much better choice over fattening chew sticks or large biscuits, and you’ll be rewarding your dog with good health, too.
Pet vitamins are low in calories and come in canine-friendly flavors like liver and chicken. You can find many healthy, chewable vitamins at pet stores. Try out several different flavors and brands on your pet to determine which ones she likes.
Replacing a fattening treat with a dog multi vitamin supports a stronger immune system, healthier coat and better digestion. In addition, those made with antioxidants and proteins such as selenium are also excellent for your dog’s health and well-being.
When to Up the Vitamins
If your dog eats a superior dried food brand, it’s likely well-balanced and fortified with a variety of vitamins. Proper nutrients in dog food should include vitamins, minerals, protein and good carbohydrates.
Review the ingredients table on the package to determine the quality of the food sources. Look for high-protein ingredients and little, if any, fillers such as preservatives, additives, large quantities of corn meal or generic animal meal. However, even highest quality dog food can lose some vitamins and minerals during processing.
If your dog will only eat one kind of food that’s not big on vitamins, supplement her food. Crush a dog multi vitamin and mix it in her dried food along with a little warm water. Vitamins also come in liquid or powdered forms that are easy to add to all kinds of foods.
Dogs on Fresh Food Diets
Some fruits, along with fresh-cooked vegetables, grains and meats are all excellent choices for feeding your dog. They keep her immune system up and protect her from tainted food sources. Since you are the one controlling your dog’s nutrient intake, make sure you supplement her home-cooked meals with the right amount of essential vitamins.
Select a Vitamin Product
Choose a dog multi vitamin that’s right for your pet according to her age, size and health. Supplements and vitamins come in a variety of choices for adult dogs, puppies, senior dogs and those with special conditions like diabetes or joint problems.
For example, a one-year-old dog benefits from a supplement containing essential vitamins, amino acids, beta-carotene, and Omega-3 fatty acids. A normal dosage for a 25 lb dog is 1 tablet a day. If your dog is larger, give her one tablet in the morning and one at dinner time.
Look for the following essential ingredients in pet vitamin tablets to help balance your dog’s normal diet.
- Vitamins: A, B-12, C, D, E, K
- Calcium
- Choline
- Copper
- Folic acid
- Iron
- Kaolin
- Phosphorus
- Manganese
- Magnesium
- Minerals
- Niacin
- Riboflavin
- Wheat Germ
- Zinc