| Dogs > Diet and Nutrition > Dog Nutritional Supplement Guide: The Essential Vitamins and Minerals | |
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also see Canine Food Supplements
also see Best Dog Vitamins
also see Dog Nutrition Health
also see Dog Food Supplement
also see Dogs Mineral Oil
also see Dog Nutritional
also see Veterinarian Dogs Nutrition
Meet your dog's nutritional requirements by providing vitamin and mineral supplements in each day's diet. Vitamins and minerals work together so your dog's digestive, circulatory, reproductive, immune and nervous systems function normally. Vitamin and mineral supplements are available in liquid, tablet or treat form. You may also incorporate natural vitamin and mineral supplements in food made from scratch.
Here are the vitamin and mineral supplements your dog needs and why:
Calcium and phosphorous-for healthy bone growth, blood coagulation, muscle contraction, and nerve impulse transmission
Copper-for proper formation of bone, tissue, and cells
Fatty acids-for proper function of body organs and control of allergies and inflammation
Glucosamine and Chondroitin-- for maintenance of healthy joints
Iodine-- for proper metabolism and thyroid function
Iron-- for proper function of red blood cells which transport oxygen
Magnesium-- for proper vitamin, mineral and enzyme use, bone development, and protein production
Potassium-- for maintaining healthy muscles and nerves, and proper fluid balance
Selenium-- for protection of cells as an antioxidant
Sodium and chloride-- working separately or together, as sodium chloride, for proper fluid balance, transfer of nutrients, elimination of cell waste
Zinc-- for maintaining healthy hair and skin.
Vitamin A-- for maintaining healthy hair, skin, eyes, muscles, nerves and ovaries.
Vitamin C-- for maintaining a healthy urinary tract.
Vitamin B complex-- for maintaining normal growth and energy levels
Vitamin D-- for proper nerve and bone formation and muscle function
Vitamin E-- for proper cell respiration, fat metabolism and hormone production.
Vitamin K-- for maintaining normal blood functions, like clotting.
also see How A High Fiber Dog Diet Affects Digestion
also see What Causes Food Allergies In Dogs?
also see How Dehydrated Dog Food Benefits Your Dog
also see What a Natural Dog Supplement Should Contain
also see Why Canine Vitamin C Supplements Aren't Necessary
also see Will a Canine Supplement Help with Aging?
also see Dog Health: Supplements With Proven Results
also see Diet Management in Dogs