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Natural Dog Vitamins from Holistic Foods and Supplements

Dogs > Diet and Nutrition > Natural Dog Vitamins from Holistic Foods and Supplements

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also see Dog Multi Vitamin Supplements

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also see Dog Multivitamin

also see Canine Food Supplements

A well-balanced diet contains the natural dog vitamins your pet needs to thrive. A holistic meal plan is derived from whole ingredients, providing a high level of vitamins and proteins for you dog. Giving natural supplements to your dog combats free radicals and adds nutrients he lacks from his normal food intake.

Look for Holistic Foods

Increase your dog's vitamin and protein consumption by incorporating the following food sources to his breakfast, lunch or dinner:

· High-grade poultry protein: look for specific ingredients such as "chicken meal" over more general terms like "poultry meal," which indicates the food source is from any kind of fowl; possibly a poor-quality animal source.

· Whole grains: select foods with ground brown rice, which is a good carbohydrate for sustained energy, fiber and vitamins.

· Organic oats and barley are healthy grains that possess natural dog vitamins like E and B.

· Organic eggs are a good source of protein and fat; they foster a shinny coat and healthy skin.

· Cooked organic ground beef, lamb or pork with the excess fat drained out; provides protein, energy and minerals.

What to Avoid in Dog Food
Filler and poor quality ingredients do not offer high levels of dietary value for canines. Properly formulated grains and carbohydrates do add nutritional significance to a dog's diet.

Watch out for these inferior filler/other ingredients in dog foods:

Peanut hulls and high levels of corn meal.
Preservatives/chemicals: BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin.
Artificial colors and flavors.
Extensive vegetable proteins; corn gluten meal and cereal grains when simply to provide texture.
Meat by-products: animal parts that are not meat, such as kidneys and intestines do not have a high level of natural dog vitamins.
Chicken flavor: only contains a small amount, if any, real poultry.
Meat-meal: parts of an animal source that have been rendered, such as hooves.

Supplements to Target

There are many natural supplements made for dogs to help add to their food plans. If you prepare your dog's meals from scratch, adding natural minerals and supplements will help round out his nutritional requirements.

Vitamin supplementation is also helpful for dogs with certain conditions or who are in the midst of a demanding training program.

Natural supplements for dogs:

Glucosamine and chondroiton: derived from shellfish, protects/cushions joints.
Natural dog vitamins: C in small doses; and B-12 for dogs with a decreased appetite.
Multi-vitamin or supplement containing: calcium, zinc, vitamins A, E, B, chlorophit, and magnesium.

High-quality Natural Treats

A great source for vitamins and minerals are specially-made treats. Reward your dog for his good behavior and supplement his packaged food diet with holistic treats. By eating treats made with good ingredients, your dog will benefit with healthy gums and teeth.

Any of the following ingredients are beneficial in holistic treats:

Human-grade ingredients
Organic flaxseed oil
Vegetables: carrots, green beans, zucchini
Fruits: apples, blueberries and bananas
Barley, oatmeal
Honey
Peanut butter

While a holistic diet including natural dog vitamins and ingredients is healthy, there are foods dogs cannot eat.

Do not feed your dog the following natural foods:

Garlic and onions: harms red blood cells
Grapes and raisins: results in kidney damage
Chocolate: contains theobromine, a cardiac stimulant
Yeast dough: leads to digestive problems
Avocado: effects the heart and breathing
Macadamia Nuts: causes muscle tremor/paralysis

also see Nutrient Requirements of Dogs: Choosing the Healthiest Dog Food

also see Canine Food Supplement: Keeping Your Dog Healthy

also see Lymphosarcoma

also see Treats, Snacks and Supplements