A dog nutritional supplement is the best way to meet your dog's nutritional needs. Dog foods do contain protein and fat, but these foods often bypass beneficial antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. These nutrients help slow the aging process by improving cell growth and joint health. Nutritional Guidelines Veterinarians agree that a dog's diet should consist of 25 percent protein, 35 percent fat and 55 percent carbohydrates. Dog food companies design their foods to meet these general guidelines. However, most companies ignore important vitamins and antioxidants. Choosing a Dog Nutritional Supplement Check your dog's food to see if it meets the daily requirements. Guidelines, based on a dog's weight, suggest: * Biotin-0.001 mg per pound * Folic Acid-0.002 mg per pound * Niacin-0.12 mg per pound * Vitamin A-50 IU per pound * Vitamin B1-0.01 mg per pound * Vitamin B2-0.05 mg per pound * Vitamin B5-0.1 mg per pound * Vitamin B6-0.01 mg per pound * Vitamin B12-0.00025 mg per pound * Vitamin D-5 IU per pound * Vitamin E-Up to 20 IU per day Calculating your Dog's Needs Take a close look at your dog's food. Write out a list of vitamins and minerals found in one serving. Compare that list to the list of suggested nutritional needs. Make note of the vitamin and mineral needs not met. These vitamins and minerals should be included in any dog nutritional supplement.