For a beautiful coat and skin, give your dog vitamin supplements. Just because you feed your dog a high quality dog food does not mean he has all the vitamins and minerals he needs. Many dog foods contain by-products that become toxic, increasing the effects of “free radicals”. Free radicals can cause health problems such as heart disease, arthritis, cancer and seizures. Dog vitamin supplements are not created equal; some contain artificial ingredients, sugars and fillers that are not necessary for the health of your dog, and some can cause even more damage. A good dog vitamin supplement contains all natural ingredients with no additives.
Dog Vitamin Supplements
Vitamins are classified in two different categories: fat-soluble and water-soluble. A dog's system will flush out water-soluble vitamins, and fat-soluble vitamins remain in the dog's fatty tissues.
- Vitamin A – Essential for healthy skin, eye function and skeletal growth. Vitamin A also destroys cancer-causing agents, promotes immune system health and is a fat-soluble vitamin.
- Vitamin B Complex – Contains B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B12. B Complex helps to maintain function of the muscle tone, nervous system and gastrointestinal tract as well as the skin, coat, eyes, liver and mouth. All B vitamins are water-soluble.
- Vitamin C (Ester C™) – Essential for immune system health and the function of white blood cells. Vitamin C also fights effects of free radicals and is water-soluble.
- Vitamin D – Essential for eye health, muscle development and gastrointestinal health, and is considered a fat-soluble vitamin.
- Vitamin E – Essential for protection against free radicals and considered an antioxidant, and is fat-soluble.
Other Helpful Nutrients
Mineral supplements are also essential, including:
- Calcium – An essential nutrient for nursing mothers and puppies, calcium helps with bone growth and joint strength.
- Fatty Acids – Helps to prevent problems with skin and coat, and they also have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Antioxidants – Antioxidants search out and destroy free radicals while in the oxidation process.
Take into consideration each dog’s individual needs when choosing dog vitamin supplements. Puppies and young active dogs need different nutrients than older dogs. Your vet can provide you with the information you need to purchase the correct vitamin supplement for your particular dog.
Make sure you purchase a quality supplement that is all natural, with no artificial ingredients. It's never too late to start your dog or puppy on vitamin supplements. The additional cost will be worth it in the end when you see your dog showing signs of being happier and healthier. You will actually save in the end, because you'll reduce trips to the vet and be able to enjoy the company of your pet for many years to come.