It is not surprising that every organism needs vitamins and nutritional supplements for normal growth and maintenance. Because body can not manufacture vitamins on its own, but can get them from the foods. Dogs need vitamins to stay healthy, too.
So, what are the main vitamins your four-legged pet needs? Mostly they need these vitamins:
- Vitamin A - responsible for growth, immune and cell function
- B vitamins (biotin, folate, niacin, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, thiamine, vitamin B-6, and vitamin B-12)
- Vitamin C – an antioxidant
- Vitamin E – cell function and fat metabolism
- Vitamin K - for activation of proteins
- Folic acid – for metabolism and protein synthesis
One of the most import rules to never give a dog human vitamin and supplements as they can contain proportion or ingredients that will be harmful for a pet.
Normally, dogs receive a complete and balanced diet from complex commercial dog food and most likely do not need any additional nutritional supplements. Be sure to check ingredients on a commercial dog food to secure the diet is complete and balanced. Dogs eating homemade meals may need supplements to balance out their diet. Pet owners should always talk to their veterinarian or nutritionist for help in determining whether pet needs any vitamin or supplement.
