You want your dog is healthy and happy. That means finding the right nutritional balance. Vitamins are an important part of keeping our bodies working well, and may affect tens of thousands of chemical reactions. These nutrients work together with enzymes and minerals to help our bodies – and our dogs – stay in good condition. Here’s a look at what’s out there, and how to provide adequate supplementation to our pets.
Vitamins are of two types – soluble in water and soluble in fat. Water-soluble vitamins pass through the body, to date, and excreted in urine. Fat-soluble vitamins stay in the fatty tissues and liver, and can be stored for use in time. Fat-soluble vitamins are A, D, E and K, while water soluble vitamins are vitamins B and vitamin C.
This means that, although it is also difficult to feed the many water-soluble vitamins, too much of a fat soluble vitamin such as A or D, may actually be unhealthy. People and animals have been known poisoning vitamin fat-soluble vitamins, when taken in excess.
Therefore, dog vitamins should offer, and when? It depends on your dog and what they have been eating. Young, active adult dogs, who are receiving a good quality, well balanced diet does not need much in the way of supplementation. Some puppies can benefit from it, however. It can help them grow properly. Just be careful with supplements of calcium in the puppies of large and giant breeds, which can cause problems of excessive growth and joint in adulthood. Older dogs absorb less nutrition from their food, and can also benefit from supplementation.
If you are thinking about using vitamins for dogs, be sure to discuss them with your veterinarian. He or she can help you understand what is right for your pet and how to administer the supplements. Remember you need to find a good vitamin supplement that will provide eight essential vitamins in the right proportion.
It is also a good idea to choose the vitamins in appealing flavors, to avoid a fight in the morning on your pet daily. The liver and bacon flavors will make your dog happy to take your vitamins. If your dog does not like a brand, try another. The result is a healthy dog.