Vitamins for dogs - what does your fur nose really need?

Just like humans, dogs also need macro and micro nutrients. While the macronutrients include carbohydrates, proteins and fats, the micronutrients include vitamins, minerals, trace elements, fatty acids such as omega-3 and phytochemicals. They are involved in numerous body processes, but unlike proteins and the like, do not provide any energy. Vitamins play a central role in the nutrition of our four-legged friends, because most of them are essential, i.e. you have to make sure that your furry friend takes them in enough from the diet to stay healthy.

But what does "sufficient" mean, which vitamins does your dog really need and how do you manage the complete supply? This is exactly what we have taken a closer look at for you in this article.

Omega-3 is also a very important fatty acid for dogs! In our detailed post on the subject read everything you need to Omega 3 for dogs should know!

What are vitamins for dogs?

Dogs have a very complex and sensitive metabolism. Its functionality is very important for the well-being of your dog. Just like enzymes, vitamins are involved in many processes in the body and are considered vital.

The organic compounds play a role in, among other things:

• Structure and protection of cells
• Defense against free radicals
• Development of bones and teeth
• regulation of metabolism
• Acceleration of enzymes
• Conversion of macronutrients into energy
• formation of blood
• Strengthen the immune system
• aid in digestion

As mentioned briefly above, your dog cannot produce most of the important vitamins itself. Incidentally, the same applies to cats. You can organize the vitamin supply on the one hand via the feed itself and on the other hand by feeding food supplements.

When it comes to vitamins, a distinction is made between water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins.

Water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins for dogs

As the name suggests, water-soluble vitamins can be dissolved in water. Their absorption takes place in the small intestine. All excess water-soluble vitamins are excreted by the body. He cannot store them, which makes a daily supply necessary. This group includes, for example, all vitamins from the B group.

In contrast to the water-soluble vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins can be stored in the cells of the liver or intestinal mucosa for a certain period of time. Sounds good at first, but be careful. In the same breath, that also means that overdosing can have serious consequences.

Which vitamins are important for dogs?

You now know that you need to provide all of the essential vitamins that your dog cannot produce on a daily basis. These include both water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. Since your dog's body can store fat-soluble vitamins, it's important to pay special attention to the dosage. Especially the Vitamin A and D can lead to health problems if the supply is too high. Remember: a lot doesn't always help a lot.

Let's take a look at the vitamins your dog needs below.

Vitamin A

• bone growth
• eye function
• Deficiency: scaly and dry skin and acne
• Overdose can lead to health problems

Group of B vitamins

• Vitamin B1 (thiamine) and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) for a functioning nervous system
• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) for the skin and energy metabolism
• Vitamin B7 (biotin or vitamin H) for a healthy coat
• Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) for blood formation and liver function
• Deficiency: neurological disorders, skin and coat problems

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

• Defense against free radicals
• Strengthen the immune system
• Structure of the connective tissue
• Manufactured by the dog's body in the liver and kidneys
• Additional gift only necessary if necessary

Vitamin D

• growth
• development of the bones
• Support in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus
• Deficiency: growth disturbance and bone deformation
• Overdose can lead to health problems

Vitamin E (tocopherol)

• Strengthen the immune system
• Protection against free radicals
• Muscle building and maintenance, therefore important for very active dogs
• Deficiency: Fatigue, muscle wasting and muscle tension

vitamin K

• bone formation
• Blood clotting
• Is made by the dog's body itself
• Additional gift only necessary if necessary

Is your dog often exposed to stressful situations? We'll tell you how St. John's wort for dogs can become a solution!

Do all dog breeds need the same amount of vitamins?

The vitamin requirement of a dog does not generally depend on the breed, but is based on many individual factors. What can be said, however, is that breeds such as border collies or beagles have an inherently unbalanced personality vitamin B12 balance bring along. Such blanket statements are more of an exception.

Individual factors in a dog's vitamin needs include:

• Age
• Size
• Weight
• Fitness
• health status
• special phases such as puppyhood or pregnancy
• activity level
• Diet like BARF (raw feeding)

As a rule, puppies and young dogs, senior citizens, pregnant or lactating (suckling) bitches as well as dogs in poor health and dogs that are taking medication have an increased need for vitamins. It is best if you have your pet's actual needs regularly determined by your veterinarian or alternative animal practitioner.

How can you dose vitamins for dogs?

The supply of vitamins for dogs is largely ensured through food. Since this is not sufficient in most cases, supplementary feeding in the form of capsules, tablets or powder is common. Depending on the instructions in the package leaflet, you can dose them accordingly. It's also best to talk to your vet about this.

Can I prevent a vitamin deficiency in my dog?

Yes definitely. The foundation is a balanced diet consisting of high-quality dry or wet food. In addition, it is advisable to supply important vitamins as a dietary supplement. Especially for dogs with an increased need, this option is well suited to ensure that your furry friend really gets enough of everything.

The NUTRIENTS 365 is a good example of how you can balance your dog's nutrient balance. Enriched with valuable vitamins, the "immune system booster" can support your dog with skin or coat problems, lethargy and allergies and prevent disturbances in body processes and functions. This is a purely natural product. The main ingredient used is ginseng, which is said to have a positive effect on the immune system, resistance and the regeneration process. The formulation contains a balanced ratio of all important vitamins for dogs.

Is your dog constantly struggling with diarrhea? Here we will tell you what you can do in these cases!