It’s common for people to maintain vitamin and supplement intake to improve their health. But in recent years, there’s also been a growth in the number of fur parents giving vitamins to their furry companions. If you’re concerned about your four-legged friend’s health, keep reading to see the essential vitamins you can give your pet to keep them healthy and bushy-tailed.
What vitamins do dogs need?
Everybody needs vitamins and minerals to stay healthy, and our dogs are no exception. So the next time you observe your pet’s diet, you must ensure it has all the essential nutrients to give them an excellent shot at a healthy and prolonged life. Below are the five recommended vitamins you should give your dog from this point forward.
1. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient that helps kittens grow into cats and puppies into dogs. The powerful antioxidant effects of vitamin E for dogs can fight against free radicals. Moreover, vitamin E oil can protect your pet’s cell membranes from further damage if they get a cut or open wound.
Since vitamin E can benefit kittens and puppies, it’s still essential to inquire about it each time you take your young pet to regular vet appointments. They might even give you suggestions and tips on formulating the best diet for your furry companion. You may browse the web for more info about the common vet care services kittens and puppies need.
2. Vitamin K
Vitamin K can be obtained from various food sources and is also produced by bacteria in the intestinal tract. Moreover, vitamin K promotes bone health and proper development. However, dogs that accidentally ingest mouse and rat poisons can impede their ability to utilize vitamin K in their bodies. This may lead to death and severe internal bleeding if not treated immediately.
Foods like cabbage, liver, milk, leafy green vegetables, and fish contain generous amounts of vitamin K and would be loved by your pets. But even if you’re making sure your dog gets the necessary nutrients their bodies need, this should never be a reason to skip their annual pet exam, as there are pet conditions that show little to no signs. Vet exams can help pinpoint these possible conditions and provide immediate treatment.
3. Vitamin A
Vitamin A is responsible for maintaining your dog’s overall health, including its muscles, nerves, coat, and skin. So when you notice your dog’s unhealthy skin, fur, and poor eyesight in dim light or night, this might indicate vitamin A deficiency. Foods like pumpkin, eggs, carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, fish oil, and turnip greens are rich in vitamin A and safe for pets.
Feeding your dog the mentioned foods, topped with their pet’s boosters and vaccines, can help ensure your pet’s health is well-maintained and protected from prevalent pet diseases.
4. Vitamin D
Naturally found in sunshine and often called the “sunshine vitamin,” vitamin D helps in the mineral absorption of magnesium and calcium. Moreover, this vitamin can improve muscle growth and speed up the healing process of a dog’s injury. The most common sources of vitamin D are oily fish and red meat.
5. Vitamin C
While it’s true that most dogs can only synthesize vitamin C to a specific extent, adding this to their diet plan helps reduce inflammation, maintain cognitive development, and prevent the harmful free radicals that can cause premature aging in dogs.
