If you are concerned about your health, then you know that vitamins are something that we need to have a healthy life. We can get them from food or by vitamin supplements (pills). Nowadays, vitamin supplements are everywhere, and if you are a puppy owner, then you probably have thought about puppy vitamins at least once.
Well, this is all you need to know about puppy vitamins. Keep in mind that vitamins will surely help your pup have a healthy and active life.
Table of Contents
What are Vitamins?
The definition for vitamins says that it’s an organic molecule and a crucial micronutrient that organisms need to function in its metabolism properly. In other words, every living being (humans and even dogs) needs vitamins to function properly. Also, these crucial vitamins can’t be synthesized in the organism. That means our bodies can’t produce these vitamins (or at least the required amount). Therefore, we have to get them through our diet or other means.
Why do Puppies and Dogs need Vitamin Supplements?
If you are giving your puppy or dog a complete commercial food diet with a label that says “complete and balanced,” then it’s not necessary to give vitamin supplements for your pet unless your vet recommends it. Because these commercial foods are specially formulated, so they contain all the necessary nutrients and vitamins your pup or doggo needs.
But if you are giving your pup or doggo an organic diet like vegetables and meat with other food, then it’s better to give vitamin supplements after consulting with your vet.
Best Puppy Vitamins & Dog Vitamins
If you are hoping to give your pup or doggo vitamin supplements, these are the best and most required vitamins for them. But keep in mind that it’s better to consult with your vet when deciding the best amount for your doggo.
- Vitamin A
This vitamin is responsible mainly for good vision. Not only that, this fat-soluble vitamin is also essential for cell function, body growth, immune function, and fetal development. Carrots are famous for having vitamin A. There are eye care supplements for dogs that are rich in vitamin A that you can give.
- B Vitamins
There are multiple vitamins in this group as follows. These vitamin groups play a huge role in your pup’s health.
- Thiamine is a vitamin in this group that helps regulate energy and carbohydrate metabolism in your doggo’s body. It also activates ion channels in neural tissue.
- Niacin, B12, and Riboflavin helps facilitate enzyme functions in the body.
- Pantothenic acid helps with your pup’s energy metabolism.
- Vitamin B6 is crucial for your doggo. This vitamin is essential for red blood cell and nervous system functions. Also, vitamin B6 is responsible for immune response, glucose generation, hormone generation, gene activation, and niacin synthesis.
- Folic acid is also a vitamin in the vitamin B group. It helps with amino acid and nucleotide metabolism. Folic acid is also essential in mitochondrial protein synthesis.
- Vitamin C
This is an essential antioxidant. This targets harmful free radicals in the body and helps reduce inflammation and cognitive aging. Dogs actually can synthesize vitamin C on their own, but in some cases, vitamin C supplements can offer health benefits.
- Vitamin D
This is also known as the “Sunshine Vitamin.” This allows your doggo’s body to balance minerals such as calcium and phosphorous for healthy bone growth. This is crucial for your doggo to develop proper and healthy muscles and bones.
- Vitamin E
This is a defense against oxidative damage for your dog. This is a fat-soluble vitamin, and it’s also crucial for fat metabolism and cell function. Deficits of vitamin E can cause reproductive problems and eye and muscle degeneration.
- Vitamin K
This is a fat-soluble vitamin. Vitamin K is important for your pup’s blood’s ability to clot. If your dog or pup gets ingested with rat poisons, this can stop your dog’s ability to use vitamin k. This can lead to hemorrhaging or even death if not treated.
- Choline
This is an essential element of the phospholipid cell membrane. This also helps for healthy brain and liver functions. Choline is also used occasionally as a part of a treatment for pets with epilepsy.
Are there any Risks related to Puppy Vitamin?
As mentioned above, it’s obvious that vitamins are essential for all living beings. So, it’s obvious that your pup or doggo needs vitamin supplements if they don’t get it from their diet. But too many vitamins can cause health issues such as skeletal problems, joint pain, and dehydration. So, it’s always better to consult with your vet before giving vitamin supplements for your pup or dog because vitamin deficiencies can cause a lot of trouble.
You can even give multivitamins to your pup. There is no age limit for vitamins since it’s crucial. So, consult with your vet and give your pup the necessary vitamins so your pup or dog can have a healthy life.
