13 essential vitamins that your dog needs

As a dog owner, it is your responsibility to ensure your pooch gets the best possible diet and quality of life. As you look for new ways to care for your pup, consider introducing it to multivitamins. Essential vitamins facilitate various biological processes in the body.

While there are a few vitamins that can be produced naturally by your dog’s body, this is not the case for most vitamins. Some can be obtained through a diet, while others may need to be supplemented with multivitamins. Each vitamin plays a significant biological role, and your dog needs them in different amounts. You can purchase various vitamins and joint supplements for dogs, which will help with their health.

A trip to the veterinarian will let you if your dog lacks any essential vitamins. Luckily, vitamin deficiency can be remedied by simply administering a vitamin supplement. Here are the 13 most important vitamins that every dog needs.

1. Folic acid

Folic acid plays a key role in the formation of red blood cells. It is also known to safeguard cardiovascular health. Dogs that don’t get the recommended daily dose of .002 mg/lb are more likely to develop anemia.

2. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid. It encourages collagen production in your dog’s body. Collagen is a connective tissue, which plays a role in holding the body’s ligaments, tendons, organs, muscles, and bones in place. It also helps with bone formation, proper immune function, and the healing process.

3. Vitamin A

Vitamin A, which is sometimes called retinol, is essential for various biological processes. The most noteworthy include gene expression, immune system regulation, cell division, and bone growth. A dog needs about 2272 IU (international units) of Vitamin A per every pound of dry food consumed. This fat-soluble vitamin can cause toxicity problems if ingested in excessive amounts. As a result, most multivitamins contain beta carotene, a Vitamin A precursor, instead of retinol.

4. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is also known as tocopherol. It is an antioxidant that protects essential fatty acids and blood cells. Vitamin E deficiency can result in reproductive failures or intestinal disease. A dog needs a daily intake of 23 IU of vitamin E per pound of dry-matter food.

5. Vitamin D

Vitamin D, especially in its active form, also known as Vitamin D3, plays an essential role in the biochemical processes involving phosphorous and calcium, particularly calcium absorption from the small intestine. A dog needs 227 IU per pound of dry-matter food of this vitamin supplement. Vitamin D deficiency results in poor tooth development and rickets

6. Vitamin K

Vitamin K is produced by bacteria in the intestinal tract and can also be obtained through various food sources. It plays a vital role in the blood-clotting process. Vitamin K also encourages proper bone development and health. Vitamin K deficiency may result in altered clotting times and internal bleeding.

7. Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is occasionally known as cobalamin. It plays a role in producing red blood cells besides maintaining the nervous system and constructing genetic material. Despite being essential to these biological functions, dogs only require about .00025 mg/lb of Vitamin B12 each day.

8. Vitamin B7

Vitamin B7 is also known as biotin. It plays a critical role in digestion as it helps the dog’s body break down proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Vitamin B7 deficiency can lead to intestinal disruptions, poor coat condition, and dry skin. Fortunately, a dog only needs .001 mg/lb of Vitamin B7 each day.

9. Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is also known as pyridoxine. It helps the body produce insulin, hemoglobin, and red blood cells. Vitamin B6 deficiencies could lead to anemia or the development of skin lesions on the dog’s body. A dog only needs a daily dose of .01 mg/lb of Vitamin B6.

10. Vitamin B5

Vitamin B5 is sometimes called pantothenic acid. It is involved with hormone production and food metabolism. Dogs with Vitamin B5 deficiencies may exhibit premature aging or lose hair. Your dog needs a daily dose of.1 mg/lb. of Vitamin B5.

11. Vitamin B3

Vitamin B3 is better known as niacin. It plays an essential role in maintaining healthy nerves and skin. It also promotes proper energy production. Dogs suffering from Vitamin B3 deficiency may exhibit diminished appetite, bloody diarrhea, or inflamed gums. To protect your dog against these symptoms, ensure it gets a dietary supplement dose of .12 mg/lb of Vitamin B3 each day.

12. Vitamin B2

Vitamin B2 is more commonly known as riboflavin. It is essential for healthy eyes and good vision, and it also supports the cardiovascular system. Besides, Vitamin B2 promotes the production of niacin from tryptophan (an amino acid) in your dog’s body. To avoid problems like heart failure and poor vision, make sure your dog gets the required .05 mg/lb of Vitamin B2 every day.

13. Vitamin B1

Vitamin B1 is also known as thiamine. It is involved in the metabolism of food and appetite stimulation. It also promotes proper nervous system function. Dogs who don’t get enough of this vitamin are likely to exhibit diminished appetite, weakness, and loss of body control. To avoid these symptoms, make sure your dog gets a daily dose of 0.1 mg per pound of its body weight.

Essential vitamins for good health

Talk to your vet before enhancing your dog’s diet with essential vitamins. Together, you can determine what vitamins your dog needs to live a long, healthy, and happy life. 

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