• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Dog's Best Life

Dog's Best Life

The information you need to keep your dog happy, healthy, playful and loyal.

  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

13 essential vitamins that your dog needs

Posted May 7, 2021

Dog gives pug a vitamin capsule. Talk to your vet before enhancing your dog's diet with essential vitamins.
Talk to your vet before enhancing your dog’s diet with essential vitamins.

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

Contents

  • 1. Folic acid
  • 2. Vitamin C
  • 3. Vitamin A
  • 4. Vitamin E
  • 5. Vitamin D
  • 6. Vitamin K
  • 7. Vitamin B12
  • 8. Vitamin B7
  • 9. Vitamin B6
  • 10. Vitamin B5
  • 11. Vitamin B3
  • 12. Vitamin B2
  • 13. Vitamin B1
  • Essential vitamins for good health
    • Related Posts

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. 

Warning signs: 9 dog illness symptoms and what they mean

 

Related Posts

  • Jack Russell terrier sits with empty food bowl. Image for Dog Food tag page.
    5 supplements pet parents should know about

    To get the best supplements for dogs, do your research…

  • Happy German Shepherd runs outside. Breed-specific health supplements fill nutrition gaps and provide support for joints as well as promote eyesight and a lustrous coat. 
    Does your dog need a breed-specific health supplement?

    Breed-specific health supplements fill nutrition gaps and provide support for…

  • Jack Russell terrier eats parsley. Add finely chopped parsley to your dog's food to improve digestion and fight bad breath. This healthy herb for dogs may help prevent urinary tract infections and both kidney and gallbladder stones. It's right in anti-oxidants and is a natural diuretic.
    Boost your dog's diet: 21 healthy herbs for dogs

    Healthy herbs for dogs can do everything from ease upset…

  • Happy German Shepherd runs while holding a stick in his mouth. Giving your dog a joint supplement can decrease inflammation, improve flexibility, strengthen the cartilage and joints, and provide natural pain relief as needed.
    When should I give my dog a joint health supplement?

    A joint supplement can decrease inflammation, improve flexibility, strengthen the…

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Email Share on Reddit

Filed Under: Dog Health Tagged With: Dog food

« Previous Post
Next Post »

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

Categories

  • Adoption
  • Dog Breeds
  • Dog Facts
  • Dog Fun
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Health
  • Dog Inspirations
  • Dog Training
  • Dog Travel
  • Holidays
  • Home Page
  • Puppies
  • Top Stories

Featured Posts

  • Tricolor Australian shepherd in front of white background. Take steps to stop dog pawing.

    Canine body language: What’s your dog saying with his paws?

  • The most common warning signs to watch for in your puppy's behaviors include snarling, growling, mounting, snapping, nipping, lip curling, lunging, dominance, challenging stance, dead-eye stare, aggressive barking, possessiveness, and of course, biting!

    Take action immediately when you spot aggressive puppy warning signs

  • Cute corgi puppy wrapped in a blanket. Talk with your vet about starting your dog on medication to protect him from parasites including flea and tick prevention, as well as heartworm prevention.

    Puppy training 101: 10 tips to prepare your dog for success

Tags

Boston Terrier Dog senses Neutering and spaying Puppy-proof Dog health benefits Chewing Flying Old dogs Cancer Labrador retriever Non-shedding breeds Dog apps First-time dog owner Separation anxiety German shepherd Pet sitter Dog training tips Hiking Ear infection Camping Babies Petfinder.com Canine diabetes Dog tail Pet parents Outdoor activities Environment Socialization Guard dog Chasing

Footer

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Recent Posts

  • Is an American Bully XL the right dog for you?
    The American Bully XL, a gentle giant, is one of four varieties of the American Bully breed — an extension of the American Pit Bull Terrier. […]
  • STOP! 7 reasons not to yell at your dog
    Your tone of voice and volume play a significant role in your dog's development and how you bond. Yelling at your dog can make your dog nervous and fearful. […]
  • Is now the right time to add a dog or puppy to your family?
    Right time to add a dog: Are you prepared to care for a pet? If you are not ready to make that commitment, you are not ready for a pet. […]
  • Try 10 dog walking tips for first-time dog owners or beginners
    Dog walking is a great way to keep your pet healthy. Use our list of 10 dog walking tips for beginners to avoid mistakes when starting out. […]

Get Our Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

© Copyright 2022 Dog's Best Life online magazine · All Rights Reserved · Privacy
Get Our Free Monthly Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkRead more