Do Dogs Need Vitamins?

One question we often hear at Aleyr Holistic Pet Store & Wellness Center is "Do dogs need vitamins?" The answer to this question is similar to that for people. Ideally, dogs could get all the nutrients, minerals and vitamins they need from the foods they eat. However, in order for this to occur, pet owners must feed their dogs quality pet foods.

While it is possible to add vitamins to your dog's diet, we recommend that pets get their vitamins and minerals from whole food sources found in raw and lightly cooked dog food like smallbatch or open farm gently cooked dog food. The body recognizes and absorbs vitamins from foods in their whole and natural form. This is why we recommend feeding animals the way mother nature intended with little to no processed foods in their diet.

Do Dogs Need Vitamins?

Depending on the dog food you choose, your dog may receive all the nutrients necessary from their daily diet. Adding vitamins to your pet's nutritional regimen, however, can often ensure that your canine companion stays healthier and avoids some of the most serious conditions caused by vitamin deficiencies. Understanding the functions of various vitamins can help you make the best choices for your one-of-a-kind four-legged friend. Here are some of the most important vitamins to keep dogs healthy now and throughout their lives:

• Vitamin A is responsible for immune function, good vision, cell regeneration and proper growth. Making sure that dogs get plenty of Vitamin A during the formative years of puppyhood is essential for healthy growth and good vision.
• B vitamins include thiamine, riboflavin, B-12, niacin, pantothenic acid, folic acid and Vitamin B6. These vitamins serve a variety of purposes within your dog's body, including metabolic functions, protein synthesis, nervous system function and the production of glucose and red blood cells. Making sure your dog receives an adequate amount of B vitamins from the dog food you choose or through supplements can help you to keep your dog as happy and healthy as possible.
• Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can reduce the risk of inflammation and the conditions it can cause. Vitamin C also contributes to maintaining the health of the brain, which can keep your dog in peak mental condition.
• Vitamin D is vital for healthy bones and can help your dog stay strong and healthy. Your dog can absorb Vitamin D through sunshine or from the foods or supplements you provide.
• Vitamin E is necessary for proper healing and metabolism of fats. Your dog can get this fat-soluble vitamin through their regular dog food, from certain types of oily fish or from supplements.
• Vitamin K is another nutrient that is fat-soluble and that assists in the clotting of blood after a wound.
• Choline is often prescribed for dogs with epilepsy and assists in the function of the brain and liver.

Raw and lightly cooked dog foods are often great sources for these vitamins and other nutrients your dog needs to stay in the best of health.

Signs of Vitamin Deficiency in Canines

Some of the most common signs of vitamin deficiency in dogs are listed here:

• Lack of energy
• Issues with coat or skin
• Changes in your dog's bowel movements
• Depression or mood disturbances

If you notice any of these symptoms, you can contact Aleyr Holistic Pet Store & Wellness Center to set up an appointment with our holistic veterinarian. Our veterinarian may recommend specialty foods like raw fermented goat milk to resolve any deficiencies in your dog's everyday diet.

Aleyr Holistic Pet Store & Wellness Center offers the best in natural pet products and foods to keep dogs and cats healthy and happy. We offer local delivery to Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas County in Florida. To learn more about our products, visit us online or call us at 813-251-4428.