Vitamin & Mineral Requirements For Dogs

Although canine vitamins mirror many human vitamins it is vital that you don't give your dog a human vitamin tablet instead of commercially available canine vitamins, since toxicity can result. Canine vitamin requirements are entirely different to humans and depend on the weight of the dog.

Dogs need the following essential canine vitamins:

Vitamin A - This canine vitamin helps to maintain helathy skin and protects against infection and toxic chemicals.

Vitamin B1 - Thiamine - vital for optimum brain function. Also repels fleas and other parasites.

Vitamin B2 - Riboflavin - necessary for red blood cell formation, antibody production, food metabolism, and growth. Also helps prevent cataracts in the eyes, birth defects and dandruff.

Vitamin B3 - Niacin - helps convert food to energy, helps protein and fat metabolism. Also controls convulsive seizures in canines, can lower cholesterol levels and improve blood circulation.

Vitamin B5 - Pantothenic Acid - required for producing good antibodies, promotes good adrenal function. It also helps canines to combat stress, reduce depression, and ease anxiety.

Vitamin B6 - Pyridoxine - this canine vitamin is essential for the metabolism of protein, building a healthy nervous system, red blood cell production, good brain function, and a strong immune system.

Vitamin B9 - Folic Acid - Dogs need folic acid during pregnancy and to help build the immune system. Red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis, and protein metabolism depend on this vitamin.

Vitamin B12 - Cobalamin - prevents nerve damage, aids fertility, and promotes growth and development. Also necessary for digestion and food absorption. For pregnant canines vitamin B12 helps in building stronger bigger pups. Puppies need minuscule amounts to stimulate appetite, for weight gain and growth.

Vitamin C - One of the most important canine vitamins. An antioxidant, it is a major factor in the formation and maintenance of bones and tissues, prevents cancer, and may prevent arteriosclerosis. It combats hip dysplasia, spinal myelopathy, ruptured discs, viral disease, skin problems and allergies. It also helps protect against the side-effects of some veterinary drugs (including steroids/cortisone), and is a major pain reliever.

Vitamin D - Involved in calcium and phosphorus metabolism aiding strong bones and teeth. Sunlight stimulates canines to generate vitamin D.

Vitamin E - Another of the most important canine vitamins. Helps prevent diseases of the heart and circulation system. It oxygenates the blood, increasing the supply of oxygen to all internal organs. Vitamin E helps to improve your canines immune system, muscle power, and stamina. It also promotes fertility, protects against cancer and can rejuvenate ailing and tired dogs.

Vitamin H - Biotin - helps reduce the incidence of skin disorders. Assists the thyroid and adrenal glands and aids the nervous system. Also helps in stopping canines eating their own excrement.

Besides canine vitamins dogs also need the following essential minerals:

Calcium - Essential for bone, tooth, and muscle growth; blood clotting; normal heart rate; and transmission of nerve impulses.

Iron - Used in the creation of hemoglobin (red blood cells), important in enzyme function and for the immune system.

Magnesium - Helps to detoxify the body of heavy metals, and is vital for the nervous system, enzyme function, heart rate, bones, and muscles.

Manganese - Necessary for enzyme utilization, lactation, normal reproduction, bone, cartilage and collagen growth, fat and protein assimilation, blood sugar regulation, healthy nerves and immune systems, and for the pituitary gland

Potassium - Necessary for the proper functioning of enzymes, muscles, and nerves. Helps to maintain a proper fluid balance throughout the body.

Selenium - An antioxidant that helps to slow aging. Also regulates the pancreas