Dog Vitamins
Vitamins are very important to your dog’s health. Their function is to help the body repair itself through cell reproduction, bone growth, nerve function, energy and amino acid metabolism, blood clotting, aid in vision, and much more. A prolonged deficiency in any of the vitamins can cause health challenges from dry skin, fatigue, and vomiting to more serious problems like seizures, heart and nerve diseases. In most cases, just choosing a variety of quality food sources will give your dog all the vitamins he needs to live a long happy and healthy life. Let’s take a look at the two different types of vitamins: Water Soluble (All the B Vitamins and C), and Fat Soluble (Vitamins A, D, E, and K)
Water Soluble Vitamins
Let’s talk a moment about water soluble B vitamins which are very important for a healthy nervous system, aiding the body in healing, and helping to convert food into energy. Signs of deficiency could be anything from weight loss, poor skin and coat, nerve damage, anemia, and heart failure.
B vitamins are unstable and are destroyed when exposed to heat, they are also lost from the body when stressed, and since they can’t be stored, they are flushed through the system quickly. These vitamins include: thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, folic acid, cobalamin, and biotin. Vitamin C can be manufactured by the dog and supplementation is not necessary. However, aging and dogs under stress can benefit from having some extra C added to their diet.
Thiamin (B1) – Converts glucose to energy. Needed to jump start your dogs body. A must for proper function of the muscles and heart. Thiamine deficiency can result in a loss of appetite, spasms in the hind legs, heart and nerve disease.
The best sources are found organ meat. Other sources are ground beef, chicken, turkey and brewer’s yeast. Some even say that it makes a good flea repellent. Oxidation destroys thiamine and so supermarket pet foods are more likely to be thiamine deficient.
Riboflavin (B2) - Necessary for red blood formation. A deficiency can lead to improper growth, cataracts, and heart failure.
Niacin (B3) - Improves blood circulation, and aids in central nervous system functioning. A loss of appetite can mean a possible deficiency.
Pantothenic Acid (B5) -It is important for good immune system and adrenal function, and vitamin and food utilization. It is essential in fighting allergies, inflammations, asthma, and infections. Good for reducing anxiety and stress. Sometime allergy symptoms can means a deficiency in B5 as well as premature graying in young dogs, and hair loss.
Pyridoxine (B6) -Essential for the metabolism of protein. It is required in the utilization of some minerals for a healthy nervous system, red blood cell production, good brain function, and a strong immune system. Anemia, poor growth, artery disease, kidney stones are all signs of deficiency.
Folic Acid (B9) – Red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis, and protein metabolism depend on this vitamin. Anemia is a sure sign of deficiency. As well as, depression, anxiety, and birth defects
Cobalamin (B12) – Dry skin and coat.. This vitamin prevents nerve damage, aids fertility, and promotes normal growth and development. Also helps in the digestion of food.
Biotin - Biotin is involved in the metabolism of sugar and fat. It is essential for thyroid and adrenal health, a strong nervous system, healthy reproduction, healthy skin, and good muscle tone. It is necessary for utilization of fat, proteins, and carbohydrates in the body. Eggs are high in Biotin, However, raw egg whites contain and protein called avidin that depletes biotin. So it is a must to cook the eggs first.
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Question by Roxy: Is it ok to give human vitamins to dogs?
My mom used to use the NuVet vitamins for her dog. Now she has decided that human vitamins are cheaper. Is this ok? I am really concerened considering the fact that I gave her the dog. I don’t want to see anything happen to her.
Best answer:
Answer by clcalifornia
I wouldn’t do it. Dog’s needs are different than humans.
What do you think? Answer below!
No. The levels of trace minerals we need is too high for dogs. Can cause SEVERE medical problems. DON’T DO THIS!
Hmmm I’m not sure…. my mom give are dog Advil to help with his leg pains and they seem to work good! You could probably give your dog a little bit once in awhile….. but medicine for dogs is probably best since it has all the stuff they need.
I think not !, but do a search on web ?
No. They can’t have that. It’s just fatal.
no. human vitamins are for humans. not dogs. they make dog vitamins, but you dont need them. feed a good dog food and you wont have to worry.. heres some info.
i have been asked to rate both dry and raw foods. The dry foods will be listed in order of quality with an explanation of why it rates where it does.
At the top of my list with 4 stars is raw or BARF. It’s the most appropriate for dogs to eat, easiest for them to digest, and though there are inherent risks, the safest as well.
For dry foods the first at 3 stars would be Timberwolf:
With a very high percentage of meat based protein it is quite expensive. But since the dogs don’t eat as much of it, it really ends up being a good buy. They also, as a general rule, don’t develop a lot of the usual issues they deal with when lower quality foods are fed. Their lowest protein formula starts with 50% meat based protein, their highest has 90% meat based protein. The more meat protein the less grain they use. There is a wide variety of formulas and 3 are true allergy formulas since they don’t use any form of rice, corn, wheat, or soy.
Number two with 2 1/2 stars would be Nature’s Variety:
They use a standard kibble but when it’s cooled from the extrusion process they coat it in dehydrated raw food. They call this “Bio-coating”. It ups the meat percentage quite a bit, though pound for pound it’s still less than the Timberwolf. They have recently added an allergy formula, Venison with pumpkin seed and sweet potato. The dogs do well with it.
Number 3 with 2 1/4 stars would be Merrick:
Merrick also coats the kibble in dehydrated meat. They have added freeze dried vegetables and chunks of dehydrated meat in with the kibble. It has an added component of making gravy when warm water is added with the kibble. It takes a couple of minutes for it to thicken up but the dogs love it.
Number 4 with 1 3/4 stars would be Wellness. The biggest thing with this food that made it stand out is it is baked. It crumbles very easily, and is suppose to be easily digested. They were one of the first to come out with an alternative allergy formula with something other than lamb and rice.
Number 5 with 1 1/2 stars would be Canidae:
This is a decent food, much better than a lot of the big names out there. My main complaint is that they use sunflower oil and, eventually, most dogs will have trouble with it. It’s a good middle of the road food for a lot of people coming off grocery store or big name foods. It shows them the benefits of feeding better quality.
also
Welcome to Dog Food Analysis !
Why does this site exist?
Because commercial pet food is, historically and on average, so incredibly awful. Really, that is the reality of the commercial pet food industry. We are bombarded with advertising that conjures up images of plump juicy chickens and garden fresh vegetables, told that the various foods around are scientifically formulated to provide our pets with every nutritional advantage and meet every need. At the same time, many of us feel we need a science degree just to interpret the labels. But the reality is quite different. “Scientifically formulated” is a term with no meaning. Do you scientifically formulate your dinner? Do you think you need to? Sounds quite ridiculous, doesn’t it. No, you (hopefully) consume a range of fresh foods. That’s what your pets should be consuming too.
Sadly, that’s not what goes into most pet foods. Many pet foods are made up mostly of grain fragments (the left overs from the human food industry), with a small amount of meat thrown in and the whole thing coated with recycled used (and frequently carcinogenic) fats to make it palatable to our pets. In most cases, these are things we’d refuse to feed our pets if we saw them in their raw state. So why would we feed them when they’re transformed into dry extruded pellets? Why are we feeding carnivores on grains anyway? We wouldn’t try to feed fish to a cow, so why try to feed grains to our carnivorous cats and dogs? The answer is simple – it is far cheaper than feeding meat, and in any case, we can’t make kibble without them (it won’t stick together). But it has nothing whatsoever to do with good or species-appropriate nutrition for our pets. Neither cats nor dogs have any evolved need of carbohydrates in their diet at all, and these are readily converted to fat.
It is not the point of this site to explain what is wrong with many commercial pet foods, or to expose the many scandals and unpleasant practices that have gone on in this industry. If you’re interested, it is easy to find that information for yourself. You’re on the internet now: just do a search for information on things like “4-D meats”, “phenobarbitol in pet food”, “foods pets die for” and “what’s really in pet food”. You’ll probably find the results an unpleasant surprise.
Rather, the intent of this site is to give an assessment of the various commercial foods available, based on the ingredient information given by the manufacturer. No food can magically be better than the ingredients used to make it, and the information on this site constitutes our opinion of those ingredients and the overall species-appropriate quality of the food.
The ratings given and comments made about the foods assessed on this site and ingredients listed are the opinion of the Editors. If you disagree with that opinion, you are free to ignore it (do not email us because you are upset that the product you choose has been criticised or badly rated – we do not control what the manufacturer puts in the food). Click here to see how do we assess the foods.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the ingredients listed for each food is correct at the time of publication. Manufacturers do sometimes make changes to their formulas however, and you should check that the information given on this site matches that currently given by the food manufacturer before relying on the assessments made on this site. If you notice any discrepancies, we would be pleased to be advised of it. You can do this by emailing us via the link on the contact page.
Your food not listed? If we’ve overlooked a product that you’d like our opinion on, you can request a review be added. Again, you can do this by emailing us via the link on the contact page. Please be sure to include an online resource where product information – most especially the ingredient list – can be accessed (we cannot review a product without knowing what is in the food).
Change your dog’s food periodically – reasons to rotate foods. Click here.
http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/
heres what i feed my dog.. natures variety. check out the ingredients and compare to what your mom feeds your dog. when explaining she feeds the wrong food, make sure you explain she wont need vitamins, and shell SAVE money because you feed less of the better foods, which also creates less doggy poo.
Natural, Wholesome Ingredients
Alfalfa Sprouts
These certified organic sprouts are sources of vitamins, minerals, and protein. They are a complete food that is nutritionally rich with a high potency of over 50 different amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. They have a detoxifying characteristic, enhance the immune system, have a cholesterol reducing capacity, improve absorption, and also contain antioxidants.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Many processed foods do not have a proper PH balance. Apple Cider Vinegar helps to maintain proper acid/alkaline balance in the body. It also contains numerous minerals and helps in calcium assimilation. It also has potential benefits to protect against certain parasites, fungus, and kidney and bladder.
Apples
A natural source of calcium, iron, and vitamins A, C & K. Also high in fiber.
Blueberries
A natural antioxidant, high in vitamin C.
Bones, Ground Bone
A significant source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin, naturally occurring compounds associated with joint health.
Broccoli, Lettuce, and Spinach
These vegetables are rich in calcium, natural antioxidants, lutein, Vitamin A and C.
Brown Rice
Superior carbohydrate source. Rich in B vitamins.
Carrots
This yellow vegetable is rich in Vitamin A, C, potassium, and natural fiber. Carrots supply nutrients necessary for the health of the eyes, immune and digestive systems.
Chelated Minerals
Minerals which are absorbed more easily and retained longer.
Chicken, Duck, Quail, and Pheasant Eggs
Often known as one of the best complete foods, eggs provide a complete amino acid profile including other essential nutrients necessary to ensure optimal health. Nature’s Variety has chosen a wide variety of eggs, including the shells for additional natural calcium and to ensure a better and more complete nutrient profile.
Flaxseed
Source of essential fatty acids and other essential nutrients. Essential fatty acids are vital for the health of skin, coat, cardiovascular, immune, reproduction, and nervous system. Nutritionists recommend flaxseed for health conditions such as arthritis, cancer, heart, and reproductive problems.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
An extremely potent and effective broad spectrum bactericide, fungicide, antiviral and antiparasitic natural compound synthesized from the seeds and pulp of grapefruit.
Honey
High in protein and enzymes and contain much of the necessary dietary amino acids. Other concentrated essential nutrients found in honey are minerals, B-complex vitamins, and vitamins C, D, and E. It has natural antiseptic characteristics and is a good source of energy.
Inulin
Stimulates growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system.
Kelp
A source of numerous trace minerals and is known for its anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory qualities. The iodine content of kelp is believed by some nutritionist’s to be useful in treating some cases of hypothyroidism. Kelp is known to improve the circulatory stimulation and promotes growth of good hair coat.
Norwegian Virgin Salmon Oil and Virgin Olive Oil
These oils are a great source of Vitamins and is a source of Omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids. The source of the salmon is the pristine, unpolluted waters off the North Sea Coast of Norway. It is rich in astaxanthin and other trace elements. The oil blend is naturally rich in antioxidants and is naturally preserved. This oil blend provides dietary nutrients known to benefit the cardiovascular system, nervous, immune and reproductive systems and are good for health ailments such as cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and reproductive problems.
Menhadden Fish
Aids in palatability of food and is a source of protein and omega 3 fatty acids.
Montmorillonite Clay
A Sodium-Calcium Aluminosilicate which contains a combination of over 50 mineral compounds including Antimony, Barium, Beryllium, Boron, Bromine, Cadmium, Carbon, Cerium, Cesium, Chloride, Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, Dysprosium, Fluoride, Gadolinium, Gallium, Germanium, Iodine, Lanthanum, Lithium, Manganese, Neodymium, Nickel, Phosphorus, Rhenium, Rubidium, Samarium, Scandium, Silicon, Silver, Strontium, Sulfur, Tellurium, Thallium, Thorium, Tin, Titanium, Vanadium, Ytterbium, Yttrium, Zinc, and Zirconium. Recent feed studies by the Veterinary Medical Diagnostics Laboratory at Texas A&M University have shown that montmorillonite clays can effectively bind and remove toxins.
Persimmons
Persimmons can be found growing naturally in the forest of many countries including the United States and are a favorite fruit of many animals foraging in the wild for food. This fruit is a good nutritional source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, carotenoids, and dietary fiber.
Parsley
Source of Vitamin A, C, and Calcium. Also has antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic, and antifungal characteristics.
Rosemary, Sage, and Clove
Herbal ingredients with antioxidant characteristics.
no! don’t use human vitamins for your dogs…
even if it’s cheaper.. do not..
the levels of nutrients/minerals needed by animals are different from us…
its human vitamans because they’re for people not for animals. Go with what the label says.
No. You should not give human supplements to dogs, as you run the risk of toxicity. Depending on the size of the dog, some dosages of certain vitamins or minerals may be too high and possibly cause poisoning. The only vitamins (or any other supplements) that should be given to dogs or other pets are those that specifically designed for the animal.
However, I don’t think that’s it’s really necessary to give a dog vitamins anyway, since commercial food s are already fortified with them. (Unless maybe the dog is eating a homemade diet, it may be advisable)
My vet told me to give my dog human supplements because dog supplements aren’t regulated very well.
This was glucosimine for arthritis. I guess as long as she’s sure the dog can take a particular vitamin, it would be ok.
Umm yea that would be a bad thing stop her like now! Dogs have different needs. Unless your vet spacificaly tells you to do something it never a good idea to switch out pet meds with human meds.