It’s common for individuals to maintain vitamin and supplement intake to boost their health. But in recent years, there’s also been a growth in the number of fur parents giving vitamins to their furry companions. If you’re concerned about your four-legged friend’s health, keep reading through to see the essential vitamins you can give your pet to keep them healthy and bushy-tailed.
What vitamins do dogs need?
Everyone needs minerals and vitamins to remain healthy, and our furry babies are no exception. So the next time you observe your pet’s diet, you should guarantee it has all the necessary nutrients to give them an excellent shot at a healthy and extended life. Below are the five suggested vitamins you must give your dog from this point forward.
1. Vitamin D
Naturally found in sunlight and often called the “sunshine vitamin,” vitamin D helps in the mineral absorption of magnesium and calcium. Moreover, this vitamin can enhance muscle growth and accelerate the healing process of a dog’s injury. The most common sources of vitamin D are oily fish and red meat.
2. Vitamin A
Vitamin A is responsible for preserving your pet’s general health, including its muscles, nerves, coat, and skin. So when you observe your pet’s unhealthy skin, fur, and poor eyesight in dim light or night, this may indicate vitamin A deficiency. Foods like eggs, pumpkin, carrots, sweet potatoes, fish oil, spinach, and turnip greens are rich in vitamin A and safe for pets.
Feeding your pet the mentioned foods, topped with their up-to-date vaccinations and parasite prevention in a dog vaccination clinic, can help ensure your pet’s health is well looked after.
3. Vitamin K
Vitamin K can be obtained from various food sources and is also produced by bacteria in the intestinal tract. Moreover, vitamin K promotes bone health and proper development. However, dogs that mistakenly consume mouse and rat poisons can hinder their ability to utilize vitamin K in their bodies. This may cause death and severe hemorrhage if not treated immediately.
Foods like liver, cabbage, milk, leafy green veggies, and fish contain generous amounts of vitamin K and would be loved by your pets. But even if you’re ensuring your pet gets the essential nutrients their bodies require, this should never be a reason to skip their regular examinations, as there are pet conditions that reveal little to no symptoms. Veterinary exams can help identify these possible conditions and provide immediate treatment.
You may click here to see the importance of routine vet exams.
4. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient that helps kittens grow into cats and puppies into dogs. The effective antioxidant effects of vitamin E for canines can fight against free radicals. Furthermore, vitamin E oil can protect your pet’s cell membranes from additional damage if they get a cut or open wound.
Since vitamin E can benefit kittens and puppies, you must inquire about it each time you take your young pet to facilities like Wellesley-Natick Veterinary Hospital. They can offer recommendations and tips on formulating the best diet for your furry buddy.
5. Vitamin C
While it’s true that most dogs can only synthesize vitamin C to a specific degree, adding this to their diet plan helps reduce inflammation, maintain cognitive development, and prevent the harmful free radicals that can result in premature aging in canines.