Dog Vitamins

Multivitamin For Dogs

However, if your dog is older (over the age of 7) or is unhealthy, adding a multivitamin for dogs can be very helpful. They help protect, build and maintain a healthy immune system.

A healthy immune system is how the body defends itself from toxins and regulate body functions. Dog vitamins also help to break down the necessary nutrients in our dog's daily diet.

Essential Nutrients - Dog Vitamins - Minerals

•  Water - The most important and essential nutrient to all living things.

•  Proteins - The core building blocks of cells and tissues, organs, enzymes, hormones and antibodies. Proteins are necessary for growth, maintenance, repair and reproduction. Amino Acids are divided into two categories: Essential and Non-Essential. Dogs can't manufacture sufficient quantities of essential amino acids therefore, they must get them from a source such as animal protein.

  On the other hand, dogs do manufacture enough of the Non-essential Amino Acids so it's not necessary for them to be added into the diet. Keep in mind that if you are feeding a commercial dog food, the essential amino acids are included. When home cooking, they must be included. Protein can come from both meat and vegetable sources. We believe that dogs are carnivores and should get the majority of their protein from animal sources not plant.

•  Fats - While humans receive their energy from carbohydrates, dogs receive theirs from fat. Fats are critical in the structure of cells and healthy skin. A few good sources of fat for dogs would include Safflower Oil, Corn Oil and Poultry Fat.

•  Carbs (grains) - This is one nutrient that is not essential for dogs. Although carbohydrates also deliver energy, dogs should receive their energy from fat not carbs. 5% of carbohydrates is sufficient for dogs if at all. Potatoes, rice, oats, barley, pasta and wheat are some examples of carbohydrates.

•  Dog Vitamins - Divided into two categories:

  Water soluble vitamins include B-complex, including thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, niacin, pyridoxine, biotin, folic acid, choline, B12 and C ascorbic acid. The B vitamins convert food to energy. Unlike people, dogs are capable of producing Vitamin C on their own and supplementation isn't really necessary. However, some insist that Vitamin C can be beneficial for dogs in stressful situations.

  Fat soluble vitamins are reserved in fatty tissue. Fat soluble vitamins include vitamin A, D, E, and K. They assist in several body functions, including cell stability, eyesight, bone development and blood coagulation.

•  Minerals - Divided into major and trace concentrations.

  Minerals are vital for bone development, muscle metabolism, nervous system function and fluid balance.

  Major concentrations include: Calcium and phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, Minerals are divided into major and trace concentrations.

  Trace elements include: Iron, copper, manganese, zinc, iodine, selenium, and cobalt. Although dietary needs are low, traced elements are play a significant role in good health.

A Good Multivitamin For Dogs

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