Staying fit and healthy is essential, especially during this time of widespread diseases. Considering this, you strive to eat right, exercise regularly, and take your multivitamins. You are probably encouraging your family and friends to do the same as well.
With this, you may be thinking, “How can I keep my dog healthy, too?”
Like you, your furry friend can get sick, too. Moreover, she needs the right vitamins and minerals to grow strong and healthy. All living organisms do! However, you should know what vitamins she needs and what supplements are right for her.
On that note, allow us to help you out by sharing these helpful pointers in getting supplements for your dog:
Key Vitamins That Dogs Need:
Although dogs need vitamins like humans, their requirements differ from the latter. In particular, here are some vitamins that your furry friend requires:
1. Vitamin K
This fat-soluble vitamin helps activate your dog’s blood’s ability to clot. It also contributes to the activation of bone proteins.
2. Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)
An essential dietary nutrient in dogs and cats, this helps in carbohydrate metabolism. It can also help dogs maintain optimal health and proper brain function.
3. Vitamins B2 and B3 (Riboflavin and Niacin)
These B vitamins help improve enzyme functions.
4. Folic Acid
This man-made form of Vitamin B9 (folate) helps normalize and improve metabolic functions. Some of these functions are protein synthesis as well as red blood cell production.
How to Find the Right Vitamin Supplement
Before anything else, you should know that seeking your veterinarian’s advice is still the best (and safest) approach. You may do your own research to know more about dog nutrition, but vets will still know best.
Your clinician will first examine the condition of your dog. If she has not been exhibiting any health issues and is eating a complete diet, she may not need a supplement. What you can do instead is regularly add fresh fruits and vegetables into her diet. Doing so ensures that she continues to receive the vitamins and minerals she needs.
However, if your furry friend has been showing health or behavioral issues, your veterinarian will conduct tests to find any deficiencies. He will then recommend dietary changes as well as vitamin supplements, depending on the results.
Tips in Choosing Vitamin Supplements for Dogs
Aside from heeding your veterinarian’s instructions, here are some smart tips you must follow when choosing a supplement for your dog:
Read the label carefully before using any supplements.
Look for brands with confirmed expertise or those that have launched clinical studies of their products.
Be cautious of claims that sound too good to be true. Remember that vitamin supplements are simply supplements, not medicines or miracle workers!
Conclusion
Giving your furry friend her dose of vitamins is a great idea. In doing so, you give her her daily nutrient requirements and help her grow healthier. However, you should know that her needs are still different from yours.
The best way to find the right supplement for your pet is by consulting your veterinarian. He will be able to recommend one that truly matches your dog’s current condition and needs. Aside from that, getting wholesome supplies from brands and stores you trust will help as well!
Looking for the best supplier of healthy food in Ann Arbor, MI? You’ve come to the right place! At Wags to Wiskers, we’re all about giving pets the best food, toys, accessories, and experience possible. Order by email today and enjoy same-day pickup!