Dogs are considered part of the family. Some people are of the opinion that dogs do not need to be given supplements. On the other hand, some dog owners are of the view that their dog needs vitamins to remain healthy just like themselves. Like human beings, dogs need particular vitamins to function normally. Unfortunately, most dogs are not able to get sufficient amounts of the required supplements from their food. Here are some notes to consider whether your dog needs multivitamins and supplements and what supplements your dog need in his daily life.

Do Dogs Need Multivitamins and Supplements?

Pets need to be fed right, and just like humans, many dogs get the majority of their nutritional needs met by eating commercially made dog food. If you are making a homemade diet for your dog it's best to consult with a veterinarian or nutritionist beforehand. The veterinary community roundly advises against making your homemade cooking to give to your dog daily over an extended period of time, even if the ingredients are high quality and health-conscious.

It takes a little more than meal planning skills it takes knowledge of canine nutrition so that you're keeping your pet safe from harm and disease. A great deal of research has been done on how dogs digest food similar to how humans do, but not enough about how canines process human food properly for nutritional purposes. So when you are feeding homemade food to your pup it's best to use certain vitamins and supplements to keep them healthy.

Similarly, when your dog reaches the age of 7 or 8-years-old, he needs special care to maintain good health. Your vet will recommend certain vitamin supplements as well as a diet that's more specific to his needs at this stage in his life.

Supplements Your Dog Needs in Daily Life

Multivitamins for Dogs

Multivitamins made for humans aren’t safe for dogs. Unless your veterinarian tells you otherwise, multivitamins are only meant for human consumption. If so, ask your veterinarian to make recommendations the next time you go in. The best dog-safe multivitamin is one that is made specifically for dogs. Some dog-safe multivitamins can be used by dogs with specific needs as well, including senior age requirements or for joint support.

While a dog may need 7 different kinds of vitamins in their daily diet, dogs tend to each have unique needs depending on their specific breed and age just like people. They need vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K, and choline in their diets.

Glucosamine

Basically, Glucosamine is a whole mixture of amino acids. It plays an important role in the cartilage production process, ensuring your dog's joints are protected as they age. When these levels of glucosamine decrease, your dog will experience less fluid cushioning and more bone rubbing, which can cause pain and inflammation in all joints but particularly their hips.

Many studies support the fact that glucosamine has anti-inflammatory properties for pets experiencing joint issues like hip dysplasia or arthritis to name only a few. Glucosamine is one of the most popular dog supplements on the market, especially with large breed dogs such as Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Lab mixes who suffer from joint discomfort at a far younger age than other breeds.

Chondroitin

Chondroitin sulfate is a component of the matrix of cartilage that ensures the joint has stimulatory effects and elasticity. It is therefore excellent elements to reinforce the shock absorption and support of cartilage by ensuring that nutrients are sufficient for cell renewal. Chondroitin sulfate helps in reducing inflammation and joint pain, reducing osteoarthritis symptoms, protecting sensitive joints, and improving walking comfort.

Omega 3 Fatty Acid

Omega-3 fatty acids have been proven to improve the health of dogs in a multitude of ways. Omega-3 fatty acids are heart benefits and make it easier for the immune system to fight off certain diseases, yet they also strengthen brain function, reduce inflammation, and benefit heart health as well.

Omega-3's ability to inhibit cancer growth is remarkable as well. On top of all this, omega-3 has been shown to help puppies develop their brains. It is also effective in itchy skin conditions. Omega-3 should always be available to dogs as much as possible since it can provide almost immediate relief from a variety of symptoms that many dog owners struggle with on a daily basis.

Probiotics

Probiotics are nutritional supplements designed to rebuild healthy bacteria in the gut. Veterinarians often recommend them to dogs who are dealing with chronic digestive problems and to combat antibiotic side effects.  Dogs are carnivores and therefore must be fed a diet that is high in protein; their bodies need the building blocks to help them develop and function at top levels. The inclusion of probiotics in the diet can lead to the production of healthier stool, which is important for aiding digestion.

Prebiotics

Prebiotics are usually found in plant foods that make it through the digestive tract mostly intact. These undigested complex carbohydrates serve as food for probiotics. In turn, healthy bacteria promote a strong immune system and even help protect against yeast infections. As one of their functions is to feed healthy bacteria, prebiotics plays a key role in improving gut health.

There are many vitamins and minerals that can be very helpful when it comes to making sure our dogs are healthy. However, not all of them are useful or necessary. When choosing supplement products for your pet, there are several things to strongly keep in mind.

Start by assessing what animal you have because no matter how healthy a dog might seem, if your dog has been diagnosed with certain illnesses, you must follow the advice of a vet. Also, make sure to review any potential side effects carefully so as not to risk harming your pet in the way of allergies or other issues.

Conclusion

All dogs, regardless of their size, age, and breed, need a good set of vitamins and minerals throughout their lives in order to remain healthy. We hope you’ve learned a little bit more here about why dogs need vitamins, how they can get them, and the best vitamins and supplements for dogs.