Everyone seems to have a different opinion on whether dog vitamins are needed. If you think your dog is healthy and you’re feeding them a balanced diet, you may also be wondering if you should give them vitamins too.
Typically, dogs as a species are not deficient in any one vitamin or mineral. Therefore vitamins for dogs are generally not essential if they are eating a good, balanced diet. However, they can sometimes be helpful if an animal is sick or under stress.
You should take your dog to the vets at least once a year for a general physical examination, however if your dog seems lethargic or a little rundown, you should get them checked. At that time, you can discuss any issues you may have about energy levels or sickness. Of course, if you’re between appointments and your dog doesn’t seem themselves, you shouldn’t wait until the next appointment. If you feel there’s something a bit off, talk to your vet to see if a vitamin or mineral supplement could benefit your dog’s overall health.
Which Dog Vitamins Might They Need?
Due to factors such as the breed, size, emotional behaviour and lifestyle, each individual dog will have unique requirements for what vitamin or mineral supplement is needed, if any.
Dogs not getting a balanced diet or who are sick or under stress may benefit from a supplement. For example, B vitamins may significantly help sick dogs. Bear in mind, though, that adding vitamins or supplements can greatly affect your dog’s health. Therefore you should always talk with your vet and explain the food and treats you’re feeding your pet, so together you and your vet can decide on a course of action.
What to Do if Dog Vitamins Are Prescribed
If your vet agrees a vitamin or supplement is a good approach, you’ll want to know how to get your pet to ingest it. A good way is to put the pill or liquid into your dog’s wet food at the primary feeding time. Your dog is most hungry then, so they probably won’t even notice the addition.
Talk to Your Dog Walker
Make sure you and your dog walker are on the same page in working together to keep your four-legged friend healthy. Just as humans benefit greatly from exercise, adequate water intake and healthy treats, so do dogs. Often, vitamins are not necessary for humans and for dogs so long as their nutritional needs are being met and they are getting proper exercise.