Ruheeb Aslam Sandhu

VITAMINS DOGS NEED FOR A HEALTHY LIFE: The usage of vitamins is increasing per day for both in humans and dogs due to several reasons. According to the study, every 3rd dog in the US is receiving vitamin supplements. The usage of vitamins in pets, especially dogs, usually supports the inflamed joints, reduce shedding, and enhance the shine of the hair coat. Dog owners usually come across different questions: do the dog need supplements? What sort of vitamins does a dog require? Are there any risks associated with the usage of the vitamins? This article on the use of vitamins in dogs will help the owners to get the answer to these questions. Dogs need to have vitamins supplements to maintain different body functions and to control several complications both in young and old dogs. However, if the dog is consuming a commercially available balanced diet, the usage of vitamins is not advisable unless directed by the veterinarian. WHAT ARE VITAMINS? Vitamins are the micronutrients that are vital for the dogs in a small amount to maintain different body functions to have every day and healthy life and development. These vitamins are generally present in the food, and dogs need them as dogs are unable to generate these vitamins. Following is the list of vitamins required by the dogs to performance and development. VITAMIN A FOR DOGS [1] Vitamin A is present in carrots and is responsible for good vision. It is a fat-soluble vitamin and enhances the growth, immune system, fetal development, and cell function of the dogs. Vitamin A is present in different plants and animal sources like liver, eggs, carrots, sweet potatoes, fish oil, turnip green, and dairy products. Puppies need approximately 1000 IU and need up to 5000 IU when they get mature. B VITAMINS FOR DOGS Vitamin B is very vital, especially for the young dog’s health.     It will help to regulate carbohydrate and energy metabolism and it will also activate the ion channels in the neural tissues. B12 vitamin will help to facilitate the enzyme function. Vitamin B6 is essential and responsible for the generation of glucose, RBCs, nervous system, regulation of hormones, immune system, and activation of genes. Vitamin B also aids in the metabolism of energy. VITAMIN C FOR DOGS Vitamin C is one of the essential antioxidants. It scavenges destructive free radicals moving in the dog’s body and aid in the reduction of the inflammation and cognitive ageing. Most dogs can produce vitamin C in their lives, but sometimes need to provide supplements to them to offer them health benefits. VITAMIN D FOR DOGS Vitamin D will help the dog’s body to maintain minerals like calcium and phosphorous for healthy bone growth. Without it, the dog can't develop properly to strengthen healthy muscles and bones. VITAMIN E FOR DOGS Vitamin E helps the defence system of the dogs but working as against oxidative damage. This vitamin is a fat-soluble vitamin and is vital for different cell functions and metabolism of fat. The deficiencies of this vitamin can lead to the degeneration of muscles and eye and also result in reproductive illness. VITAMIN K FOR DOGS Another fat-soluble vitamin that is necessary for the activation of the blood’s ability to get clot. Consumption of rat poisons will hold back the power of the dogs to utilize vitamin K in their bodies, which result in haemorrhages and death if remained untreated. CHOLINE FOR DOGS Another substance that is required by the dogs to maintain and perform different liver and brain functions and is also a part of treating epilepsy. DOG NUTRIENT PROFILE [2] The nutrients value is variable according to the breed and the stage of the dog’s life. A vet nutritionist will help to feed a proper diet according to the requirement of the dog. The puppies, adult dogs, pregnant dogs, old dogs, all require a different amount of vitamins and minerals. The all-purpose diet will not help the dogs to meet the requirements during pregnancy or nursing the puppies, or growing puppies. Adding vitamins and minerals supplements to the food will help to make the balance-diet for the dogs. DOES MY DOG NEED VITAMINS? Dogs usually get vitamins and minerals through commercially processed foods. Mostly, companies label their products with the vitamins included in the food. However, still, we have to offer additional vitamins and other supplements for the proper growth and development of the dog. Commercially available foods are for all stages of life, but vitamins required by puppies, small and large breed dogs are different. The difference is because of the stage of life. Larger breed dogs require additional vitamins and minerals; otherwise, they will face joint problems and may face hip dysplasia. If given extra vitamins, they will grow quick and healthy. Similarly, dogs that are on home-made foods require vitamins too to make sure that the dogs have enough vitamins in the meal. Consultation with the vet will help to make an appropriate diet plan for the dogs and avoid deficiency as well as obesity in digs. ARE THERE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH DOG VITAMINS? Vitamins are among the vital nutrients for the dogs, and thus these nutrients cannot be harmful to the dogs even if fed in more considerable amount. It is a common myth that over-feeding vitamins can cause obesity in dogs. However, excess of anything is bad, and that is also true in the case of vitamins. Providing a large amount of vitamin A can lead to the dehydration, joint’s pain, and may damage the blood vessels too. Similarly, a considerable amount of vitamin D can cause kidney damage, vomiting, muscle atrophy, and sometimes even death. Nevertheless, several studies recommend that the prolonged usage of vitamins in a daily diet is even safe for the dogs. Some vitamins may contain other substances like herbs that may interfere with specific medications and result in reactions. Therefore, discussing things with the vet will help the owner to avoid such incidences from happening. CONCLUSION: - [3] The nutrients for the dogs vary depending on the breed and size of the dogs. Before, adding any additional supplements, make sure the nutrients present in the dog’s food. After that, select the best-supporting vitamins according to the age and health of the dog’s condition so that dogs may not suffer from the worse conditions. As mentioned above, that vitamins are essential nutrients that are necessary for the dogs. The best way to provide all the vitamins to the dogs is by feeding them with a well-balanced diet. However, contact the vet before giving any additional vitamins to avoid worse things happen. REFERENCES: [1] https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/vitamins-dogs-need-healthy-lifestyle/ [2] https://barklypets.com/blog/vitamins-and-minerals-required-in-dog-nutrition/ [3] https://augustafreepress.com/vitamins-every-dog-needs-for-a-healthylifestyle/#:~:text=Dogs%20can%20synthesize%20vitamin%20C%20in%20the%20body%2C,C%20in%20its %20diet%20or%20as%20a%20supplement.