Our pets need vitamins and minerals in their diets just as much as we do. If your pet dog is on a diet of canned or dried pet food then it is probably a good idea that you make vitamin supplements a part of its diet; of course, only after checking with the vet. The reason for this is that over-supplementation is harmful; particularly with fat-soluble vitamins A, E, K &D that cannot be excreted from the system. And therefore their dosage has to be properly regulated.
Here are some points worth knowing about vitamins and supplements for your dogs.
Because canned food is highly processed, the vitamins are often lost during the process and even though appropriate overages may be added, sometimes they are not enough. Puppies, convalescing, and aging dogs particularly need vitamin supplements. Similarly, working dogs on a restricted diet need their diets supplemented by vitamins. The type and amount of supplement will vary with the pet breed and conditions such as age and health status.
Calcium – The mineral calcium is the one that is required in the greatest amount by mammals, including dogs. Puppies and lactating bitches require calcium the most and hence are prime candidates for calcium supplements along with food. Bones and dairy products are good food sources of dietary calcium.
Phosphorous – Important because it is essential for calcium absorption. Usually, enough is acquired through a non-vegetarian diet. So, supplementation is not really an issue.
Chelated minerals¬ – Minerals that are bound to an amino acid or protein are called chelated minerals and are easier to absorb. It is a point worth remembering when purchasing iron, copper, chromium, and zinc mineral supplements for your pet dog.
Copper – Copper is essential for the health of bone and collagen in dogs. Copper deficiency is not very common. However; breeds such as Bedlington terriers, Doberman Pinschers, and West Highland White terriers are hereditarily susceptible to copper toxicity from excessive copper accumulation in the liver. Fish and liver are good sources of copper.
Glucosamine and chondroitin – These fall in the same category as vitamins and are found in animal cartilage. Supplemental glucosamine and chondroitin, derived from crustacean shells and bovine cartilage respectively, have both been found extremely effective in the treatment of joint conditions, which invariably afflict the larger dog breeds as they age.
Micro-minerals – These are required in small amounts. They include iron, zinc, selenium, iodine, and manganese.
Iron is necessary for the formation of red blood cells. Iron deficiency is often found in puppies and aged dogs; they need to be treated with supplemental iron.
Manganese is essential for protein and carbohydrate metabolism. 2.3 mg of manganese daily for every pound of dry dog food is the vet’s recommendation.
Zinc deficiencies are actually quite common and certain breeds such as huskies and malamutes are more susceptible to it. Vitamin supplements and fatty acid supplements usually contain zinc.
Selenium deficiency is basically quite rare and the daily requirement of this mineral is very low. The meat fed to dogs usually takes care of their selenium requirements.
Iodine is essential for the proper functioning of the thyroid; changes in thyroid levels can affect breeding capabilities. Iodized salt in the diet takes care of iodine requirements.
