Dog Vitamins VS Supplements

Dog Vitamins VS Supplements

Our modern world has gone crazy with the amount of vitamins and supplements that we use to stay healthy. It was only a matter of time before our pets got in on the action, and today we provide our dogs with a wide sampling of both vitamins and supplements. Dog vitamins and dog supplements are everywhere. 

It can be confusing as to what is best for our dogs, and it can be even more confusing as to what constitutes a vitamin and what constitutes a supplement. Are they the same or different? 

Vitamins:

Vitamins are those naturally occurring substances that are required to sustain life. We must acquire them from our food sources as our bodies can’t produce these substances ourselves.

In fact, if our dogs do not receive enough of a particular vitamin, their bodies can develop problems related to insufficient intake of that vitamin. Right now, there are a lot of recognized vitamins that we all need to sustain life.

According to the Vitamin Update website, the following are officially listed as vitamins in the United States:

Dogs should only be given a daily multi-vitamin that is specifically created for dogs. These formulations maintain the correct level of vitamins for your dog at its specific stage in life. Dog vitamins are not something to give your dog just to give it to your dog. Information is your best ally.

Supplements:

These are substances, then, that are not required for life. Instead, these can be beneficial additions to a dog’s diet to help improve certain areas. There are many possible supplements including minerals, herbs, and enzymes, and they are all used for different reasons, but there are a few supplements that are worth investigating further for general use in all dogs:

1. Probiotics: Probiotics utilize ‘good bacteria’ to encourage the beneficial bacterial flora of a dog’s gastro-intestinal tract. It is excellent for dogs with digestive upset or bowel issues, but every dog can benefit from probiotics. It helps keep a dog healthier and helps their system rebound from antibiotic use.

2. Enzymes: Many of our pets could be lacking in natural enzymes in their food as most enzymes are killed during the high heat of commercial pet food production. Enzymes are obtained through fresh foods, and they are useful to help dogs break down and process their meals. By giving an enzyme supplement, you are simply replacing these vital substances in your dog’s diet.

3. Joint supplements: Many dogs, not just arthritic ones, benefit from a daily supplement for joint support. Active dogs, working dogs, or dogs that have repetitive joint stress all benefit. These supplements vary in their ingredients, but the most common ones are glucosamine and chondroitin.

4. Skin and Coat supplements: Supplements like fish oil and flax seed are excellent additives for the omega 3 and 6. These work systemically for several things, but one of the most noticeable is your dog’s skin and coat. It provides necessary fatty oils and nutrients to help aid itchy skin or dull coats.

There is a myriad of additional supplements, and some of them may be warranted based on your individual pet and its situation. Holistic veterinary care uses a lot of supplements to work synergistically with your pet’s body and immune system, and many of these supplements are herbal.

Final Note:

While vitamins are a necessary corner stone of your dog’s diet in order to maintain well being, supplements are additives. Often they are very beneficial, but you should always consult with your veterinarian before beginning any new supplement. Some supplements, particularly herbal, can interact with your dog’s medication or other products you might use. Also, not all naturally occurring substances should be used. There are some herbal items that would negatively impact a dog, so always be informed about what you give your pet and use a professional’s advice.

Works Cited: “What are Vitamins?” The Vitamin Update. Bookman Media Pty. Ltd., 2009. Web. 30 Dec. 2009.