7 Vitamins Your Dog Needs For a Healthy Life

Vitamin A for Dogs

Vitamin A, in case you’ve ever wondered, is the vitamin in carrots that is responsible for that good vision your parents promised you. This fat-soluble vitamin is also responsible for growth, fetal development, immune function, and cell function. There are eye-care supplements for dogs that include Vitamin A.

B Vitamins for Dogs

The B vitamins are a group of important vitamins that play a role in your dog’s health:

  • Thiamine helps regulate energy and carbohydrate metabolism, and it activates ion channels in neural tissue.
  • Riboflavin, B12, and niacin help facilitate enzyme function.
  • Vitamin B6 is especially vital. This vitamin is responsible for glucose generation, red blood cell and nervous system function, hormone regulation, immune response, niacin synthesis, and gene activation.
  • Pantothenic acid helps with energy metabolism.
  • Folic acid plays a role in amino acid and nucleotide metabolism and in mitochondrial protein synthesis.

Vitamin C for Dogs

Vitamin C is an important antioxidant. It scavenges potentially harmful free radicals in the body and can help reduce inflammation and cognitive aging. Dogs can actually synthesize vitamin C on their own in their livers, but in some cases, supplementation may offer health benefits.

Vitamin D for Dogs

Vitamin D, or the “sunshine vitamin,” allows your dog’s body to balance minerals like phosphorous and calcium for healthy bone growth. Without it, your dog would not be able to develop properly or maintain healthy muscles and bones.

Vitamin E for Dogs

Vitamin E is one of your dog’s defenses against oxidative damage. This fat-soluble vitamin is also essential for cell function and fat metabolism. Deficiencies can lead to eye and muscle degeneration and reproductive problems.

Vitamin K for Dogs

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin instrumental in activating your dog’s blood’s ability to clot. Ingestion of certain rat and mouse poisons inhibits dogs’ ability to use vitamin K in their bodies, which can lead to hemorrhaging and death if not treated.

Choline for Dogs

Choline is a necessary component of the phospholipid cell membrane. It supports healthy brain and liver function, and it is occasionally used as part of a treatment plan for pets with epilepsy.

Do Dogs Need Vitamins or Supplements? 

Your dog gets their vitamins from eating their dog food. Commercial dog food diets labeled “complete and balanced” are specially formulated to contain all of the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients your dog needs.

Go Here for the full article on American Kennel Club

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