Many people take vitamins and supplements on a daily basis. More and more people are also giving their dogs vitamins and supplements. Does your dog need vitamins and supplements too? Are they safe for dogs? The answer depends on the type of dog and the type of supplements in question.

Essential Vitamins and Minerals for Dogs

All dogs need certain vitamins and minerals to thrive. Fortunately, these can all be found in a complete and balanced diet. If you feed your dog a commercial diet with the AAFCO label, then that food contains all the vitamins and minerals needed to keep your dog healthy. You can take it a step further and choose a diet made with high-quality ingredients. Many experts agree that vitamins and minerals in diets made with high-quality ingredients are more easily absorbed and utilized by your dog’s body.

If you choose to feed your dog a homemade diet, then you may need to add vitamins and minerals to make the food complete and balanced. You must work with your veterinarian to find the right recipes and source the appropriate vitamins, minerals, and supplements. Consider using a website such as BalanceIt.com or PetDiets.com. These websites are excellent tools to help you create complete and balanced recipes. You can even develop recipes for dogs with specific health issues. If homemade diets are made to treat a condition, your veterinarian may prefer to refer you to a veterinary dietitian to help you develop the right diet for your dog.

If you’re feeding your dog a complete and balanced diet, there’s usually no reason to supplement with vitamins and minerals. If your dog is ingesting too much of something, adding supplements can cause problems. For example, adequate vitamin A is important for a dog’s metabolism and immune system, but too much can lead to severe toxicity. Excess vitamin A can cause loss of appetite, drowsiness, nausea, peeling, weakness, tremors, convulsions, paralysis, and death.

Give your dog vitamins, minerals, or supplements only if:

• After your dog is diagnosed with a vitamin/mineral deficiency, your veterinarian will prescribe a specific vitamin/mineral.
• Your veterinarian recommends adding certain vitamins, minerals, or supplements to help treat health conditions or help dogs with poor appetites.
• Your veterinarian will recommend certain vitamins, minerals, or supplements because you wish to feed your family’s prepared diet.
• After you ask, your veterinarian agrees to use certain supplements for your dog.

Either way, there’s no reason to start giving your dog a vitamin supplement at will. Always act under the supervision of a veterinarian. It is also important to check dosage information with your veterinarian before starting any supplements.

Are Human Vitamins and Supplements Safe for Dogs?

Before you start sharing supplements with your dog or buying them at a human pharmacy, make sure they are safe! Although dogs need many of the same vitamins and minerals as humans, their types and amounts can vary greatly. Ask your veterinarian about strength and dosage recommendations for each supplement you give. In many cases, it is best to buy a product that is made specifically for dogs.

Warning: Human products may contain inactive ingredients that are unhealthy or even toxic to dogs.

Dog-Specific Supplements

Many different types of vitamins and supplements are available for dogs. Some of the most common dog supplements are multivitamins, fatty acids, joint supplements, fiber, and probiotics.

Multivitamins: Never give a dog a human multivitamin. If your veterinarian recommends that your dog take a daily multivitamin, ask for product recommendations. You must choose a multivitamin that is made specifically for dogs. In some cases, you can opt for a multivitamin designed for dogs with special needs, such as joint support or advanced age. Some veterinarians recommend products such as Pet-Tonic or Nutri-Cal to help dogs get enough nutrients.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These supplements may be beneficial for dogs with joint disease, heart disease, or kidney disease. Regular fish oil may not work. Be sure to choose a formula that contains the correct concentrations of EPA and DHA according to your veterinarian’s recommendations. It’s usually best to choose a pet-specific formula. Welactin is an example of this.

Glucosamine/Chondroitin/MSM: These joint supplements can be very beneficial for dogs with orthopedic issues such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, cruciate ligament injury, and more. They can reduce inflammation in the body and help provide more lubrication to the joints. One popular formula recommended by veterinarians is Dasuquin Advanced.

Fiber: In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend adding fiber to your dog’s diet. This may be to increase the amount of stool and prevent anal gland problems. It may also help with constipation or other gastrointestinal issues.

Probiotics: These are nutritional supplements designed to restore healthy bacteria in the gastrointestinal system. Many veterinarians recommend probiotics for dogs with chronic gastrointestinal problems or to combat the side effects of antibiotics. Effective pet brands include Proviable and FortiFlora.

There are many vitamins, minerals, and nutritional supplements. Some are very useful for some dogs. Some are harmless, but waste money. Others may cause harm. Keep in mind that a healthy pet diet is complete and balanced and does not require supplements. Don’t let yourself be persuaded by clever ads. If your pet does need supplements, it’s important to listen to your veterinarian’s advice and choose the right one.