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Dog Vitamins

Active Dog

Should vitamins be given to dogs?  I believe each individual dog owner needs to decide that for themselves.  However, vitamins do play an important role in a dogs’ health. Vitamins are primarily given to the working dog:  K-9 officers for example.  They go through rigorous and stressful training constantly on and off the job.  Competition dogs use vitamins as well to keep their muscles and bones healthy.  They are also used to help control diabetes in your dog. 

I have found that dog that is prone to allergies, such as skin allergies seems to improve if given vitamins. I believe it strengthens the immune system so they can fight off the allergy themselves.

The most common vitamins given to dogs are the following: Here is a vitamin that works well. Vitamins Plus for Dogs

Vitamin B12:
a powerful antioxidant, this vitamin is known to control blood sugar levels reducing the need for insulin, improving insulin actions and strengthens the immune system.
Vitamin C: Glucosamine with Vitamin C for Dogs
helps maintain the immune system, helps fight infections, prevents cataracts and maintains healthy skin
Vitamin E:
anti-inflammatory
Glucosamine & Condroitin: Excel Joint Ensure - Advance Care
Increases volume of joint fluid which acts as a protective barrier for the joints.  Aids in arthritic changes in the joints for older dogs.

Each dog, like their human, is different.  Please check with your veterinarian before placing your dog on any type of vitamin supplement.  Please note an overdose of vitamins can be harmful if not fatal to your life long friend. Your veterinarian can advise you on the proper dosing for your dog and if your dog is a candidate for taking vitamin supplements.  When given the proper supplements, dogs stay healthier into old age.

Vitamins Supplements are used to replace important vitamins in poor commercial dog food.  They are also given at the first signs of diabetes and arthritis.  Multivitamins are also available for your dog.  Again, each vitamin plays a different role.  If your dog is a working dog, competition dog or racing dog you may want to consider vitamin supplements. 

Multivitamins are a part of good nutrition for your dog.  There are many on the market to choose from that are specifically designed for dogs.  They can be purchase in both pill and liquid form. You can crush them up and put it in their food.  This prevents you from having to stick them down your dogs’ throat which can be an unpleasant experience for both dog and owner. 

Vitamins are helpful in keeping your dog healthy and active into old age.  They are not a cure for a disease or condition your dog may have. They are a supplement and can aide in controlling certain conditions such as diabetes, arthritis and muscle tone for highly active dogs. 


Remember, dogs are descendants of wolves.  The first thing that a wolf does when it kills its’ prey is to eat the stomach.  They do this because the stomach of their prey contains the nutrients that wolves need on a daily basis.  This may be:  nuts, grasses, other meats and bones that their prey has eaten.  These contents are all natural and full of vitamins and minerals.  This helps the pack leaders stay stronger and healthier than the rest of the pack.  Commercial dog food is full of filler, and most do not contain real meat products. 

The choice is yours, to give vitamins to the dog or not.