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Vitamins are nutrients that help with important functions like developing strong bones and fighting infections. If vitamins are part of your daily routine, or you’ve seen them advertised on product labels, you might be wondering if your dog could benefit from taking vitamins. First, it’s important to note that our dogs can’t produce these essential nutrients on their own. So, it’s up to us to ensure that our dogs are receiving a nutritionally balanced diet.
In addition to a healthy diet, you may consider including multivitamins for dogs in their diet. Whether you have a puppy, adult, or a senior dog, it’s a good idea to consult with your veterinarian about whether your dog needs vitamin supplementation and what to look for in a multivitamin.
Essential Vitamins and Why Dogs Need Them
Vitamins are organic compounds that provide essential micronutrients that the body can’t produce on its own. Like humans, dogs need vitamins in small quantities to help their bodies function properly. For example, vitamin K helps heal wounds. Without it, blood wouldn’t clot properly and cause bleeding.
“If we or our pets don’t get these essential micronutrients that should be part of a complete and balanced diet, health issues could develop,” says Dr. Jerry Klein, DVM, Chief Veterinarian for the American Kennel Club. This can also happen if the dog’s diet is not appropriate for their age or health conditions.
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If your dog is showing signs of things that could point to improper nutrition, like obesity, allergies, or poor skin and coat, make sure to book an appointment with your veterinarian. If your veterinarian assesses possible inadequacies in the diet, they may recommend adding a multivitamin in some cases.
Vitamins are soluble in either fat or water. Fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K can be stored in the body for days and even months. In contrast, water-soluble vitamins like B and C don’t remain in the body long and are expelled in urine. Because water-soluble vitamins can’t be stored, dogs need to replenish them more than fat-soluble vitamins.
Benefits of Vitamins for Dogs
There are several essential vitamins for dogs. Here are the benefits of each:
- Vitamin K activates clotting factors and bone proteins, helping to heal cuts and support bone, joints, and hip function, respectively. Since dogs can overdose on fat-soluble vitamins, you’ll need to confirm the dose with your vet, he says.
- Vitamin B1 produces enzymes needed to break down carbohydrates. It also aids in nerve function and communication.
- Vitamins B2 and B3 are essential for enzyme functions and play an important role in metabolism and converting fats, proteins, and carbohydrates into energy. They also help cells function and communicate with each other.
- Vitamin B6 breaks down carbs, fats, and proteins. It is essential for glucose production, nervous system functions, and the generation of red blood cells, he explains. It’s also necessary for hormone regulation and immune function.
- Folic acid is essential for healthy cell growth along with promoting metabolism and building proteins.
“Thankfully, all these needs are met when a dog is fed a high-quality commercial dog food that states it is specially formulated to be ‘complete and balanced’ with regards to all necessary vitamins and minerals, and requirements established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO),” Dr. Klein explains. His advice is to look for product labels that have the AAFCO seal of approval when purchasing a commercial diet.
When Veterinarians Recommend Multivitamins
Certain health issues can interfere with the proper absorption of nutrients and therefore, require additional vitamins and minerals. “There are times when supplementation is crucial for dogs,” Dr. Klein says.
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There are several reasons that a veterinarian may recommend adding vitamins to a dog’s diet:
Age
Senior dogs may have difficulty getting the right combination of nutrients from their diet. Their immune systems may weaken as they get older. Older dogs can develop arthritis or experience cognitive issues. “Vitamins may help ease the aging process of senior dogs, as well as support joint issues,” he says.
Stress
Dogs that are under a lot of stress produce high levels of the hormone cortisol. This can lead to gut inflammation and reduce the digestive system’s ability to function properly, he says. In turn, a poorly functioning digestive tract can’t effectively break down and absorb nutrients from the food. Examples include dogs who need to travel frequently or experience severe separation anxiety. In such cases, the vet may recommend a vitamin supplement to help with digestion.
Medications
Some medications can affect the body’s metabolism and cause depletion of nutrients, he says. “Other medications can interfere with the absorption of some vitamins.” When speaking to your vet, make sure they have a complete list of the medications and supplements your dog is taking.
Inflammatory Conditions
When a dog is suffering from a condition that causes inflammation, this can inhibit the body from absorbing nutrients. Some reports including a 2023 study suggest that giving a dog vitamins C and E can reduce inflammation and support their immune system. Still, it’s best to check with your veterinarian before starting them on these supplements.
Digestive issues
Dogs can only absorb micronutrients from their food and maintain a healthy immune system when their gut is functioning efficiently. Due to illness, some dogs “suffer from an imbalance of gut flora or have impaired ability to digest and absorb their food,” Dr. Klein says. These dogs don’t get the right amount of nutrients to maintain normal body functions.
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In addition, dogs may have difficulty absorbing nutrients due to food sensitivities and allergies. “Food allergies can create inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract,” he says. “This prevents absorption of micronutrients and inhibits the immune system.”
Moreover, gastrointestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and colitis can inhibit nutrient absorption. Aside from diseases that directly affect the gastrointestinal tract, other diseases that may require vitamin supplementation include thyroid abnormalities, other endocrine diseases, and chronic pancreatitis, he adds.
Homemade Diets
If you feed your dog a homemade diet, you’ll need to give them vitamin supplements to ensure their essential micronutrient requirements are met. It may not be possible to obtain all the necessary dietary ingredients and vitamins that your dog needs to remain in good health. He recommends working with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist if you cook or prepare homemade meals for your dog, especially if they have any underlying medical issues.
What to Look for When Choosing a Multivitamin
One brand of multivitamins that provides all-in-one support is Pet Honesty, AKC’s official multivitamin. Their multivitamin chews contain natural and science-backed ingredients to support digestion and immune health. For example, they contain glucosamine, natural compound, not a vitamin, harvested from shellfish. This can help keep your dog’s joints strong and healthy.
Pet Honesty’s multivitamins also contain probiotics which promote a healthy gut and immune system. Probiotics help restore the population of “good bacteria” in the gastrointestinal tract. Along with essential vitamins and minerals, Pet Honesty’s multivitamin provides omega-3 fatty acids that are sourced from fish oil and support skin health and brain function. Their Pure Vitality Blend includes twelve all-natural ingredients to deliver digestive and immune benefits in each chew.
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What If There Are Vitamins in Dog Food Already?
Diets that have the AAFCO seal of approval for a dog’s life stage generally don’t require additional supplementation.
If your dog has an underlying medical condition, or other needs diagnosed by a veterinarian, vitamins can be an important addition to your dog’s daily regimen.
“Animal supplements are regulated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, but the safety standards of each product are established by the National Animal Supplement Council,” Dr. Klein explains. “They devise guidelines for labels and test products to ensure that the ingredients list is accurate, and the concentrations are as stated.” He suggests the following when purchasing food and supplements:
- Buy products backed by research
- Read labels and be sure that the vitamins your dog needs are listed in the required amounts
- Consult with a veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist to determine the amount of vitamins your dog needs
- Check the packaging for lot numbers that indicate a particular company complies with control checks and safety standards
- Never give human supplements to a dog unless approved by your veterinarian since these products may contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs
Can Your Dog Take Too Many Vitamins?
When it comes to the health of your dogs, it’s about having the right balance of nutrients. There is such a thing as over-supplementation or giving your dog too many vitamins. “Just as the lack of proper nutrients is harmful, giving specific vitamins and minerals in quantities too high can result in life-threatening toxic effects,” Dr. Klein says.
For example, if you give your dog too much vitamin A, this can result in weakness, constipation, issues with their skin and coat, and an undesirable increase in bone development that can lead to stiffness, pain, and limited movement. Likewise, over-supplementation of vitamin D can lead to kidney failure and death. A well-balanced multivitamin can help ensure appropriate levels of ingredients, and it is always best to consult with your veterinarian when selecting what’s right for your dog.
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