Vitamins for Adult Dogs

Vitamins for Adult Dogs

You nourish your adult dog with love, but are you making sure you are taking care of its nutritional needs too? Your canine companion's dietary needs change with advancing age. From the frisky puppy stage to the lazy days of simply curling up and looking adoringly at you, your dog depends on you for everything.

Vitamin needs depend upon the type of food you feed your furry friend. If home-cooked morsels are the prime source of nourishment for your pet, you need to add vitamins and minerals to balance the diet. High-quality commercial dog foods for senior dogs are carefully made with added vitamins and minerals needed for aging dogs. Supplements are not usually required, if your dog is eating well. However, older dogs don't exercise much and may be picky eaters or not eating enough. Arthritis, heart disease, kidney ailments and deficiencies are common in aging dogs.

So which vitamins, minerals and compounds benefit a senior dog?

• Vitamin E - supplement for osteoarthritis and an antioxidant for boosting the immune system.


• Vitamin A - an antioxidant that also helps with vision and skin problems.


• Vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus - essential for strong bones and teeth.


• Glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate - supplement for the dog with arthritis, hip dysplasia, and joint problems.


• Vitamins B-Complex - with co-enzyme action to help turn carbohydrates into glucose for energy.


• Multivitamins - for dogs with inadequate food intake and deficiencies, these may help.


• Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids - keep that coat shining, the brain sharp, stress levels down, and weight in check.

Remember to always check with your veterinarian before you start supplementing your senior dog's diet with vitamins, minerals and various compounds. While limitless love cannot hurt your beloved Fido, excess of some vitamins can.