When you own a dog and they are your best companion, you’re always inclined to keep them in great health and that starts with daily multivitamins.
While many vitamins and nutrients come from the food your pet eats, sometimes they need an extra boost to help target specific health concerns and adjust any deficiencies. Food alone doesn’t always meet your dog’s health requirements.
If you’ve ever considered offering your pup a daily supplement, continue reading to discover seven of the many benefits that they can offer.
- Vitamins Boost Your Dog’s Immune System
One of the best reasons you should give your dog daily multivitamins is that they fortify immune system health. A robust immune system is essential for reducing your canine’s risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, osteoarthritis, inflammation, and more. Immunity-boosting vitamins are nothing new, but many people have never considered giving them to their dogs. Giving your furry friend these supplements doesn’t mean that they will never get sick again, but their body will be able to fight back against germs with ease. Here are a few vitamins that can help boost your pup’s immune response:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Omega-3s (or fish oil supplement)
- Prebiotics and probiotics
- Antioxidants
- They Provide Essential Nutrients
While fats and carbohydrates are generally part of dog food, certain vitamins and minerals can be left out during the cooking process. To combat this, holistic veterinarians recommend supplementing with nutrients that will replace anything missing from your pet’s diet. Be careful not to overload your canine with too many supplements, as this can do more harm than good. When taken in appropriate doses, daily multivitamins provide a boost of essential nutrients that your dog might be missing from their diet. We recommend always consulting with your veterinarian first if you have any specific concerns about your four-legged friend’s health and diet.
- They Promote Pet Dental Health
Certain supplements are designed to help promote dental health with natural antimicrobials. These antimicrobials help prevent bacteria, tooth decay, dental disease, and bad breath. A range of nutrients can help keep your pup’s teeth and gums healthy and strong, including:
- Antioxidants
- Zinc
- Vitamin A
- Fish oil
- Coenzyme Q10
- Folic acid
- Calcium
- Bromelain and papain
- Probiotics
In addition to daily vitamins and supplements, there are other ways to foster dental health in dogs, such as:
- Regularly brushing your dog’s teeth
- Giving them dental dog treats
- Using tooth wipes for quick cleanings
- Taking your furry friend in for a professional teeth cleaning
- Reducing the number of food remnants in your canine’s mouth
- Vitamins Promote Muscle and Bone Growth
Vitamins work in conjunction with minerals and enzymes to help with digestion, reproduction, muscle and bone growth, and more. Supplements that target this growth contain the proteins, minerals, amino acids, and vitamins needed to grow healthy muscle and bone. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements tend to be the most beneficial for animals who are already suffering from bone and joint problems.
- You’ll See Increased Absorption Rates
Many dog foods are designed to provide the building blocks of nutrition, but they can’t always help improve chronically low absorption rates. If your pup is struggling with digestion, vitamin supplementation is a great way to help break down and absorb essential nutrients. Vitamin B12, for example, is known for aiding in enzyme function during digestion. Here are a few red flags that might signify intestinal malabsorption in dogs:
- Weight loss despite consistent eating and a high appetite
- Oily, smelly stools
- Gurgling and rumbling stomach
- Eating unusual things, such as trash
- Lack of energy
- Increase flatulence and diarrhea
- Shabby and scruffy hair coat
- Vomiting
- Daily Multivitamins Promote Healthier Skin, Fur, and Nails
Hair loss and skin irritation can be distressing for many animals and their owners. One of the most comforting aspects of owning a dog is being able to pet them and run your fingers through its soft fur. When their coat is suffering, it’s easy to tell. Daily vitamins can provide a full spectrum of vital minerals to promote healthier skin, fur, and nails. Introducing supplements that contain biotin, amino acids, and fish can help replenish the systems responsible for these areas. Here are a handful of problems that a daily vitamin can target:
- Bacterial infections
- Lice, fleas, and ticks
- Dry, itchy skin
- Excessive shedding
- Fungal infections
- You’ll See Heightened Cognitive Development
Many pet owners believe it’s normal for dogs to slow down as they age, so they seldom report mild changes in behavior. While this can be true, any change in behavior could be a sign of cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS). The American Kennel Club states that although CDS is not inevitable, approximately 50 percent of dogs over 11 years of age will show symptoms of CDS. By the age of 15 years, that total goes up to 68 percent. Thankfully, clinical studies have proven that dietary supplements improve the learning ability of geriatric dogs and lessen the symptoms of CDS. Here are a few supplements that help target this:
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin A
- L-Carnitine
- Alpha-lipoic acid
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- B vitamins
- Arginine
- DHA and EPA
- Antioxidants
These aids decrease the effects of CDS because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Plush Paws Products Cares About Your Pup’s Health
We hope that this guide will help when you’re considering which daily multivitamins to offer your four-legged friend. At Plush Paws Products, we create health products made with natural and beneficial ingredients that your pup is sure to love. Our multivitamin includes the following vitamins, nutrients, and minerals, all in a soft chew beef-flavored tablet:
- Vitamin D
- Calcium
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B-1 (Thiamine)
- Folic Acid
- Riboflavin
- Glucosamine
- Chondroitin
- MSM
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin B6
- Niacin
- Biotin
- Fish Oil
- Choline
- Curcumin
So, if you're wondering if your dog is getting their fair share of nutrients, don't hesitate to add a multivitamin to its daily intake. We ship worldwide, so every pup has the chance for a happy and healthy diet! Shop our multivitamin and other pet health products today!