Every good owner of a four-legged friend cares not only about the fact that his pet is always full and happy, but also about the state of his health. Tired appearance, passivity, prolonged shedding, loss of coat shine, teeth and bone strength speaks of avitaminosis in the dog. To avoid it, you need to take an additional complex of vitamins. But how to choose the right product in all the variety of products offered, so as not to harm your pet The editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" prepared material about what vitamins are for dogs, their main types and characteristics, as well as a rating of the best products and their manufacturers.
Content
Types and forms of vitamin complexes
To understand what vitamins a dog needs, you should find out how much the pet needs them, because both a lack and an excess of certain substances can lead to health problems. According to veterinarians, animals that eat natural food need additional vitamins more than those who eat dry or wet food. The fact is that a certain complex of vitamins has already been added to special dog food. However, this does not mean that you should refuse from natural food, you just need to keep this in mind when choosing a vitamin supplement for food.
So, vitamins for dogs can be produced in the following forms:
Pills
This is the most common form. Tablets for dogs can be either regular round in shape or in the form of seeds, pads, and so on. They may contain meat flavors that attract the animal's attention. However, such flavor enhancers may, on the contrary, not please the dog. Unflavored tablets can be pushed and added to wet food, or placed directly in your pet's mouth, but there is a chance they will not swallow it.
Powder
Powdered vitamins are very convenient when added to wet animal feed, but are poorly suited to those who eat exclusively dry food.
Treats
Fortified treats are very popular with dogs. Hosts can use them as encouragement during classes and walks. Such delicacies are made in the form of a bone, a ball, a toy, or an ordinary tablet. They contain meat ingredients that stimulate the animal's appetite.
Liquid vitamins
In addition to dry vitamin complexes, there are also liquid ones: drops, suspensions, elixirs. They can be conveniently added to both dry and wet food. And also give in case of violation of the animal's appetite, pouring directly into the mouth with a spoon or syringe. Liquid vitamins are made from vegetable oils.
Injections
Vitamins in the form of injections are prescribed to emaciated and weakened animals, after an illness or surgery. There is nothing superfluous in the composition of injections, and intramuscular administration increases the rate of absorption of vitamins.However, it should be understood that such procedures are prescribed in an emergency and only by a veterinarian.
Classification of vitamins for dogs
Not every vitamin complex has the same composition. This is understandable, because dogs are so different. In addition to differences in breeds, you need to take into account both the age and the general condition of the animal. Therefore, you should pay attention to this in order to avoid mistakes when choosing and not harm your pet.
Universal Vitamins for Dogs
For the prevention of vitamin deficiency and maintaining the health of a pet, universal vitamin complexes are popular. They are well suited for medium to small dog breeds in a healthy condition. For large breeds, it is better to take special preparations suitable for this type of dog.
Universal complexes usually contain vitamins of group B, C, D, E, as well as trace elements such as potassium, calcium, zinc and others.
For puppies
Multivitamin complexes for adult dogs are not suitable for a growing puppy's body, since they lack calcium and iron, as well as an inappropriate balance of other vitamins. Therefore, taking a little friend to your house, take care of his growth and health by serving a specially adapted vitamin complex for puppies. The same goes for fortified treats, they should also be age-appropriate.
For pregnant and lactating dogs
It is no secret that any mammal during pregnancy and lactation needs good nutrition and an additional complex of vitamins. Dogs are no exception, therefore, to maintain the health of the mother and cubs, special vitamin complexes must be supplied.
Vitamins for senior dogs
An aging dog's body requires more care: teeth, bones and joints can become fragile, immunity is weakened, metabolism slows down. Therefore, they need an additional complex of vitamins, saturated omega 3 and omega 6 acids, minerals, prebiotics.
For immunity
To maintain resistance to disease and overall health, dogs are prescribed immunity complexes. They are especially effective for full recovery after viral and bacterial infections, operations, as well as with weak immunity. In addition to vitamins and minerals, beneficial live bacteria can also be included.
For wool
Vitamins against hair loss and to improve its condition and the entire skin in general are used for long-haired dogs, but they are also well suited for animals with medium and short coat. This significantly shortens the shedding period, and the pet's coat looks thick and silky. Many of these complexes contain sulfur and brewer's yeast. The substances included in them heal the skin and wool, saturate with the necessary macro and microelements.
Vitamin Tips
- For prophylactic purposes, it is enough for a healthy adult dog to undergo one course of vitamins a year when feeding exclusively on food, and two times on natural food. For puppies, pregnant, lactating, and aging animals, more courses may be needed.
- When choosing a drug, you need to pay attention to the general health of the pet, its age, breed, activity, tendency to be overweight or underweight and other parameters.
- The composition of the product is also an important selection criterion. It should be complete with a minimum of artificial flavors and colors.
- Choose a form of drug release that will be convenient for your pet: tablets, powder, drops, and so on.
- How to give, how much and when, it is better to consult with a specialist.
- Before using, read the instructions and recommendations for use.
Vitamins for dogs can be bought at a pet store, veterinary pharmacy or online store.
Ranking of the best vitamins for dogs
As already mentioned, there are a huge number of different vitamin complexes for dogs, but not all of them are sufficiently effective and safe for health.Therefore, we have highlighted a rating of quality drugs that will serve to improve health and improve the quality of life.
Universal multivitamins
Excel Multi Vitamin Adult 8 in 1
The line of vitamin complexes of the German company Excel is considered one of the best for maintaining the health of dogs of different breeds. The most popular complex is Multi Vitamin Adult. It is suitable for adult dogs of all breeds. The dosage is calculated based on the weight of the animal.
The composition, in addition to vitamins A, D, C, E, group B, contains such essential elements as iron, copper, manganese, zinc and others. As a dietary supplement, there is crude protein, fat, fiber, ash. Thanks to the correct balance of vitamins and minerals, the complex guarantees the normalization and maintenance of essential elements in the dog's body.
The tablets have an attractive smell for dogs, they break easily and crumble if for some reason the pet does not want to eat them whole. The package contains 70 pieces.
The price of this complex is 450 rubles.
The line of Excel vitamins includes such types as: multivitamins for wool and skin, for joints, for bones, for small breeds, for puppies, as well as not only for dogs, but also for cats.
Advantages:
- have a balanced rich composition;
- do not contain artificial flavors and colors;
- do not cause allergies;
- easily crumble;
- suitable for all types of dogs;
- like animals.
Disadvantages:
- not found.
Anivital Cani Agil
This dietary supplement is suitable for all ages of animals - dogs and cats. The complex has a very rich composition, which can be used as an additive to food, since it contains: dry poultry meat, egg white, whey, dry fish, fish oil concentrate, egg powder.
The composition of the New Zealand green spongy mollusk has a beneficial effect on joints, teeth and bones, since it contains natural glucosamine - a substance that is easily absorbed by the body to strengthen joints and tendons.
Great for supporting the growth and development of puppies and kittens, for dogs with high physical activity, for very large breeds, for animals with increased body weight.
The average price for 60 tablets is 1700 rubles.
Advantages:
- absolutely natural composition;
- contains natural glucosamine;
- strengthens ligaments and joints well;
- reduces lameness in animals;
- suitable for dogs and cats;
- for animals of any breed and age;
- does not cause allergic reactions;
- like animals.
Disadvantages:
- very high price.
For puppies
Canvit junior
Vitamin supplement Kanvit Junior is specially designed for puppies and young dogs up to 1 year old. It promotes the harmonious development of all body systems, strengthens the immune system, improves the absorption of food, supports the puppy's body in a healthy and active state.
The composition contains:
- brewer's yeast for the health and beauty of hair and skin;
- yeast cells for comfortable digestion;
- omega-3 and omega-6 acids;
- a balanced complex of vitamins for a growing body;
- minerals.
Kanvit Junior is produced in tablets, package weight - 80 g. The dosage is calculated as 1 tablet per 5 kg of puppy weight.
The cost is 430 rubles.
Advantages:
- balanced composition especially for puppies;
- strengthens the immune system;
- replenishes the lack of vitamins and minerals with natural nutrition;
- natural composition.
Disadvantages:
- not every dog likes it;
- the price is high.
For pregnant and nursing
Unitabs MamaCare with B9
Unitabs produces vitamins for different breeds of dogs and cats. The line also includes the MamaCare vitamin complex with B9, designed specifically for pregnant and lactating bitches.
In addition to vitamins and minerals necessary for the health of the female and the full intrauterine development of her puppies, the complex contains brewer's yeast, fiber, meat and bone meal, fish oil, milk powder.
Tablets are introduced into food or given into the mouth at the rate of 1 piece per 10 kg of body weight 1 time per day. The minimum course is 1 month.
The average price of a pack of 100 tablets is 450 rubles.
Advantages:
- maintains the health of the animal during pregnancy and lactation;
- contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals;
- ensure the full development of offspring.
Disadvantages:
- some reviews have noted a side effect such as vomiting.
For large breeds
Veda "Biorhythm"
This vitamin and mineral complex is designed for large breed dogs weighing 30 kg or more. Owners of these pets know that large body size and weight often leads to joint problems. This supplement minimizes this problem. It also replenishes all the necessary substances, macro and microelements.
The tablets are divided into two doses - morning and evening. They differ in color: in the morning they are given orange, in the evening - black. Separate intake promotes more complete assimilation of all elements in accordance with the biological needs of the body.
The recommended minimum course is 24 days. Tablets are sold in packs of 48 pieces, 2 pieces each. for the day.
The cost is 130 rubles.
The line of vitamins "Biorhythm" also includes food additives for small, medium, puppy and lactating dogs.
Advantages:
- compensates for the lack of minerals in large breed dogs;
- contains collagen and L-carnitine;
- separate intake promotes better absorption of vitamins;
- affordable price.
Disadvantages:
- the need to give pills twice a day;
- not effective enough.
For small and dwarf breeds
Wolmar Winsome pro bio booster Ca mini
These vitamins from the Swiss company Wolmar are intended for dogs of small and dwarf breeds, as well as puppies. A balanced complex of water and fat-soluble vitamins, enriched with calcium and phosphorus, will meet the needs of small breed dogs for vitamins and minerals. The benefits of this drug will also be for puppies - a balanced complex of minerals provides protection from improper bone formation.
The presence of probiotics in the composition normalizes the work of the gastrointestinal tract, eliminating the desire to eat inedible objects (earth, feces, etc.)
Recommended for use in puppies from 30 days of age, as well as pregnant and lactating females of small breeds. One tablet is designed for 5 kg of weight per day. Can be hand-fed or mixed with 30 ml of water and mixed into wet food.
The cost of 180 tablets is 900 rubles.
Advantages:
- rich and balanced composition;
- the presence of probiotics;
- does not cause side effects in the form of vomiting and indigestion;
- not allergenic;
- suitable for all types of small and dwarf breeds and puppies.
Disadvantages:
- high price.
For older and aging dogs
Beaphar doggy’s senior
To support the health of your beloved pet in adulthood and old age, a special supplement was developed for Beaphar doggy's senior. It is recommended to give it to dogs over 7 years old. At this age, a slowdown in metabolic processes begins, a weakening of cartilaginous tissues, a fading of vision. Therefore, a vitamin and mineral supplement is essential.
The preparation contains easily digestible calcium for strong teeth and bones, phosphorus in a safe amount for the liver and kidneys, protein to support muscle mass and energy, potassium and magnesium for good heart function.
The content in the composition of meat, fish and dairy products, as well as fiber makes this supplement an excellent treat that the tailed friend will appreciate and enjoy.
The recommended dose is 3 tablets for every 5 kg of animal weight.
The average price for a pack of 75 tablets is 330 rubles.
Advantages:
- contains the necessary complex of vitamins to maintain the health of elderly dogs;
- is a tasty and healthy treat;
- strengthens the immune system;
- has a positive effect on the body.
Disadvantages:
- contains artificial flavors and aromas.
After reviewing our roundup of the best vitamins for dogs and their ranking of their manufacturers, you can make the right choice in price and quality to meet the needs of your four-legged friend. And he, in turn, will delight you with cheerfulness, energy and excellent health.
If you have experience using the presented vitamins, share your opinion about them in the comments.