Vitamins and Minerals – Dogs Need Proper Nutrition to Be Healthy and Happy!

Humans’ obsession with superfoods is well-known and healthy. Whether you take the classic or the modern readymade snack route, supplying your body with essential nutrients is crucial. They help deal with inflammation and promote faster healing. Their richness in antioxidants and antimicrobial properties can also delay the aging process. Does your pet dog also need vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients? Dogs also need complete nutrition to fight diseases, maintain energy levels, stay healthy, and have a balanced weight. So, how do you ensure your canine friends get everything required for their well-being, and what impact can a fuller diet have on them? Let’s explore these and more to gain knowledge.

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  Nutrition for dogs

Canines need nutritious meals to attain their full potential and stay mentally and physically agile. You can also influence their behavior by supplying them with a biologically suitable and balanced diet. Nutritious foods can decrease your pet’s stress and help them relax, preventing them from indulging in unwanted behaviors. However, you must monitor the nutrients and ingredients to ensure they reap all the benefits. Only high-quality ingredients must be part of their diet. Anything that uses food colors, preservatives, or by-products should be avoided. Since nutrition impacts their overall wellness, it is crucial to provide them with the necessary nutrients based on their metabolism, age, breeds, energy levels, and health. Here is a quick look into the different nutrients a dog requires for good health.

• Vitamins and minerals

Which vitamins and minerals do dogs need in their food? If you wonder about this, you genuinely care for your furry friend. After all, every living organism depends on vitamins and minerals for growth and development. They protect your dog’s body cells from damage, increase cell functionality, and keep them safe. Pups can get essential vitamins and minerals daily from plant and animal-based food. Dogs must be given an adequate amount of these nutrients because they cannot produce them. You can rotate dog food to ensure your canine friend gets all these nutrients. Sometimes, you may have to introduce supplements after seeking permission from your dog’s vet. Nevertheless, let’s quickly gather what type of vitamins and minerals your pet needs and their efficient sources.

Vitamins

1. Vitamin A: Carrots, liver, pumpkin, spinach, fish oil, eggs, sweet potatoes, and turnip greens
2. Vitamin B: Whole grains, yeast, liver, beans, spirulina, nuts, green vegetables, and dairy items
3. Vitamin C: Fruits, veggies, and organ meats
4. Vitamin D: Beef, egg yolks, liver, fatty fish, marine fish oil, dairy products, and cottage cheese
5. Vitamin E: Wheat germ, bran, liver, whole grains, leafy greens, plant oils, etc.
6. Vitamin K: Fish, liver, cabbage, milk, and leafy greens

Minerals (Macro)

1. Calcium: Cauliflower, broccoli, green beans, raw bones, sardines with bones, tofu, milk, yogurt, etc.
2. Magnesium: Broccoli, spinach, green beans, tomato juice, whole grains, seafood, etc.
3. Potassium, sodium & chloride: Vegetables, fruits, grains, and milk
4. Phosphorous: Animal tissues, fish, eggs, and milk

Minerals (Micro)

1. Iron: Legumes, eggs, poultry, fish, shellfish, and red meat
2. Iodine: Dairy items, kelp, seafood, and iodized salt
3. Zinc: Vegetables, whole grains, yogurt, spinach, broccoli, poultry and beef
4. Sulfur: Milk, legumes, eggs, fish, meats, etc.
5. Selenium: Brown rice, whole grains, veggies, meat, and seafood
6. Copper: Nuts, legumes, seeds, whole grains, and seafood
7. Manganese: Leafy vegetables, whole grains, and nuts
8. Chromium: Yeast, vegetable oils, and lean meat
9. Cobalt: Vegetables, fruits, kidneys, and liver
10. Fluorine: Water
11. Silicon: Peas, beans, cereals, and vegetables
12. Molybdenum: Organ meats, cereals, and legumes

• The benefits of providing essential vitamins and minerals in a dog’s diet

Pets need proper eating schedules to stay healthy and sound. Typically, adult dogs require their food two to three times daily. Feeding them only once a day or letting them eat the entire day is harmful. At the same time, supplying them with a balanced diet of nutrients like vitamins and minerals is essential so they grow well. If Vitamin A nourishes their skin and vision, Vitamin D makes their bone healthy. Likewise, the Vitamin B complex contributes to their high metabolic rate and fulfills the need for phosphorus and calcium to strengthen their teeth and bones. The contribution of the Vitamin B complex to their overall growth is dynamic as it also looks after their nervous system, immunity, and cell metabolism. B vitamins help them with their appetite, digestion, organs, tissues, muscles, coat, and skin.

Due to this, one must pay attention to the levels of different B vitamins in dog food. Do you know what vitamins are included in the Vitamin B complex and their role in a dog’s wellness? 

1. Vitamin B1 helps digest fat and carbs and improves the nerve cells’ function
2. Vitamin B2 uses amino acids and fats to help develop muscles
3. Vitamin B3 is necessary for appetite, enzyme functions, a healthy nervous system, and good skin and nails
4. Vitamin B5 synthesizes sex hormones and energy 
5. Vitamin B6 absorbs protein and synthesizes neurotransmitters 
6. Vitamin B7 is critical for muscle function, digestion, good skin & coat health
7. Vitamin B9 produces red blood cells in the bone marrow and cares for the heart 
8. Vitamin B12 regulates the nervous system, grows red blood cells, and protects your pet from anemia

• The health challenges caused by the deficiency of essential vitamins and minerals in dogs

Dogs need small amounts of vitamins and minerals in their daily diet. However, if they don’t get this, they suffer from different health problems or setbacks. A vitamin-deficient pup can experience appetite loss, discolored tongue, blood clotting, poor skin and coat, neurological troubles, and fluctuating body temperature. Due to low minerals in their diet, they can become susceptible to anxiety and moody behavior.

• Other nutrients – Proteins

Organs, muscles, skin, and all the tissues and cells in the body depend on protein. Like humans, dogs and other animals get strong teeth, bones, muscles, and infection-fighting abilities from proteins. Plus, protein keeps them energetic and active. So, it should be present in their meals. When digested, protein converts into amino acids, which nourish their health. Most animal-based foods are good sources of this ingredient. Think of eggs, fish, meat, poultry items, etc. It will be best to look for beef or chicken in their food specifically. Vegetables, soy, and cereals also contain proteins but in their incomplete form. Due to this, amino acids will be present in low amounts. Still, you can feed dogs veggies and other things. Additionally, it’s important to consider the benefits of other nutrients like collagen vs glucosamine, as both play significant roles in joint health.

• Other nutrients – Carbohydrates

Your pup can remain active if it gets the required diet of fiber and starches. Once digested, carbs turn into glucose, keeping them and their metabolism energetic. However, these should be given in a controlled amount to avoid overweight and obesity risks. 

• Other nutrients – Fibers

Fiber may not be a nutrient, but dogs need it for a healthy digestive system. However, the proportion of fiber should be maintained, as too much can cause diarrhea and loose stool problems, and too little can cause dry stools and constipation. Grains, vegetables, and fruits can be excellent sources of fiber. 

• Other nutrients – Fats 

Fat can be sourced from vegetables and animal-based products. They can offer higher energy than carbs and proteins. Dogs need fats for hormone production, the absorption and use of specific vitamins, and the integrity of their cellular structures. Animal organs, coats, and skin also benefit from fats. Fats (omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids) check inflammation, dry skin, and arthritis risks in dogs. When given in the correct quantity, fats show their magic on your pet’s glossy coat. Your little friend requires fats for safety from allergies, itching, and irritation.

• A healthy way to give nutritious meals to dogs

It starts with planning. Ensure your pup gets a balanced diet of brown rice, chicken, flaxseed oil, carrots, spinach, and other foods that contain all types of nutrients. As hinted earlier, dogs require proper meal schedules to maintain energy levels throughout the day. Since canines like to follow routines, you can serve their food at specific times of the day to aid their digestion and metabolic rate. Adult dogs usually need two meals daily, while puppies need to eat three or four meals in smaller proportions. Regarding proportion, you can decide the quantity of their food based on their energy, breed, size, and age. For the best guidance, you can seek the opinion of your veterinarian.

Every nutrient, including vitamins and minerals, is vital for your dog’s overall health. Whether you use store-bought food, homemade preparation, or a mix, ensure your dog gets everything essential for its safe and healthy growth. Some dogs may have a specific illness or allergic reaction to something. You must be more careful about giving them anything, even if it promises to offer the right amount of vitamins and minerals. You can consult the vet once to clear your doubts.

A dog is like a family member. It needs your support and constant care in its good and bad times. If you keep him healthy, he can make your life most beautiful with his unconditional love and loyalty.