Dogs require several essential vitamins to maintain their health, categorized into fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) and water-soluble vitamins (C and B-complex).
Vitamin A: Crucial for vision, skin health, protein synthesis, and reproductive health. Sources include liver, fish, and eggs. Excessive intake can lead to toxicity, causing joint abnormalities and fetal issues in pregnant dogs.
B Vitamins:
B1 (Thiamine): Essential for energy production and nervous system function, found in meat, bran, and cereals.
B2 (Riboflavin): Maintains skin and coat health, aids in energy production, found in liver and eggs.
B3 (Niacin): Prevents skin dehydration, supports fat synthesis, present in meat, fish, and cereals.
B5 (Pantothenic Acid): Involved in metabolic processes, including energy production and fat synthesis, found in meat and eggs.
B6 (Pyridoxine): Vital for amino acid metabolism, present in meat.
B12 (Cobalamin): Supports brain and nervous system health, protein synthesis, and red blood cell production, found in animal products like liver, kidney, fish, and meat.
Vitamin C: Acts as an antioxidant, reduces inflammation, and supports joint and overall health, synthesized naturally in dogs' livers, usually making supplementation unnecessary unless advised by a vet.
Vitamin D: Regulates calcium and phosphorus, optimizing absorption and minimizing loss through urine. Found in oily fish, liver, and obtained from sunlight exposure.
Vitamin E: Protects cells from free radical damage, boosts the immune system, mainly found in vegetables, grains, and some animal products like liver.
Vitamin K: Crucial for enzyme function, blood clotting, calcium absorption, and protein metabolism. Produced by intestinal bacteria, found in meat and liver. Deficiencies can lead to bleeding issues.
