Important Vitamins for Senior Dogs

By Desiree Carlos

Many dog are now asking vets what supplements they can give to their dogs, specially their senior pets.

Does your dog need vitamins and supplements?  It really depends on the dog and the type of supplements, said Jenna Stregowski in “Do Dogs Need Vitamins and Supplements? How Vitamins and Supplements May Help Some Dogs” in The Spruce Pets website.

“All dogs need certain vitamins and minerals to thrive. Fortunately, these can all be found in a complete and balanced diet. If you are feeding your dog a commercial diet with the AAFCO label, then the food contains all the vitamins and minerals necessary to keep your dog healthy. You can take this a step further and choose a diet made with high-quality ingredients. Many experts agree that the vitamins and minerals in diets made with high-quality ingredients are more easily absorbed and used by your dog's body, “ Stregowski said.

“If you choose to feed a home-prepared diet to your dog, then you may need to add vitamins and minerals to make the food complete and balanced. You must work with your veterinarian to find the right recipes and source the appropriate vitamins, minerals, and supplements, “ she added.

Stregowski also suggested  that dog owners try using a website like BalanceIt.com or PetDiets.com to help them come up with a balanced, complete meal for their dogs.

“These sites are excellent tools to help you create a recipe that is complete and balanced. You can even develop recipes for dogs with specific health concerns. If the homemade diet is intended to treat a certain condition, your vet may prefer to refer you to a veterinary nutritionist to help you develop the right diet for your dog,” she said.

There is no need to supplement with vitamins and minerals if a dog is getting a complete and balanced diet. Giving a supplement might even cause problems if your dog is given too much of something, Stregowski stressed.

As an example, Stregowski said Vitamin A is important for a dog’s metabolism but too much can cause serious toxicity. Too much Vitamin A can lead to loss of appetite, lethargy, nausea, peeling skin, weakness, tremors, convulsions, paralysis, and death.

Stregowsk said an owner can give vitamins, minerals, or supplements if  

1. “The vet prescribes specific vitamins/minerals after diagnosing your dog with a deficiency.

2. Your vet recommends adding certain vitamins, minerals, or supplements to help treat a health condition or support a dog with a poor appetite.

3. Your vet recommends certain vitamins, minerals, or supplements because you wish to feed a home-prepared diet.

4.  Your vet approves of the use of certain supplements for your dog after you ask about them.”

“Either way, there is never a reason to just randomly start giving your dog vitamins. Always act under the supervision of your veterinarian. It's also important to verify dosing information with your vet before starting any supplements,” Stregowski stressed.

Human Vitamins and Supplements for Dogs?

Always ask the vet. It is always best to get products made specifically for dogs, Stregowski said.

“Before you start sharing your supplements with your dog or buying supplements at a human pharmacy, make sure they are safe! Although dogs need many of the same vitamins and minerals as humans need, the types and amounts may vary greatly. Ask your veterinarian about the strength and dose recommendation of each supplement you are giving. In many cases, it's better to get the products made especially for dogs,” she said.

WARNING:  There are human products  that contain inactive ingredients that are  not healthy for dogs or even toxic to dogs.

Below, Stregowski  discusses common vitamins for dogs:  

“Multivitamins: Never give human multivitamins to dogs. If your veterinarian recommends a daily multivitamin for your dog, ask for product recommendations. You must choose a multivitamin that is made especially for dogs. In some cases, you can choose a multivitamin made for dogs with special needs, such as joint support or senior age. Some vets recommend products such as Pet-Tinic or Nutri-Cal for dogs not getting enough nutrients.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These supplements may be beneficial to dogs with joint disease, heart disease, or kidney disease. Normal fish oil might not do the trick. Be sure to choose a formula with the right concentration of EPA and DHA based on your vet's recommendation. It is often better to go with a pet-specific formula. One example is Welactin.

Glucosamine/Chondroitin/MSM: These joint supplements can be very beneficial to dogs with an orthopedic issue such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, cruciate injury, etc. They can reduce inflammation in the body and help provide more lubrication for the joints. A popular formula recommended by vets is Dasuquin Advanced.

Fiber: Your vet may recommend adding fiber to your dog's diet in some cases. This may be to bulk up the stool and prevent anal gland issues. It may also be (recommended) to help with constipation or other GI issues.

Probiotics: These are nutritional supplements designed to restore healthy bacteria in the GI system. Many vets recommend probiotics for dogs with chronic GI issues or to combat the side effects of antibiotics. Effective pet brands include Proviable and FortiFlora.”

A complete and balanced diet is till the key to keeping your dog healthy.

“There are many vitamins, minerals, and nutritional supplements out there. Some can be very useful for certain dogs. Some are harmless but a waste of money. Others can cause harm. Just remember that healthy pets eating a complete and balanced diet do not need supplements. Don't let yourself be convinced otherwise by clever advertising. If your pet truly needs supplements, be sure to take your vet's recommendations and choose the right ones,” Stregowski said.

This article also appears in the Manila Standard