Vitamin Basics

The Water Soluble Vitamins C & B

Water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the body and therefore dogs can be prone to a deficiency in these vitamins. Water soluble vitamins must be supplied daily. Because they are not stored in the body like fat soluble vitamins (E D A and K) they are the safest vitamins to supplement because any excess is excreted through the urine. Vitamin B and C toxicity is rare. Vitamin supplements added to dry dog food are often ineffective because the vitamins are exposed to extreme temperatures during processing. Extreme heat and cold alter vitamins' molecular structure rendering them ineffective.

Vitamin B Complex

Vitamin B is actually made up of several different vitamins including thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, B6 (pyridoxine), folacin, B12 (cyanocobalamin), pantothenic acid, and biotin. The vitamin B group helps maintain healthy skin and coat, and helps in the healthy functioning of the stomach and intestines. The B-complex vitamins are found in brewer's yeast, liver, eggs, meats, fish, fruits, and leafy green vegetables.

Vitamin B to Reduce Aggression and Anxiety

Vitamin B helps increase the level of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a type of neurotransmitter: a brain chemical that carries messages between brain cells. Studies have shown that low levels of serotonin in the brain are associated with depression, anxiety and aggression in animals as well as humans. Vitamin B increases the level of serotonin in the brain and can help reduce anxiety and aggression in dogs. Ask your vet about supplementing with vitamin B if your dog suffers from aggression problems, separation distress, or general anxiety.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is essential for healthy teeth, gums and bones. It also helps heal wounds, scar tissue, and fractures. Vitamin C is an antioxidant: Antioxidants protect the body's cells by neutralizing the damaging effects of "free radicals," natural byproducts of cell metabolism. Free radicals travel through cells, disrupting the structure of other molecules and causing cellular damage. Such cell damage is believed to contribute to aging and various health problems.

Vitamin C protects against the harmful effects of pollution, helps to prevent cancer, and enhances immunity.

Vitamin C can be found in fresh, raw fruits and vegetables and can also be given safely as a supplement.

Vitamin C for Dogs With Hip Dysplasia or Arthritis

Vitamin C is an important suplement for dogs with hip dysplasia and arthritis because Vitamin C helps produce collagen. Collagen is the principle component of cartilage and other connective tissues that supports the skin, tendons, and bone.

The Fat Soluble Vitamins A, D, E and K

Unlike water-soluble vitamins that need regular replacement in the body, fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the liver and fatty tissues, and are eliminated more slowly than water-soluble vitamins.

Because fat-soluble vitamins are stored for long periods, they generally pose a greater risk for toxicity than water-soluble vitamins when consumed in excess. You must be very careful when supplementing with the fat-soluble vitamins.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A plays an important role in bone growth, tooth development, reproduction and cell division. Vitamin A is used by the skin, eyes and mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, throat and lungs to remain moist and healthy.

Vitamin A is supplied primarily by certain foods of animal origin like dairy products, fish and liver. Some foods of plant origin contain beta-carotene, an antioxidant that the body converts to vitamin A. Beta-carotene, or provitamin A, comes from fruits and vegetables. Carrots, pumpkin, winter squash, dark green leafy vegetables and apricots are rich sources of beta-carotene.

The best way to supplement vitamin A is to provide your dog with fresh liver or a raw egg once a week.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D plays a critical role in the body's use of calcium and phosphorous. It promotes hardening of bones and teeth and increases the absorption of calcium. Puppies especially need adequate amounts of vitamin D to develop strong bones.

Vitamin D is suppiled by the sun and absorbed by the skin. It is also found in fish body oils as well as codliver oil.

The best way to supply your dog with vitamin D is to make sure they spend lots of time outdoors in the sunshine!

Vitamin E

Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, protecting vitamins A and C, red blood cells, and essential fatty acids from destruction. Vitamin E is found in vegetable oils, green and leafy vegetables, wheat germ, egg yolk, and liver.

The best way to make sure your dog is getting adequate vitamin E is to feed fresh crushed green vegetables with every meal.

Vitamin K

Naturally produced by bacteria in the intestines, vitamin K plays an essential role in normal blood clotting and helps promote bone health. Good food sources of vitamin K are green vegetables such as turnip greens, spinach, cauliflower, cabbage and broccoli, and certain vegetables oils including soybean, cottonseed, canola, and olive oils. Pet foods, in general, contain limited amounts of vitamin K.

The best way to make sure your dog is getting adequate amounts of vitamin K is to feed a fresh crushed vegetable mix with every meal.