Vitamin supplements boost the immune system and to render nutritional calories to your dog. They have numerous health benefits. Vitamins deal with the free radicals in the dog's body and extra nutrition is the need of every aging, sick dog. Many a time, a dog that does not get all the nutrition through food, is malnourished. So, to avoid any health problems in your pet, it is advisable that you must consult a veterinarian for vitamin supplements for your dog.

Types of Vitamins

There are two types of vitamins and they are classified broadly into their method of working. The types of vitamins are fat soluble and water soluble. Water soluble vitamins get flushed out easily whereas, fat soluble vitamins get stored in a dog's fatty tissues.

Fat Soluble Vitamins
  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin K
Water Soluble Vitamins
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin B1 (thiamin)
  • Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
  • Vitamin B3 (niacin)
  • Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)
  • Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
  • Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)
  • Folic Acid
  • Biotin
Vitamins for Dogs

Free radicals in dogs are the by-product of the oxidation process. Free radicals are unwanted and are responsible for a number of diseases in dogs like heart diseases, arthritis, cataracts, premature aging and even cancer. Also, these effects are seen if the dog does not get nutritious food and vitamins for a long time. The risk of these diseases in dogs is reduced with the intake of proper vitamin supplements. Here are the necessary vitamins and the health problems caused due to their deficiencies. In the third column, the signs of the consumption of certain vitamins in excess have been mentioned.

Vitamins Symptoms of Deficiency Excess of Vitamins
Vitamin A Lower the growth rate, vision problems, diarrhea and skin problems. Vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss, bone deformities and bleeding disorders.
Vitamin B Irritability, nervousness, hair loss, fatigue and skin problems. It is a water soluble vitamin and excess is excreted through urine.
Vitamin C Breathlessness, slow healing process, dental problems, and impaired lactation. It is a water soluble vitamin and excess is excreted through urine.
Vitamin D Vision problems, poor development of muscles, nervous disorders and rickets. Calcification of muscles, increased frequency of urination and nausea or vomiting.
Vitamin E Bleeding disorders, collagen problems. No harm
Vitamin K Miscarriage No harm


Vitamin supplements are necessary for the overall development and health of the dog. Besides, it is observed that older dogs do not absorb all the vitamins present in the food. They eat less and must be given supplements to compensate the less food consumed. This helps them to increase the immunity and slows down the aging process.

Ingredients of Vitamin Supplements for Dogs

Antioxidants
Usually, antioxidants are missing in the daily nutrition of dogs. Antioxidants are scavengers for the free radicals, produced in the oxidation process. If antioxidants are not included in a dog's nutrition, it can damage the normal cell metabolism.

Vitamin B Complex
Vitamin B complex increases the appetite of dogs. Excess of vitamin B does not cause any harm to the body as excess is excreted from the body.

Calcium
Calcium is essential for lactating pets and also to prevent bone degeneration. Joints of dogs are strengthened with proper calcium supplementation.

Fatty Acids
Skin and coat problems are prevented and cured with the help of fatty acids. Fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties.

These were some of the benefits of vitamin supplements for dogs. It is recommended that you must consult a veterinarian before you give your dog these supplements.