Are There Vitamins for Dogs

Much like you, your dog obtains essential vitamins and minerals chiefly through their food. If you’re concerned that they’re suffering from nutritional deficiencies, a multivitamin like Deley Naturals 15 in 1 can fill in the gaps. 

Vitamins are organic compounds that provide essential nutrients for your dog to maintain their health, metabolism, and other functions. They come chiefly from your dog’s food. Commercial dog food formulated to meet AAFCO standards typically does not need supplementation. However, depending on your dog’s individual needs, they may benefit from adding extra nutrients to their diet.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins

Fat-soluble vitamins get absorbed along with dietary fats and are stored in your dog’s fatty tissue and liver. They include vitamins A, D, and E. Fat-soluble vitamins can be found in fatty fish or fish oil, liver, beef, dairy products, eggs, and dark leafy greens.

  • Vitamin A: An antioxidant that plays a role in your dog’s growth and well-being throughout their entire life. It helps your dog maintain healthy vision, fortifies the immune system, and helps puppies develop into healthy adult dogs.
  • Vitamin D: An essential nutrient that helps maintain normal calcium levels. It has the secondary functions of maintaining your dog’s dental health, regulating their immune system, and helping their muscles grow. It may also help promote calm, balanced behavior in dogs.
  • Vitamin E: An antioxidant that supports the neutralization of free radicals, reducing oxidative stress in the process. When free radicals cannot be kept in check by antioxidants, they damage your dog’s fatty tissue, DNA, and organs, leading to various diseases down the line.

Water-Soluble Vitamins

Unlike fat-soluble vitamins, water-soluble vitamins do not get stored in your dog’s body. Instead, they get flushed out of your dog’s system over time. Because of this, your dog needs regular sources of vitamins C and B-complex in their diet. They can be found in organ meats, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.1

  • Vitamin C: An antioxidant that can reduce inflammation and cognitive aging. Your dog can synthesize vitamin C on their own. Most dogs do not need vitamin C supplemented, but a few can benefit under certain circumstances.
  • Vitamins B-complex: An essential nutrient that can counter fatigue and improve appetite. These vitamins support healthy brain function and energy generation. They play a role in almost every biological process in your dog’s body, including cardiovascular health, cellular energy production, and neurological health.

Types of Supplements

Approximately one-third of all dogs in America receive a dietary supplement. Deley Naturals offers a variety of products designed to accommodate your dog’s needs, whatever they may be.

    • Hip and joint supplements: Glucosamine, the main ingredient of Deley Naturals Hip & Joint Supplements, is the most popular supplement due to its anti-inflammatory benefits. It’s typically given either to prevent osteoarthritis or manage symptoms. While your dog’s body naturally produces glucosamine and renews the cartilage between the joints, they produce less as they age.
    • Fish oil: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, play an important role in skin and coat health, vision development, and cognitive support. Fish oil can also reduce inflammation, making it a popular addition to standard hip and joint supplements. It may also relieve allergies in dogs. Deley Naturals Fish Oil uses small, non-predatory fish in order to avoid any issues of mercury contamination in the final product.
  • Probiotics: As our understanding of the gut microbiome grows, probiotics become a more popular option for pet owners. Probiotics improve digestive health, populate the gut with “good” bacteria, and support your dog’s immune system. Deley Naturals Advanced Probiotic Supplements combine live microbials with a proprietary enzyme blend specially formulated to increase the efficiency of your dog’s digestive system, allowing your dog to extract more vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients from the same amount of food.
  • Calming supplements: Canine behavioral issues occur in up to 90 percent of dogs. If your dog is suffering from anxiety, calming supplements can have a natural relaxing effect. Deley Naturals Advanced Calming Supplement for Dogs combines valerian root, chamomile, passion flower extract, ginger root, and L-tryptophan in order to reduce anxiety and promote balanced behavior without sedating your dog.
  • About Melody Lee:

    Melody Lee is a CPDT-KA dog trainer and freelance writer. She has over 10 years of experience working with dogs as a shelter volunteer, a dog walker, and as a trainer. Her interest in canine behavior and behavior modification began when she was a teenager and adopted an aggressive dog. She lives in New York and runs Melody Lee Dog Training, where she specializes in urban puppy socialization and reactivity. For a change of pace, she also fosters cats.