When fed naturally, the dog does not get enough vitamins and minerals because they are destroyed during the cooking process. Not every owner knows what to choose supplements from a huge number of different mixtures, powders, capsules, tablets and other products of the pharmaceutical industry. That is why we decided to compile a rating of the best vitamins for dogs of different breeds.
Dogs that eat super premium food receive a balanced diet that includes vitamins, minerals and other beneficial trace elements. However, not all pets have access to such food, many dogs consume homemade meals or eat economy class food, which, as a rule, does not have enough nutrients necessary for the health of the animal.
With an unbalanced diet, they definitely need vitamin and mineral complexes as supplements. Vitamins help digestion, the health of the skin, coat, vision, joints, internal organs and systems, and also affect the improvement of other important body functions of the four-legged friend.
The purpose of these supplements is to make sure dogs are getting the necessary levels of vitamins and nutrients to live a healthy life. However, it should always be remembered that it is best to consult a veterinarian before allowing dogs to try any nutritional supplement to avoid overdosing or hypervitaminosis.
Content
To date, vitamin supplements are produced for four-legged friends, conditionally divided into three varieties according to the degree of exposure and classes:
Multivitamin complexes of this group contain:
Available in different flavors for different breeds and ages. In reasonable quantities, it can also be used as a treat.
It is safe to say that only a veterinarian can be suitable for a particular pet, since many factors play a role in the choice that must be taken into account:
For example, for small domestic breeds, vitamin-mineral complexes are suitable, including calcium for teeth and strengthening of bones, but vitamins, which contain a share of fish oil, are completely contraindicated, since these individuals are prone to obesity and in this case drugs can only harm ...
Veterinarian advice on dog feeding and vitamin selection:
The cost of the most popular vitamin complexes for dogs can vary from 110 rubles. up to RUB 2500 For comparison, excel vitamins are inexpensive, about 300 rubles. for 155 tablets, while a jar of Polidex can pull 600-700 rubles.
But there are some canine multivitamins and supplements that stand out from the rest.
This supplement, which must be mixed with animal feed, is intended for adult and senior dogs of all breeds. Its main purpose is to take care of your pet's teeth, bones and joints.
Among the main active ingredients are hyaluronic acid, manganese, chondroitin sulfate, MSM, etc.
The dosage depends on the size and weight of the animal:
The cost of 200 ml of suspension is 2000 rubles.
Domestic vitamins are intended for dogs under 6 years of age.
Produced in the form of tablets, which contain vitamins: A, B, C, D, as well as minerals: calcium, phosphorus, iron, iodine, zinc, manganese, copper.
Vitamins contribute to:
Vitamins are taken orally with a small amount of feed. The dosage depends on the weight of the animal: from 1 tablet per kg. weight for a small individual weighing less than 10 kg and up to 6 tablets (in total, not per kilogram) for a dog weighing more than 20 kg.
Cost: 160 rubles for 90 tablets.
This feed additive is available in powder form. Its main direction is the normalization of the animal's gastrointestinal tract. Indications for the appointment of this supplement:
Can be used by puppies in case of poor stool consistency or quality.
The drug is taken once a day for a month. The contents of the bag are simply poured onto the food.
The cost is 1300 rubles for 30 sachets.
Vitamins for dogs have the main effect on the condition of the animal's skin and coat.
The tablets contain yeast, vitamins B, E, zinc and iron.
Vitamins should be taken for at least 4-6 weeks, while the dosage is calculated based on the pet's body weight, 1.5 tablets for every 10 kg.
Price: 1400 rubles.
Vitamins for dogs to improve skin health, growth and hair loss.
Very good reviews of the complex multivitamin supplement.
Manufacturer Germany.
This complex is universal and suitable for small breeds of dogs and for large ones.
Brewer's yeast is a recognized source of vitamin B, which has a good effect on the body; it also contains linoleic acid, amino acids, zinc, iron, copper, and cobalt. The complex enhances immunity, improves skin condition, promotes rapid hair growth, and is the prevention of liver diseases in dogs.
Veterinarians recommend giving them to the animal to reduce seasonal molting - this is especially true for owners whose dogs live in an apartment. You need to use a course for two weeks or a month 1-2 times a year.
Average price on the market: 300 rubles.
Vitamins for joints, ligaments and bones.
The best nutritional supplement to maintain healthy joints, ligaments and bones is Gelakan, a food supplement produced in the Czech Republic. These vitamins are available in powder form and are practically the only drug on the market that contains collagen hydrolyzate, which forms the basis of articular cartilage. Gelakan is represented by 5 types - Darling, Baby, Pro, Fast and Champion. It is introduced into the diet gradually over the course of a week.
The price ranges from 730-1630 rubles, depending on the type of Gelakan dragee.
Vitamins for maintaining the functioning of the cardiovascular system for adult and elderly and inactive dogs.
Vitamin supplement made in Germany, suitable for all breeds and ages. These vitamins are essential for dogs with cardiovascular problems. They restore the efficiency of the heart, improve blood circulation in the heart muscle and normalize the heart rate.
Vitamins are produced in liquid form and are packaged in bottles of 100 and 250 ml, taken with meals. The dosage for small breed dogs is 3 ml per day, medium - 6 ml per day, large - 9 ml. The duration of the course depends on the severity of the pet's condition and is up to six months.
Average price: 1,500 rubles.
The best multivitamin complex.
Vitamins from Switzerland have earned respect among the circle of professional breeders. Especially suitable for small and dwarf breeds, lactating bitches, puppies from one month of age. Contains all important substances and minerals: A, B, D, E, calcium, phosphorus and yeast. If you are faced with the fact that your dog is eating something that is not allowed, for example, feces, soil, etc. - this complex will help the pet to stop doing it.
Complexes have also been developed for animals of different weights, the dosage depends on the age of the animal. Vitamins contribute to the full assimilation of calcium and stabilization of digestive processes in babies after the sucking period and nursing mothers.
The average price for 180 tablets is: 700 rubles.
Budget vitamins of different directions are presented in the Farmavit Neo line, produced in the Russian Federation. There are various complexes for: pregnant and lactating dogs, puppies, for wool, for shedding, etc. The vitamin and mineral complex is suitable for eliminating the deficiency of useful elements, stimulating the immune system and enhancing the protective functions of the body. The recommended course of vitamins is 60 days. After a month break, repeat the course again.
Average price on the market for 90 pcs. is 200 rubles.
A universal complex of vitamins, produced in England, is indicated for all dogs that do not receive sufficient or balanced nutrition. Also, these vitamins help very well in the formation of ears in puppies after cupping, hind limb dysplasia, rickets. The vitamin complex includes: phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamins A, D, C, E, collagen hydrolyzate, methylsulfonylmethane, manganese and calcium. The drug is available in tablets. The admission period is from 2 to 3 months.For preventive purposes, it is recommended to conduct the course three times a year.
Average price on the market: from 500 rubles.
It is impossible to definitely name the manufacturers of bad drugs, as well as to answer the question of which company is better, since the selection process is purely individual and proceeds from the needs and characteristics of a particular pet. However, many owners and experts say that foreign brands still outperform domestic ones both in quality and in the variety of products offered, while even being in the same price category.
The use of vitamins will certainly benefit any pet, the main thing is to choose the right drug and dosage correctly, and only a specialist can help with this, therefore, every caring owner just needs to visit a veterinary clinic before buying vitamins for his beloved four-legged friend.