With natural feeding, the dog does not get enough vitamins and minerals, because they are destroyed during the cooking process. Not every owner knows which supplements to choose from a huge number of different mixtures, powders, capsules, tablets and other products of the pharmacological industry. That is why we decided to rank 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 micronutrients. 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 contain enough nutrients that are 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 in the work of other important body functions of a four-legged friend.
The purpose of these supplements is to make sure dogs get the right levels of vitamins and nutrients to live healthy lives. However, it must always be remembered that before allowing dogs to try any nutritional supplement, it is best to consult a veterinarian to avoid overdosing or hypervitaminosis.
Content
To date, vitamin supplements for four-legged friends are being produced, conditionally divided into three varieties according to the degree of impact and by class:
Multivitamin complexes of this group contain:
Available in different flavors for different breeds and ages. In reasonable quantities, they can also be used as a treat.
Only a veterinarian will be able to say with confidence what is suitable for a particular pet, since many factors play a role when choosing, which must be taken into account:
For example, for domestic small breeds, vitamin-mineral complexes are suitable, which include calcium for teeth and strengthen bones, but vitamins that contain a share of fish oil are completely contraindicated, since these individuals are prone to obesity and in this case, drugs can only harm .
Tips from the veterinarian on feeding dogs and choosing vitamins:
The cost of the most popular vitamin complexes for dogs can vary from 110 rubles. up to 2500 rub. For comparison, excel vitamins will cost inexpensively, about 300 rubles. for 155 tablets, while a jar of Polidex can cost 600-700 rubles.
But there are some canine multivitamins and supplements that stand out from the rest.
This supplement, which is to be mixed with the animal's food, is intended for adult and senior dogs of all breeds.Its main purpose is to take care of the teeth, bones and joints of the pet.
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.
Vitamins of domestic production are intended for dogs under the age of 6 years.
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 help:
Vitamins are taken orally with a small amount of food. 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 (total, not per kilogram) for a dog weighing more than 20 kg.
Cost: 160 rubles for 90 tablets.
This feed supplement is available in powder form. Its main direction is the normalization of the gastrointestinal tract of the animal. Indications for this supplement:
It can be used by puppies in case of unsatisfactory consistency or quality of the stool.
The drug is taken once a day for a month. The contents of the sachet are simply spilled onto food.
Cost - 1300 rubles for 30 bags.
Vitamins for dogs have the main effect on the condition of the skin of the animal, coat.
The tablets contain yeast, vitamins B, E, zinc and iron.
Vitamins should be taken for a minimum of 4-6 weeks, with the dosage calculated based on the pet's body weight, 1.5 tablets for every 10 kg.
Cost: 1400 rubles.
Vitamins for dogs for healthy skin, 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, cobalt. The complex improves immunity, improves skin condition, promotes rapid hair growth, and is a preventive measure for 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 apply a course of 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 for maintaining joints, ligaments and bones in a healthy state is the Gelakan 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 species - 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 to support the cardiovascular system for adults and older and inactive dogs.
Vitamin supplement made in Germany, suitable for all breeds and ages. These vitamins are needed for dogs with cardiovascular problems. They restore the efficiency of the heart, improve blood circulation in the heart muscle and normalize the heart rhythm.
Vitamins are produced in liquid form and packaged in 100 and 250 ml bottles, 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 credibility with a circle of professional breeders. Particularly suitable for small and toy 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 have experienced that your dog eats things that are not allowed, such as feces, earth, etc. - this complex will help the pet stop doing this.
Complexes have also been developed for animals of different weights, the dosage depends on the age of the animal. Vitamins contribute to the full absorption of calcium and the stabilization of the digestive processes in babies after the lactation 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, from molting, etc. The vitamin-mineral complex is suitable for eliminating the deficiency of useful elements, stimulating the immune system and strengthening the protective functions of the body. The recommended course of vitamins is 60 days. After a month break, repeat the course again.
Average market price for 90 pcs. is 200 rubles.
The 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, dysplasia of the hind limbs, rickets. The vitamin complex includes: phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin A, D, C, E, collagen hydrolyzate, methylsulfonylmethane, manganese and calcium. The drug is available in tablets. The term of admission is from 2 to 3 months. For preventive purposes, it is recommended to conduct a 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 is based on 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, even though they are in the same price category.
The use of vitamins will definitely benefit any pet, the main thing is to choose the right drug and dosage, and only a specialist can help in this, so every caring owner just needs to visit a veterinary clinic before buying vitamins for his beloved four-legged friend.