Pet Vitamins: Are They Worthwhile? By Ron Ayalon

Everyone knows that a healthy body requires sufficient amounts of vitamins and minerals, many of us take them every day. But what about your pet? Does he need a multivitamin daily, or is he just fine with his food? Not everyone agrees about pet supplements, and even the veterinary community is divided over the issue. So just what kind of supplements can you give to your pet, and what can they do for him? Minerals Some very important minerals in your dog's diet include calcium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, and iron. Humans supplement with calcium often, but most dog food contains plenty of calcium. Too much calcium can lead to stunted growth and enlarged joints. Calcium also balances on a fine knife point with phosphorus and zinc. Too much phosphorus can leech calcium out of the body, while too much zinc can cause copper and calcium deficiencies. The risk you run by supplementing with these minerals is wrecking the delicate balance. Organ meats in dog food include sufficient copper for most dogs. Zinc is found in milk, egg yolks, and legumes, all part of quality dog foods. For the most part dog food provides plenty of minerals, and supplementing can be dangerous if you give too much of one type of mineral. Vitamins Did you know that your dog produces his own vitamin K and even a little vitamin C? Vitamin D is absorbed through sunlight or through enriched foods and vitamin A is a part of carrots and sweet potatoes which are an integral part of quality dog food. What vitamins can your dog use? If you are looking to invest in supplements for your dog start with vitamin E. It is a proven anti-oxidant with the ability to help alleviate the pain of osteoarthritis. Optimum levels are still being researched, but vitamin E is best used in conjunction with selenium for absorption. Vitamin C is also a worthy supplement, because most dogs are exposed to many pollutants and germs which their bodies have to fight, and vitamin C can help bolster the immune system. If you are looking to improve your dog's health, vitamins E and C are a good place to start. Supplements Supplements include all of the herbal and natural remedies out there, which humans also use. Many of these supplements are very beneficial and can help alleviate conditions in older dogs, or prevent illness in younger dogs. Some of the most useful supplements include: garlic, glucosamine, yucca schidigera extract, and ginko. Garlic is great not only in the kitchen but also as a natural anti-biotic and anti-oxidant as well as a promoter of heart health. Glucosamine is a component of cartilage and helps prevent joint degradation. Yucca schidigera is more for the owner than the dog because it helps make your pet's poo less stinky by predigesting the food in the stomach, also helping nutrient absorption. Finally, ginko is emerging as a wonder supplement when it comes to combating degenerative neurological disorders, which can help your dog in his old age tremendously. There are many other supplements as well, descriptions of which are easily found online.

In conclusion, if your dog is normal and healthy then herbal supplements and vitamins E and C may be worthwhile, but any other additions may disrupt the delicate balance of vitamins and minerals in his body. Of course, if your dog is sick or perhaps pregnant then other supplements may be a good idea, but always ask your vet first. Primarily you should focus on feeding your pet top quality food with no animal by-products or preservatives; this will be the solid foundation he needs for his health. After that the rest is just icing on the cake.

About the author: Visit Worldwide Puppies and Kittens in Bellmore, New York, or call them at 516-679-7880 for more information. Their website is www.PuppiesLongIsland.com. No matter what your lifestyle, Worldwide Puppies and Kittens will ensure that you will find the perfect puppy or kitten with the perfect size and temperament to match it