Best Dog Multivitamins for Optimal Canine Health
Dog multivitamins support your pet’s overall health and make sure they have long and happy lives ahead of them. Here are the multivitamins every pooch could benefit from–take a look and make your pick!
Every pet parent wants what’s best for their four-legged companion- not to mention we all want our pets as happy and long-lived as possible! To ensure your dog’s wellbeing and help them lead a fulfilling life, it’s your responsibility to feed them a healthy, well-balanced diet, provide enough exercise and mental stimulation, as well as socialization and affection. The cornerstone of their overall health, though, will be their diet and the nutrients they get from it- they don’t say you are what you eat for nothing! While high-quality dry food for dogs is usually enriched with all kinds of beneficial vitamins and minerals, sometimes it’s not enough to meet your dog’s needs and you’ll have to introduce a supplement into their diet. That’s where dog multivitamins get a chance to shine. Useful as a preventative or as an aid for the treatment of existing health conditions, the powerful combinations of various vitamins and minerals in one compact package, they will make sure that your pooch gets everything he needs to thrive.
Why do I need multivitamins for my dog?
Dog multivitamins can be given to dogs of any age and size and any health status- heck, every dog would benefit from an added vitamin boost, no matter how healthy they eat. However, certain dogs could experience particular advantages from these supplements: puppies, seniors, dogs with skin and coat issues, pets with a poor immune system, etc. Every furball that could use a bit of a health boost can find it through regular use of dog multivitamins. Of course, that doesn’t mean that dog multivitamins are a “cookie-cutter” supplement and that each will fit any and every dog. On the contrary! While all working to deliver similar benefits, each formula is unique and targets different issues or offers specific advantages through its particular combination of vitamins: you just have to make sure you’re getting the right type for your pet’s needs.
To help you find the best dog multivitamins, we’ve selected the most popular ones on the market. Our selection of dog multivitamins includes only the supplements with the most positive reviews by pet parents, with enough variety to suit any pet parent’s budget and every pooch’s individual needs. Just read on and make your pick–you can’t go wrong with any of them!
1. Editor’s Choice: Wholistic Pet Organics Canine Complete Multivitamins
This multivitamin supplement in powdered form is designed to support your pet’s overall health with a unique formula that contains vitamins, minerals, enzymes, essential fatty acids, powerful antioxidants, probiotics, and prebiotics. It’s a fantastic addition for dogs on home-cooked diets or those that need an extra boost for their immune system. The supplement is suitable for dogs of all ages and sizes–only the serving sizes vary for each category. Made with raw, natural, and organic ingredients in the USA, Wholistic Pet Organics Canine Complete Multivitamins are also regulated by the NASC (National Animal Supplement Council). This supplement for dogs also contains no fillers, synthetics, GMO’s, or artificial flavoring. As it comes in the form of easily digestible powder, this multivitamin is great for picky dogs or pets with sensitive stomachs – it is easy to mix in with their meals for a sneaky daily dosage.
2. Runner Up: Pet MD Canine Tabs Plus
Whether you have a puppy, a working dog breed, or a senior–these dog multivitamins will be equally effective. Vet-recommended and made in the USA, these chewable multivitamins for dogs are created to add a protein boost to your pet’s diet as well as enrich it with essential vitamins and minerals. The powdered liver in the ingredient list adds iron and protein to your pet’s daily diet, and a combination of vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, Vitamin D3, Vitamin B6, calcium, phosphorus and many others ensures that their overall immune system, skin, and coat are all optimal.
3. Customer Choice: PetHonesty 10 in 1 Dog Multivitamin with Glucosamine
If you want to combine the preventative effect of hip and joint supplements with a wide spectrum of benefits that multivitamins offer, this is the product for you. Whether you have a young pooch or a senior, PetHonesty 10 in 1 multivitamin will be a good match. The impressive ingredient list includes not only all of the most important vitamins and minerals for your dog’s optimal health but glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, essential fatty acids for cardiovascular and brain function, as well as probiotics for balanced digestion. And since they are in the form of chicken-flavored or peanut butter-flavored soft chews, getting your pooch to eat them shouldn’t be an issue!
4. Best Chewable: Nutri-Vet Multi-Vite Chewables for Dogs
These budget-friendly, liver-flavored soft chewables are an excellent choice for a dog who already has a healthy diet but can benefit from a vitamin and mineral boost on the side. The combination includes Vitamins A, D, E, C, and B6 (and others from the group such as Thiamin, Niacin, and Riboflavin) as well as essential minerals such as calcium, zinc, magnesium, manganese and copper. Nutri-Vet Multi-Vite Chewables are suited for adult dogs of all sizes and breeds.
5. Best Flavor: Novana Blue Pet New Life Dog Multivitamin
If you are looking for a multivitamin option that will provide the care needed for all the dogs in your pack, regardless of their size or breed, Novana Blue is a great option. This proprietary blend of rosemary powder, grapefruit seed extract, fennel and cranberry is packed with many great health benefits in one easy little tablet. The best part? The tablets are maple bacon flavor, meaning that you don’t have to fight your dog to convince them to take their vitamins every day!
This multivitamin is credited with improving your dog’s energy levels, strengthening enamel and gums for better dental health, reduce shedding and improving the shine on your dog’s coat, optimizing digestion, improving mobility, easing joint discomfort, and protecting your dog against unnecessary vision loss. Novana Blue is a multivitamin for the full lifespan of your dog, providing nutrients necessary to support the growth and development of a young puppy while also easing the aches and pains that are often experienced in a dog’s senior years.
6. Best Soft: Zesty Paws 8-in-1 Multivitamin Bites
The list of 35 health-boosting nutrients in this multivitamin works eightfold: it supports skin and coat, hip and joint, digestive, immune system, heart health, liver health, reduces oxidative stress, and optimizes muscles and physical performance. As a result, these chewable multivitamins for dogs are suitable for pets of all ages and sizes- their function is wide-spectrum and potent. The soft and chewy texture and the enticing peanut butter flavor make sure that your pooch is keen on getting his daily dose of vitamins. Made in the USA with no corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavorings or preservatives, Zest Paws 8-in-1 is a good choice for dogs with food sensitivities and allergies.
7. Best for Digestion: NaturVet All-in-One Support
Available in powder and soft chew form, this all-in-one dog supplements will keep your pooch’s essential needs met. The formula is designed to promote healthier skin and coat, support joints, encourage better digestion and provide all of the most important vitamins and minerals that dogs have to have in their diet. As a result, these multivitamins are ideal for the prevention of common health issues that result from poor nutrition or come naturally with age. NaturVet All-in-One Support multivitamins are suitable for dogs of all ages and comes in a practical resealable jar for continued freshness – no loss of potency over time! The powdered form can be mixed in the food, and the chewables taste like treats, so you can’t go wrong with either option for your picky pooch.
8. Best All-Natural: Dr. Harvey’s Multi-Vitamin & Mineral Herbal Dog Supplement
Made from natural ingredients that are easy to absorb for canines, this whole food multivitamin for dogs comes in the form of an herbal powder that’s easy to mask with your pet’s meals- just sprinkle over kibble or mix into wet food and your dog won’t suspect anything. Dr. Harvey’s Multi-Vitamin & Mineral Herbal Dog Supplement is packed with superfood and potent natural remedies in the form of herbs and plants, and it will benefit dogs of all ages and sizes.
9. Best Liquid: VETFLIX Pet Vitamins 10 in 1
If your pet shuts his snout at the mere sight of a tablet or a capsule, doesn’t seem to be interested in chewables, and wrinkles his nose at powdered supplements, liquid multivitamins might just be what you need to trick them into getting their essential nutrients. Easily masked in food or just dropped straight into your pet’s mouth, this multivitamin supplement offers benefits for their immune system, skin and coat, bone and joint health, as well as a myriad of others. The key is in the ingredient list that includes not only the essential vitamins and minerals but glucosamine, essential fatty acids, and potent antioxidants, too. Suitable for all age groups and sizes- even cats can use it. And as an added bonus, this herbal supplement is formulated and made in the USA in accordance with strict American laws, so you can rest assured that your pet’s safety and wellbeing are not being compromised with dubious sources and ingredients.
10. Honorable Mention: Jack&Pup BarkBuddies Multi-Buddy Dog Multivitamins
The 4-in-1 formula of this dog multivitamin powder makes it versatile enough to suit dogs of all ages, from puppyhood to their senior years. The combination of over 20 vitamins and minerals, essential fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, and probiotics will have a wide-spectrum effect on your dog’s overall health and wellbeing: from a strengthened immune system and better digestion to a prettier coat. It comes in the form of soft chews so it can be given as a treat, and contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. This multivitamin for dogs manufactured in a federally approved facility with the seal of NASC and third party audited by UL for cGMP compliance.
Which vitamins do dogs need?
Not unlike their human companions, dogs require well-balanced nutrition that provides them with all of the essential vitamins and minerals their bodies need to thrive. In some cases, canines can get everything they need simply by nibbling on their kibble, but it’s not always as simple as that. While a great deal of essential nutrients can be obtained from food, sometimes you have to “boost” the vitamin intake with supplements. Naturally, as dogs and humans are quite different, your pet will need supplements of his own- never give your pet human multivitamins as they could be dangerous for them. Dogs require different vitamins in different doses- here are some of the most common that are required for optimal health in canines:
Vitamin A
This vitamin supports cell and immune function as well as proper nerve and muscle function. The most well-known benefit of Vitamin A for dogs is the positive effect it has on skin and coat. Vitamin A can be found in carrots, eggs, fish oil, spinach, sweet potatoes, etc.
Vitamin B complex
The Vitamin B complex is a group of various nutrients that all play an important role in your dog’s wellbeing. The group includes B12, B6, Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic acid, and Folic acid.
Vitamin C
With powerful antioxidant properties, Vitamin C is one of the more important vitamins for your dog’s health- but the chances are that your pooch won’t need it. Dogs can synthesize Vitamin C in their livers and rarely require additional supplements of it. However, there are dogs with Vitamin C depletion–in case your pet is among them, an occasional apple slice probably won’t cut it and you’ll have to up their intake with a supplement.
Vitamin D
Essential for the development of muscles and bone system, the “sunshine vitamin” controls calcium and phosphorus absorption in your pet’s body. Unfortunately, time in the sun won’t help your pet get his Vitamin D as it doesn’t work the same for canines as it does for humans- so be sure to check if they are getting enough of it through diet.
Vitamin E
A potent antioxidant, Vitamin E will support your pet’s overall immune system and ensure proper cell function. Foods naturally rich in Vitamin E are leafy green veggies, seeds, and whole grains.
Benefits of dog multivitamins
Multivitamins for dogs are designed to offer optimal benefits to canines- regardless of whether they are still a puppy or if they are enjoying their golden years. Similarly, dog multivitamins are appropriate for preventative use and when there’s cause to believe your pet needs an additional vitamin boost to help with certain issues, so it’s safe to say that you’d be hard-pressed to find a pooch that wouldn’t have something to gain from a multivitamin supplement in their routine. Here are some common benefits that are attributed to dog multivitamins:
Improved skin and coat
Sometimes there aren’t underlying issues such as allergies or skin disease that’s making your pet’s fur look lackluster and their skin dry and flaky. It might be that something is missing in your pet’s diet that’s reflecting directly on their coat and a multivitamin with B complex vitamins and reinforcement in the form of essential fatty acids could be just what gets your pooch those shiny locks back.
More energy
The right blend of vitamins will make sure your pet is feeling his best- and the support the proper nutrients give to your dog’s body can cause a noticeable uptick in energy. This is not to say that multivitamins for dogs can cause your pet to be a buzzing ball of energy, but rather give some spring back to a senior dog’s step and make sure those young pooches are living up to their potential and not lazing around when they should be playing fetch.
Strengthened immune system
The support that dog multivitamins offer to the immune system will contradict the negative effects that stress and environmental factors have on it. A strengthened immune system is a starting point for the prevention of many diseases from diabetes to cancer, so combining multivitamins with a healthy diet in lifestyle can go a long way to keeping your pet healthy and long-lived.
Features to consider in dog multivitamins
Not all dog multivitamins offer the same benefits nor do they come in the same shape and form–so it’s important to know what your options are before buying. Here are some of the most important factors to consider:
Formula
The first factor to consider is what the ingredients of a particular multivitamin for dogs are! I mean, the primary reason why your pet is getting them is to reap certain benefits and knowing what’s in the formula will make sure they are not missing out on a specific vitamin that is important for their individual needs. While most dog multivitamins contain similar blends with the most important vitamins and minerals that ensure proper immune function and support a dog’s overall health, there are variations that could make some more suited than others. Varying ratios of certain vitamins, as well as doses of vitamins, are important to consider- read the label thoroughly!
Your dog’s individual needs
Be sure that the pet multivitamins you pick are a match for your dog’s size, age group, and activity level–you don’t want to overdo it or fail at providing the right amount of vitamin boost to your pooch. And what’s enough for a puppy might not cut it for an adult doggo- the same goes for, let’s say a senior or a young working dog.
Ease of administration
Like it is the case with all dog supplements–the delivery mode will be one of the most important factors to consider. No matter how effective or suitable a certain dog multivitamin is, it won’t matter if you can’t get your dog to swallow it. And for any dog owner that has a picky or a stubborn pet, you know how much hassle it can be trying to make your pooch do something they are not keen on doing! Luckily, dog multivitamins are available in different forms: flavored chews, tablets, capsules, powders or pastes. You can mask the multivitamins with their fave foods or pick those that taste like a treat themselves–it’s up to you.
Can I give human multivitamins to dogs?
No, you can’t use human vitamins of any kind for dogs. The reason for this is the dosage and the ingredients, so only a veterinarian could give you an exact amount and type of supplement that could be used if required. Human multivitamins often contain ingredients that are safe for us but toxic to dogs, such as artificial sweeteners, so you could inadvertently poison your dog with your supplements. Furthermore, the amount and combination of certain substances – e.g. vitamins and minerals – differ in human and dog supplements, as we have very different health needs: your supplement might be overdosing or underdosing your pet or not doing anything at all for their benefit as it contains none of the vitamins essential for their health.
Can dogs overdose on dog vitamins?
Yes, dogs can overdose on vitamins, so it’s important to stick to the recommended dosage. The range of overdose effects varies from no reaction (your dog just pees out the excess vitamins) to fatal outcomes, so it’s crucial to use only dog multivitamins and in doses and formulas appropriate for your pet’s age and needs. If you are unsure about the amount or type of dog multivitamins you need to use, consult with your pet’s veterinarian.
How much vitamin should a dog get daily?
It all depends on the specific vitamin – they need more of certain vitamins and less of others. Multivitamin formulas are tailored to provide a complete mix of vitamins and minerals your pet needs on a daily basis when given according to the dosage recommendations, so it’s best to rely on manufacturer’s instructions to ensure you’re not going overboard or giving less than your pet needs. Some of the most important vitamins dogs need are A, C, D, E, K and B vitamins, but it’s crucial that you give them in the right dose – giving too much of these vitamins can cause serious side effects.
How do I know if my dog has a vitamin deficiency?
Nutritional deficiency is the main reason for vitamin deficiency in dogs – it means that either your pet is not getting all the nutrients they need from their food because of a health problem or that their diet is not nutritionally complete to begin with. You’ll notice the symptoms of vitamin deficiency when your pet’s coat loses its shine and softness, they have less energy and are depressed and lethargic, or when there are changes in their feces. Consult with a veterinarian to eliminate potential underlying health issues as a cause for these changes, and to see if multivitamins or a change of diet are a better option for your pet.
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A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.
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