Vitamins
Introduction
DRBC hopes this guide helps you and your dog to a longer, happier, and healthier life. The information presented is meant to be a guide as you look for the proper nutritional program for your pet. The best program begins and remains with your veterinarian. Always include them in your discussion on diet or any other changes to your pets’ lifestyle. Be sure to make that discussion a part of your semiannual veterinary visits.
DRBC has developed a dietary approach aimed at sound health and long life. The building blocks of this program can be found by using the menu below.
In This Section:
Vitamins
Multi-Vitamins
One thing a dog’s body can’t do on its own is to take vitamins.
Vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium are essential nutrients that can be found in the following foods:
- Bread
- Dairy products
- Fish
- Fruits and vegetables
- Grains
- Milk
While most commercial pet food manufacturers claim their products are “complete and balanced,” [a claim they substantiate through feeding trials or by meeting certain requirements] these products may lose necessary vitamins and minerals, which may be destroyed by the heating process.
There is some debate as to whether a dog’s diet needs to be supplemented with vitamins and minerals so you may want to consult a veterinarian before doing so.
How much should you add? Download the DRBC Dietary Guide at the bottom of this page to learn more.
Vitamin C
Your dog should always have access to freshwater from a clean bowl. Some people limit a dog’s water supply or take it away altogether in the evenings, to avoid late-night bathroom needs. This may be a helpful house-training tool, but it is not fair or healthy for your dog in the long-term.
Vitamin C improves immune function by enhancing white blood cell function and activity. It also increases the blood levels of interferon [the body's natural antiviral and anticancer compound] and antibodies [proteins that destroy foreign material such as bacteria, viruses, and toxins].
Vitamin C is also a natural urinary acidifier. 80% of female dachshunds will develop recurring urinary tract infections and bladder stones due to a drift in the urinary pH. Vitamin C given twice daily [250 mg] will help to correct this problem.
Some veterinarians also suggest giving dogs vitamin C as a preventative and immune booster. Vitamin C can be given to dogs before and after vaccination, to feeble and old dogs, to pregnant and lactating dogs, and to those that have been exposed to contagious diseases.
Moreover, vitamin C maintains the health of collagen. Therefore, it is also helpful for dogs with arthritis and degenerative joint disease, hip dysplasia, and spinal disorders.
Omega 3-Fatty Acids
DRBC does not advocate the addition of Omega 3-Fatty Acids or Fish Oils to our diet. The diet we use contains a sufficient amount of this supplement to meet daily requirements. Additionally, some studies have begun to indicate that an excessive amount of this additive may enhance heart disease.
How does the addition of vitamins in the DRBC Long-Life Diet work? Download the diet below.
Download the DRBC Dietary Guide
NOTE: Nutrition is part of the overall wellness plan you should discuss with your veterinarian. The information contained in this website and on this page specifically represents that of the DRBC organization. All of our decisions on a diet are discussed with our veterinarians on a routine basis.