Dog Multivitamins & Supplements

Updated on February 03, 2023

Education and Compliance (ACE) Team

It’s not always easy to get all the vitamins and minerals we need in our daily diets. That’s why many of us have a few bottles of vitamins or a daily multivitamin in our medicine cabinets. But what about our dogs? Can a dog multivitamin or special dog mineral supplement help them thrive?

Dogs Need Vitamins and Minerals Just Like Humans

Like humans, dogs don’t naturally produce all the vitamins they need in their own bodies, which means they need to get those vitamins in their food or from other sources—like dog vitamins.

Which vitamins do dogs need?

Dogs can benefit from many of the same vitamins that humans need to thrive but in different quantities, of course. Here are a few of the essential vitamins your pup can get from dog vitamins and mineral supplements. Keep in mind that your dog may already be getting adequate amounts of these from their current diet. Before you start shopping for vitamins and minerals for your dog, talk to your vet to confirm they’re necessary.

Vitamin A Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps support eye health, growth, fetal development, immune function and regular cell function.
Thiamin (B1) This B vitamin helps regulate your dog’s metabolism and can affect their energy level.
Pyridoxine (B6) This important vitamin impacts glucose generation, nervous system function, hormone regulation, immune response and gene activation.
Riboflavin (B12) This vitamin impacts enzyme function.
Niacin (B3) Like riboflavin, niacin is crucial for enzyme function.
Vitamin C This antioxidant can help reduce inflammation and cognitive aging. While dogs can synthesize vitamin C on their own, supplements can be helpful in some cases.
Vitamin D Vitamin D supports bone growth by helping your dog’s body balance certain minerals. The right amount of vitamin D also helps keep muscles and bones strong. While humans can get a good quantity of vitamin D from the sun, dogs—with all their fur—usually don’t get as much—if any—vitamin D from that source. Therefore, they need to get vitamin D from their diet or through pet vitamins or mineral supplements.
Vitamin E This fat-soluble vitamin is necessary for cell function and fat metabolism. It also helps fight against oxidative damage.
Vitamin K Proper blood clotting often requires sufficient levels of vitamin K.
Choline This vitamin helps support normal brain and liver function.
Folic acid Folic acid can help moderate your dog’s metabolism and impacts protein synthesis.

Does my pet need dog mineral supplements and vitamins?

Since vitamins are critical to your dog’s health, does that mean you should head out to the pet supply store right now and load up on pet vitamins and mineral supplements? If you are feeding your pet a commercial dog food labeled “complete and balanced,” that means the food is formulated to meet your dog’s nutritional needs and includes appropriate levels of vitamins and minerals.

Individual differences in vitamin and mineral needs may exist, however, based on your dog’s breed, size, age and general health. Dogs living in more extreme environments such as colder climates and dogs living in dry, arid areas will often have different nutritional requirements that can be supported by adding vitamin supplements for dogs into their daily routine. There are also dog multivitamins that your pup may not need in their younger years but that can be part of a preventive routine for breed-specific ailments later in life.

If you aren’t sure what vitamins and mineral supplements could benefit your pet, consult your vet.

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When should my dog have dog vitamins?

We’ve already discussed how individual pets may benefit from dog vitamins. However, there are also some general situations where vitamin supplements for dogs may be a good idea. Talk to your vet if you recognize your dog in any of the following scenarios.

You make your own dog food Some pet parents prefer to cook food for their dogs themselves to ensure they’re consuming fresh ingredients or because their pets are choosy eaters. There’s nothing inherently wrong with making your own dog food, but it can be challenging to provide all their necessary vitamins and minerals. In this case, dog vitamin and mineral supplements are absolutely recommended.
Dogs with food sensitivities Dogs who suffer from food sensitivities may need to go on highly restricted diets that may be deficient in some vitamins and minerals. These days, most dog food made for pets with sensitivities are supplemented with extra vitamins, but it’s important to check your pet’s restricted diet to make sure it contains all the vitamins and minerals they need.
Certain illnesses or conditions Dogs with certain medical conditions may have trouble absorbing vitamins and can benefit from a daily dog multivitamin. Some digestive diseases, for example, can block the absorption of vitamins and minerals.
Malnutrition If you’ve recently adopted a malnourished dog or one who may have been in an environment where they were not fed a nutritious diet, visit your veterinarian to check for any vitamin deficiencies.

If your pet falls into any of the categories above, a visit to the vet is a crucial first step.

Working With Your Vet to Determine Your Dog’s Vitamin Needs

Never buy dog vitamins or mineral supplements without first consulting your pet’s veterinarian. If your dog is already getting appropriate amounts of a particular vitamin or mineral, too much can harm their health. Too much vitamin A, for example, can cause joint pain or even damage your dog’s blood vessels. Additionally, certain pet vitamins and minerals can negatively interact with your dog’s existing medication, causing additional health problems.

If you make your own dog food, have a pet with sensitivities or suspect that your dog may be suffering from a vitamin or mineral deficiency, speak to your vet. Your veterinarian can review your dog’s diet and test your dog for vitamin or mineral deficiencies. They can then recommend some of the best dog vitamins for your canine.

In some cases, your vet may recommend mineral supplements for your pet. Some of the best dog supplements are used for calming or hip and joint support. Hip and joint supplements are often recommended for older dogs to help manage arthritis. Calming aids can be helpful for nervous or anxious dogs, those prone to excitable barking and for pups who suffer from separation anxiety.

In some cases, your vet may refer you to a veterinary nutritionist for a more thorough evaluation of your pet’s diet. If you think you might want to begin making pet food at home, consult a veterinary nutritionist for guidance on developing a wholesome eating plan and dog supplement regimen for your dog.

How to Tell if Your Dog is Vitamin Deficient

Vitamin deficiencies in canines are rare but can occur if dogs have certain conditions or are not eating enough of a complete and balanced diet. The most common symptoms of vitamin deficiency in dogs include:

Changes in feces that lasts more than a few days
Changes in behavior, especially depression and lethargy
Skin or coat issues, including loss of fur and skin disease
Lack of energy

Any of these symptoms can indicate a vitamin deficiency or several other health issues. If you notice them, bring your dog to the vet so they can be tested to determine a cause.

What to Look for in Dog Vitamins

If your vet or veterinary nutritionist advises you to purchase specific vitamin or mineral supplements for your pet, you’ll have plenty of brands and varieties to choose from. Here at Petco we offer a wide range of dog vitamins and mineral supplements. When trying to decide between specific dog vitamins, do your research. Look for brands that have been thoroughly tested and include a lot number on the packaging, which typically indicates that the company performs quality checks. When in doubt, talk to your vet.

Be careful to give your dog the correct quantity of vitamins or mineral supplements based on your vet’s recommendation. Most vitamin supplements for dogs will include dosage recommendations based on your pet’s weight. Never give human vitamins to your dog. Humans and dogs have different nutritional needs, and human vitamins can harm your pet.

Where to Find the Best Dog Vitamins and Supplements

At Petco, we carry leading dog and cat supplements from well-known manufacturers. Whether you need a dog multivitamin, supplements to protect their joints or balms to help an anxious pup relax, we offer solutions that are designed to help. Make Petco your one-stop shop for all dog health and wellness solutions. Once dog multivitamins and mineral supplements are in your shopping cart, it’s time to start looking for all their other essentials.

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