Pet Nutrition and Vitamins:

Just like humans, our pets also need vitamins and other supplements. These vitamins are intended to supplement the pet’s diet in order to meet their daily requirements. Pets too require many nutrients to help fight disease, germs and other ailments. Animals that are suffering because of nutritional deficiencies require supplements on a daily basis.

These pet vitamins are essential in boosting the immune system of your pet. If you have a pet that is either very young or very old, vitamins are essential for them in order to maintain their health. Most of our pets are not able to meet their nutritional requirements because the processing and the addition of chemicals to the commercially available pet foods decrease its nutritional value and nutrient content.

There are many functions that vitamins perform in the body of animals. They are required for the formation of bones and growth and maintenance of fur and skin. Vitamins are also essential in keeping the sensory organs healthy. If an animal is suffering from a vitamin deficiency, it is likely to have dull hair, poor skin, broken teeth, low levels of energy, weak bones and also anemia.

As with humans, the vitamins for pets are also divided into water soluble and fat soluble ones. Fat soluble vitamins include vitamins A, D, E and K while vitamins B and C are the water soluble ones. Vitamin A is required by the animals to have a healthy and shiny coat. Vitamin B helps in the formation of muscles, blood and skin. Vitamin C and E are antioxidants and are therefore important for fighting disease and raising immunity of the pet. Vitamin D is vital in the formation of teeth and bones and Vitamin K is required for efficient blood clotting and healing of wounds.

Though our pets do require vitamins and other supplements, they often require them in different quantities than humans. Therefore, it is not safe to give your pets any supplements without consulting your doctor first. Your veterinarian will not only tell you which supplements are required by your pet, but will also suggest the quantity in which these supplements need to be given and the brand names which you should buy them under.

If you know of any specific allergies that your pet may have, discuss them with your veterinarian before buying any supplements and giving them to your pet. Also, different animals need different supplements. It is not safe to assume that the vitamins prescribed for your dog will be good for your cat too.