Dogs require 14 different vitamins. With only a few exceptions, dogs don’t make the vitamins themselves, which means they must get these vitamins in their food. Vitamins participate in numerous chemical reactions that help to release the needed nutrients from food and help the dog’s body put those nutrients to use. Vitamins can be either water soluble or fat soluble.
Water-soluble Vitamins
Water-soluble vitamins have to be supplied on a daily basis, because they are continually broken down and excreted. They include the following:
• Thiamin (vitamin B1): Promotes a good appetite and normal growth. Required for energy production.
• Riboflavin (vitamin B2): Promotes growth.
• Pyridoxine (vitamin B6): Aids in the metabolism of proteins and the formation of red blood cells.
• Pantothenic acid: Required for energy and for protein metabolism.
• Niacin: Exists in many enzymes that process carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
• Vitamin B12: Necessary for DNA synthesis and intestinal function.
• Folic acid: Works together with vitamin B12 and in many of the body’s chemical reactions.
• Biotin: Acts as a component of several important enzyme systems.
• Choline: Required for proper transmission of nerve impulses and for utilization of sulfur-containing amino acids.
• Vitamin C: Participates in the formation of bones, teeth, and soft tissue.
The daily requirements for each of these vitamins are supplied in premium dog foods. Generally, an excess of these water-soluble vitamins is harmless because they are excreted in the urine. As long as your dog is eating a high-quality complete and balanced commercial diet and is healthy, you don’t need to worry about supplementing her diet with water-soluble vitamins.
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins don’t have to be supplied in the food every day because excess levels are stored in a dog’s body’s fat. Long-term storage means that they can accumulate to toxic levels, but this is very rare. Your dog needs the following fat-soluble vitamins:
• Vitamin A: Necessary for proper vision, especially night vision. Important in bone growth, reproduction, and maintenance of tissues such as the lungs, intestines, and skin.
• Vitamin D: Critical to the dog’s ability to use calcium and phosphorus for bone and cartilage growth and maintenance.
• Vitamin E: An antioxidant that protects the cells (and dog food) from oxidative damage. Important for muscular and reproductive function.
• Vitamin K: Essential for normal blood clotting.
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