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When comparing the ingredients in different dog food brands, you should also look at the vitamin and mineral content. There are a variety of vitamins & minerals you dog needs for a healthy, active lifestyle. Many dog food brands use quality ingredients but may lack a complete nutritional profile. So in order to guarantee you are providing your dog with the best dog food available, you should know what these nutrients are and how they help your dog.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is an essential antioxidant. Antioxidants help with immune support and protect against free radicals that can cause damaging illnesses. Vitamin A is especially important in weight management and for the health of the skin and eyes of your dog. A Vitamin A deficiency can lead to numerous health problems for your dog including vision problems, unhealthy coat, and stunted growth in puppies.
Vitamin B1
Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is an essential nutrient for energy production. Vitamin helps improve nervous system function and reduce stress. It is also good for the liver, eyes, hair, and skin. A Vitamin B1 deficiency can lead to weight loss, nervous system issues, heart problems, stress, and neurological damage in puppies.
Vitamin B2
Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, is important for enzyme production. Vitamin B2 is extremely important for energy production. It also supports immune system health and slows the aging process. A Vitamin B2 deficiency can lead to loss of energy, weight, and appetite.
Vitamin B3
Vitamin B3, more commonly known as niacin, is also important for enzyme production. Vitamin B3 is important for energy production, healthy skin, and good circulation. It is also good for memory function. A Vitamin B3 deficiency can lead to bloody stools, excessive saliva production, cracking of the skin, and weight loss.
Vitamin B5
Vitamin B5, also called Pantothenic Acid, is a very common nutrient food in dog food. Vitamin B5 is important for energy production, immune system support, healthy digestion, and preventing depression and anxiety. A Vitamin B5 deficiency can lead to lethargy, rapid heart rates, convulsions, gastrointestinal problems, and comas.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is really important for dogs. Vitamin B6 helps with nervous system function, red blood cells generation, hormone regulation, the immune system, and heart health. A Vitamin B6 deficiency in dogs can be very dangerous. A deficiency can cause the impairment of motor skills, weakness, convulsions, weight loss, and anemia.
Vitamin B9
Vitamin B9, commonly called folic acid, is one of the most important vitamins for your dog’s overall health. Vitamin B9 is important to synthesize and repair DNA. It is crucial to cell division and growth. A deficiency of Vitamin B9 can cause diarrhea, confusion, anemia, and weight loss. Vitamin B9 is especially important for puppies and pregnant dogs, because a deficiency can cause brain defects in puppies.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12, is also important for enzyme production and it is necessary for cellular growth and regeneration. Vitamin B12 also helps support the nervous system and is vital for energy production. A Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to low white blood cell count, anemia, and loss of appetite.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that also supports the overall health of your dog. Vitamin E supports immune system health, cardiovascular health, helps build and repair connective tissue, and regulates digestion. Vitamin E is also essential for healthy skin and eyes. A Vitamin E deficiency can lead to muscle damage, a reduced red blood cell count, cataracts, and poor skin and coat.
Calcium
Dogs require a lot of calcium. Calcium helps build strong bones and muscles. It supports the nervous system, blood clotting, and digestion. A calcium imbalance can be very dangerous for a dog. A calcium deficiency, known as hypocalcemia, can cause bone breakage, weakness, muscle twitching, vomiting, and loss of appetite. A calcium excess, known as hypercalcemia, can lead to digestive problems, fatigue, confusion, and increase thirst and urination.
Choline
Choline is an important nutrient for nervous system function and brain health. Choline also helps with cell growth and supports metabolism function and liver and lung health. Choline is especially important for older dogs because it helps protect against senility and dementia. A choline deficiency can cause weight loss and liver and kidney problems.
Iron
Iron is an essential nutrient for health blood. Iron forms hemoglobin, which is used by red blood cells to carry oxygen. Iron is also important for energy production. An iron deficiency in dogs can cause anemia, digestive issues, rapid breathing, weight and appetite loss, and lethargy.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is an important nutrient to balance calcium levels. Phosphorus works with calcium to help in bone and cartilage production. Phosphorous also helps with hormone transmission. Like calcium, phosphorous imbalance can be very dangerous. Too much phosphorus can cause increased bone density and lead to hip dysplasia. A deficiency in phosphorus can cause Hypophosphatemia, which leads to all kinds of health issues from vomiting and diarrhea, to muscle weakness and seizures.
Potassium
Potassium is an important in enzymic production. Potassium also helps support muscles and the nervous system. It is also important to maintain a healthy level of hydration and can reduce high blood pressure. A potassium deficiency can cause diarrhea and vomiting, kidney disease, dehydration, and cardiac arrest.
Vitamins and minerals are very important to keeping your dog healthy, as deficiencies can cause a variety of health problems. The best way to ensure that your dog is getting all these important nutrients is to read the dog food label. Also if you pet is already experiencing a vitamin or mineral deficiency, you should consult your vet. They will recommend how to supplement your dog’s diet and recommend the best dog food brand to deal with your dog’s specific health needs. Luckily most high quality pet foods provide these nutrients so if you just do a little research and read the labels you can make sure your dog is getting all the nutrients it needs.
