Vitamins and minerals are important for pets' health and nutrition just as they are for ours. Ideally, they are obtained from fresh food but that can be hard when life is so busy. Therefore many pet owners are giving their pets supplements to ensure they get the sufficient levels of vitamins and minerals required to support optimal health.
Supplements are an easy solution as long as you are choosing the right one. They should contain all-natural ingredients from plant and animal sources and be free from synthetic ingredients and 'fillers'. PetWell's all-natural supplements contain active human-grade ingredients in the correct ratio to work together for maximum benefit and balance.
Health conditions relating to joint and mobility issues, digestive problems, as well as heart and organ health can all be aided with the right supplement. Using high-quality, all-natural supplements specifically designed to support these conditions are an excellent way of ensuring your pet has everything they need without the risk of overdosing.
We've created this guide to vitamins and minerals for pets that outlines what benefit each nutrient provides and in which food you can find them.
Vitamins for Pet Nutrition
Vitamins are essential for maintaining a healthy life for our pets. Most are naturally present in food. Vitamins are crucial for the growth and upkeep of our pet’s bodies.
Vitamin A
Benefits: Supports vision health, bone growth, reproduction, and healthy skin. Also boosts the immune system.
Source: Beef liver, dairy, fish oil, capsicum (bell peppers), carrots, and cooked sweet potato.
B Vitamins
Benefits: Supports nervous system, stress relief, creation of neurotransmitters, metabolism.
Source: Meat, organs, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, leafy greens, and nutritional yeast.
Vitamin C
Benefits: Rich in antioxidants, fights harmful free radicals, reduces inflammation and boosts the immune system.
Source: Kiwi fruit, capsicum, strawberries, and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower).
Vitamin D
Benefits: Aids in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus for good bone health and supports and maintains joint health.
Source: Fish and fish liver oil, eggs, beef, liver, and egg yolk.
Vitamin E
Benefits: Antioxidant, supports cell function, and fat metabolism. Fights oxidative damage, and supports the immune system.
Source: Salmon, chia seeds, leafy green vegetables.
Vitamin K
Benefits: Also known as menadione, required for the synthesis of coagulation proteins needed for blood to clot and for bone development.
Source: Green leafy vegetables including kale, spinach, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, lettuces, alfalfa meal, liver, and fish.
Minerals for Pet Nutrition
Minerals play an important role in aiding cell function, but it doesn’t stop there. Some minerals have a more focused impact on your pet's general health. Calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium keep the bones in good shape.
The balance of acid and fluid in your dog's body is maintained by potassium, sodium, and chloride. Magnesium and potassium work with calcium to cause muscular contraction and are essential for the health of the nervous system.
Calcium
Benefits: Supports bones, teeth, muscle growth, and the nervous system.
Source: Bone broth, green beans, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower and dairy products.
Copper
Benefits: Aids in oxygen movement through the cells, heart health, bone health, connective tissue development, and immune health.
Source: Meat, organ meats, fish, and dark leafy greens
Iodine
Benefits: Supports thyroid health, skin and hair repair, and neuromuscular function.
Source: Fish, dairy, seaweed, beef liver, and chicken.
Iron
Benefits: Aids in oxygenating red blood cells producing energy. Boosts the immune system.
Source: Meat, organ meats, fish, eggs and spinach, cooked sweet potatoes, broccoli, and green beans.
Magnesium
Benefits: Supports bone and muscle development. Aids in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, and helps calcium absorption.
Source: Bone broth, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, almonds, spinach, and flaxseed.
Manganese
Benefits: Metabolises protein and carbohydrates. Supports bone, cartilage, and collagen formation. Vital for brain function, and reproductive function and strengthens the Immune system.
Source: Leafy greens, fish, nuts, mussels, cooked sweet potato, spinach, and pineapple.
Phosphorus
Benefits: Supports bones, teeth, cell growth, and metabolism.
Source: Bone broth, eggs, fish, meat, and lentils.
Potassium
Benefits: Aids regulating the heartbeat, ensures proper function of the muscles and nerves, and synthesising protein. Metabolises carbohydrates, and aids faster absorption of nutrients.
Source: Beans, lentils, spinach, broccoli, bananas, yoghurt, coconut water, chicken, and salmon.
Selenium
Benefits: Supports the immune system, thyroid function and protects cells from oxidative damage.
Source: Meat, fish, eggs, organ meats, broccoli, cooked Brussel sprouts, and spinach.
Sodium and Chloride
Benefits: Helps maintain osmotic pressure, and acid-base balance, regulates cells. Sodium also helps with calcium absorption.
Source: Seaweed, lettuce, celery, fruits, and vegetables.
Sulfur
Benefits: Helps reduce inflammation of the skin such as rashes and allergies. Aids in healthy skin and coat.
Source: Turkey, beef, eggs, fish, cruciferous vegetables, and chicken.
Read more for A Guide to Safe and Healthy Foods for Dogs
In Summary
From growing puppies to senior dogs, it's critical pets receive the correct vitamins and minerals needed to develop and maintain their bodily functions, fight off illnesses and maintain excellent health.
Fresh food is always best but sometimes it's hard to keep on top of your pet's nutrition as much as you'd like. So the next best option is to use high-quality, all-natural supplements that support your pet's health. PetWell's supplements have been formulated for maximum health benefits with all ingredients chosen because they work together for optimum efficacy.
The Science behind it
Don’t just take our word for it, here are some evidence-based studies for you to review.
Safety evaluation of vitamin A in a growing dog
Vitamin E Good for Dogs
7 Vitamins Your Dog Needs for a Healthy Life
Overview of Manganese
Disclaimer: The entire contents of this email and website are not to be taken as medical advice. The team at Pet Squad Pty Ltd trading as PetWell encourages you to make your own pet healthcare decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified pet healthcare professional.
