Vitamins

[viter]

I hope everyone feeds some vitamin capsule for your pets, if so, which one is best for dog?

[Rosie]

I am not sure if it is necessary to add a multi to a high quality diet.  High quality food should provide nutrients; food variety is a must.  Most multis (and single vits/minerals) are not prepared with care (often in China) and made artificially which is a problem for animals (and humans) to assimilate.

[GreyGhost]

I agree for the most part. All high quality foods and balanced foods should not need added vitamins. Actually by feeding some vitamins you could do more harm than good over the long run. That being said...if there is condition that requires extra that is different. I give Misty krill oil as a supplement for arthritis and general heart health. Not to mention the many benefits of krill (fish) oil. I also give her arthritis supplements. The usual glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, msm, hyaluronic acid and so forth. Some animals need immune, skin, general health support. In those instances vitamins are suggested but targeted. Not just a multi vitamin.

[Bonkers]

  There are many pet vitamins/supplements that are targeted towards a certain condition or ailment. I have on occassion used these for my IBD kitty and know others that have used them for CRF and other diseases. Senior pets also may benefit from additional supplementation, but I believe one must be somewhat knowledgeable in what to look for and purchase the items from a reputable retailer or manufacturer.  Even so, it is still hard to escape the China connection unless you are using a 100% food based or whole food supplement.

[Bonkers]

I am not sure if it is necessary to add a multi to a high quality diet.  High quality food should provide nutrients; food variety is a must.  Most multis (and single vits/minerals) are not prepared with care (often in China) and made artificially which is a problem for animals (and humans) to assimilate.

  IMO there is no guarantee that any commercial food will meet the nutritional requirements needed as far as vitamin supplementation. There have been far too many  instances where a pet food has been found to contain large amounts of various vitamins. There have also been instances where too little was found. So even with rotating  various so called high quality foods, there is still no guarantee that all their requirements are being met.

[Rosie]

I agree with much of these last posts.  I also don't believe that any commercial food can be 'nutritionally balanced' even if manufacturers added  the 'recommended' nutrient levels with high quality supps (alone because animals are not clones).  We too give supplements to our animals when they need it; since we practice targeted supplementation, we can afford the best available supplements for these occasions.  Fortunately, we also have a good vet who gives us guidance on what to supplement with for what condition.  We've had amazing results with a few such supp treatments.