Vitamins are an important part of the diet for older dogs. They often have a greater need than younger dogs because, unlike older dogs, the ability to produce certain substances in the body on their own can decrease. So which vitamins does your dog need for a happy and long life? We'll get to the bottom of this question in this article.
Vitamins for old dogs: what is needed?
Which vitamins are particularly important for old dogs? Basically, your dog will not suddenly need completely different vitamins as it gets older than it did in previous years. What can change, however, is the way in which your dog receives them. The best example of this is vitamin C: like many animals, dogs are able to produce and store vitamin C in their bodies. As a rule, only a small amount of supplements is necessary, if at all. Older dogs can lose these abilities, which then requires regular support through food intake. Whether your dog needs regular vitamin C depends largely on its metabolism.
Other important vitamins that dogs get from their diet are vitamins D and E. Vitamin D is mainly found in fish for dogs . Vitamin E is an antioxidant and the amount required can vary considerably depending on your pet's lifestyle and eating habits. Active dogs or animals with heart problems or limited mobility tend to need more vitamin E. Oils for dogs are a useful source of this. The need for B vitamins can also be met through various foods. Dogs can produce vitamin A themselves, but they need beta-carotene to do this. This is found in abundance in vegetables such as green plants, carrots and sweet potatoes, which should therefore be a regular part of the BARF diet.
How to give your dog vitamins yourself
Most dogs can meet their vitamin needs through their normal diet. However, if deficiency symptoms do occur or if your dog is allergic to natural vitamin sources, it is advisable to have your veterinarian diagnose the cause of the deficiency. The vitamins can then be integrated into the diet through supplements. Fortunately, there are numerous vitamins available for dogs . Vitamin C is another example: it can support collagen synthesis, wound healing and the immune system in the body. Older dogs can regularly take this important vitamin in powder form and should even do so daily, depending on the condition. Vitamin C deficiency is evident in old age through weak connective tissue.
BARF and vitamins for old dogs
The vitamin requirements of older dogs can usually be met very well with a diet of BARF meat and the other elements of a BARF diet. Dogs are able to absorb and process many of the vitamins they need through their normal food. If your animal is allergic to certain food sources or types of meat, or is showing signs of deficiency for other reasons, you should still discuss this issue with your veterinarian and take appropriate precautions. As a rule, every animal can be supplied with vitamins through other food sources or supplements.
