Vitamins & Minerals to
Supplement Dog Health

Calcium	Oil and Fat	Vitamins
Bone Meal	Linoleic Acid (omega-6)	Vitamin A
D-calcium Phosphate	Linoleic acid (omega-3)	Vitamin B
Eggshell Powder	Dried Beans	Vitamin E
Calcium Tablets or Powder	Fish	?

If you are feeding your dog a homemade meal, it is especially important to add supplements.  “Human food,” while great for dogs in a lot of ways, doesn’t always give dogs everything they need.  

Many manufactured products have already been fortified, so be sure to read the label to determine whether additional vitamins or minerals are needed to supplement dog health.  Always consult with your local veterinarian before feeding your dog any supplements.

Want to ask our veterinarians which supplements are best for your dog?  Join My Online Vet MD, explain your dog and their situation and we'll get back to you right away.

Calcium Supplements

You should supplement dog health with calcium more than any other mineral (assuming they are not receiving enough from other sources), as it is used in:

•    Bone formation
•    Blood coagulation
•    Muscle contraction
•    Nerve impulse transmission

Bone meal, di-calcium phosphate, eggshell powder and calcium tablets or powder are all common calcium sources to supplement dog health.  There are other choices as well, so in the rare case that your dog does not react well to any of them you can consult your veterinarian for alternatives.

Bone Meal

Bone meal is the most concentrated, natural form of calcium for our little omnivores.  It provides many of the essential minerals required for optimal dog health and wellness.  It has been found to be extremely helpful for larger dogs -  especially those that suffer from bone problems or hip dysplasia.

The most useful form of bone meal can be purchased in a powdered form made especially for animals.  The advantage of buying a bone meal prepared for animals is that it will provide you with the appropriate serving size.

There are several different brands of bone meal available to supplement dog health, but seek out an organic brand to make sure you are getting the best and healthiest for your dog.  We prefer Solid Gold's Bonemeal for Dogs and Cats.

Di-calcium Phosphate

Di-calcium phosphate is a safe and effective way to supplement dog health and regulate their intake of calcium.  Because it comes in a more concentrated form, less is required per serving.  Consult with your veterinarian for ideal dosing instructions for your dog.

This calcium substitute can be found in a powdered form and served to your dog, in the recommended amount, with each meal.

Eggshell Powder

Eggshell powder is the easiest and least expensive way to supplement dog health with calcium.  

It is exactly what you are thinking… take your left over egg shells, grind them up and there you have a perfect calcium supplement for your dog.

Actually, there a just a few additional steps to creating the perfect home made calcium supplement:

1. After cracking the egg, rinse out the egg shell and allow it to dry.  You will want at least a dozen egg shells collected in order to make the powder.


2. Place the egg shells on a cooking sheet and bake at 300◦F for about ten minutes.  The baking process removes excess oils and makes the shells dry and brittle so they will be easier to grind.


3. Grind the shells with a seed grinder or a blender and make sure all of the sharp pieces are gone before you stop grinding.


4. You’re ready to add the veterinarians recommended dosage to your dog’s meals. 
   

Calcium Tablets or Powder

Simple calcium tablets or calcium in a powdered form can be purchased from a pet food store or a natural food store.  The tablets are labeled “plain calcium” and can be used as a calcium supplement in your dog’s diet.  

The easiest form of plain calcium is the powdered form.  If you prefer to buy the tablets, it is best to grind them in your blender or pill crusher.  The powdered calcium can then be added to your dog’s meal without any fuss.

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Oil and Fat Supplements

Fats and oils provide our dogs with two times more energy than any other food source.  They are also required for the growth and maintenance of tissues in the dog’s body.  

You want me to add additional oil and fat to my dogs’ diet?  But won’t that just make them fat?

Surprisingly, many dogs do not get enough oil and fat in their everyday diet, which is essential for peak health.  And don’t worry, as long as you supplement dog health with the proper dosage they will not become overweight.

So, what happens if dogs don’t receive essential fats and oils to supplement dog health?  They could encounter many health problems including:

• Heart and circulatory problems
• Impairment of vision
• Increased susceptibility to diseases and infections
• Liver and kidney degeneration
• Loss of hair
• Skin that can’t heal from wounds
• Sterility
• Symptoms similar to arthritis
• Weakness

Now it is apparent why they are called essential fatty acids!  Check to make sure that your dog’s food is providing them with all of them.  If it's not, try supplementing their diet with a good Omega 3, 6 and 9 supplement such as Only Natural Pet's Omega 3-6-9 Gelcaps.

Otherwise, following are excellent natural fat and oil supplements...

Vitamin Supplements

• Cod Liver Oil - This is highly recommended by experts as an excellent source of vitamin A.  Note: the taste is quite strong so your dog may take a little while to get used to it.

• Vitamin A Capsules - You can buy the lowest potency form of vitamin A capsules for your dog.  10,000 IU of vitamin A per capsule.  Break open the capsule and serve with dog’s meal.

• Liquid Vitamin A - The drops are the same as the capsules but they are easier to use.  Simply add the correct dosage to your dog’s food.

• Pet Vitamins - These are also a good option and will make your job much easier.  The vitamin should contain all of the necessary vitamin A and E plus extra vitamins and minerals to promote good health.   If you're having a tough time choosing which one, we like Animal Essentials Multi-Vitamin.

• Aids natural body functions

• Helps fight disease

• Helps to ward off the effects of pollution

1. Natural Vitamin E Capsules - Look for products that contain d-alpha tocopherols, which are the natural form of vitamin E.  There are others that are generally synthetic, less expensive forms, but they are not as beneficial.  Open a fresh capsule and serve it with your dog’s meal.  As mentioned above, we think it's easier just to go with the multi-vitamin.

2. Wheat-Germ Oil - This is a good form of natural vitamin E.  Make sure not to feed your dog rancid wheat-germ oil, which is detected by a bitter aftertaste.  It’s best to purchase it in capsule form and read the label to determine the appropriate amount.

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