If you are using an alternative or homemade diet for your dog, you may need to supplement his food with some vitamins and minerals. According to R.M. Clemmons, D.V.M., of the University of Florida's Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, diet and vitamin supplementation for dogs has not been well researched in veterinary medicine. However, Clemmons and other veterinarians recommend vitamin and mineral combinations that can supply your dog with important nutrients and antioxidants.
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Vitamins
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Choose appropriate sources for your dog's vitamins. According to the book "Natural Health for Dogs and Cats" by Richard Pritcairn, D.V.M., vitamin B is highly available in sources like nutritional yeast and lecithin granules. Lecithin also contains choline and inositol, which help to break down fats and oils and give your dog a healthy coat. Cheryl Schwartz, D.V.M., author of "Four Paws, Five Directions: A Guide to Chinese Medicine for Dogs and Cats," recommends 1 tbsp. of nutritional yeast and 2 tsp. of lecithin per day to provide enough vitamin B for a 40 to 50 lb. dog.
Vitamin C is not easily obtained from food sources that are appropriate for dogs. Instead, you can give your dog a vitamin C supplement, generally in a powder form. The dosage depends on your dog's weight. Give your puppy or small dog a 250 mg vitamin C supplement each day; medium-sized dogs can take 500 mg and large dogs 750 mg. Vitamin C can cause loose stools when given in high doses. If this occurs, reduce the amount you give your dog until she can adjust to it. Vitamin C helps boost your dog's immune system and helps her manage daily stress.
You can give your older, medium-weight dog 200 IU of vitamin E each day. Do not give your dog vitamin E if he is already getting it in his food, however.
Minerals
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Supplement with calcium to keep your dog's bones strong. There are several forms of calcium that you can use for your dog. Pitcairn suggests bone meal, calcium powder or eggshell powder. Bone meal is an inexpensive and easy source of calcium supplementation for your dog. Nutritional yeast and lecithin are high in phosphorous, so if you are giving these vitamin B sources to your dog it is important to give her the right amount of calcium as well. For a medium-sized dog, 1 tsp. of bone meal daily is sufficient.
Extra Ingredients
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Kelp is a supplement that tastes good to dogs, contains iodine and trace minerals and, according to Schwartz, may help to prevent certain types of cancer. Give your medium-size dog 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. of kelp each day.
An oil supplement such as cod liver oil contains omega-3 fatty acids that help ease arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Cod liver oil is also a source of vitamin A. While vitamin A can be obtained from your dog's food, the amount in cod liver oil is a good supplementation. Give 1 tsp. to a medium-sized dog daily.
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