Pet owners often like to share aspects of enjoyable human cuisine with their pets. While certain human food items can be appropriate for dogs, other foods that are safe for us to eat are unsafe for pets. Foods like chocolate, grapes and seeds can be toxic to a dog and should always be avoided. Some pet owners, noting the benefits of vitamins in our diet, will be tempted to give their dogs vitamins. While there are canine vitamins that can be purchased, pet owners should take care when feeding their dogs human vitamins.
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Dangers
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You should generally not give supplements to your dogs unless you are an expert in canine nutrition or have been advised to do so by your doctor. Human vitamins can contain a number of additives for color, flavor or binding that is safe for human consumption, but unsafe for pets. Additionally, multivitamins can contain supplements that are toxic to dogs. Vitamins containing iron, for instance, can cause damage to the lining of your dog's digestive system, and may even cause liver or kidney damage. Human vitamins are also formulated for the average weight of a human, which is often much greater than the average dog. As a result, the quantity of supplements in a human vitamin may be much greater than a dog's system can handle, forcing the liver and kidneys to work to filter these excess supplements. Pet food is often formulated to contain all the nutrients a dog needs, and excess supplements from vitamins may overload a dog's system, even if given in very small quantities.
Advantages
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Certain supplements that contain only a single nutrient---as opposed to a multivitamin---are often the safest for dogs. Supplements containing Omega-3 or Omega-6 fatty acids are often safe and advantageous for dogs when given in appropriate quantities. The appropriate balance of fatty acids is often difficult to achieve, however. Omega-3 fatty acids help to reduce itchiness and promote a healthy coat, while Omega-6 compounds can reduce joint inflammation and encourage healthy growth. Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Selenium and Beta-carotene supplements are also good sources of antioxidants. Herbal supplements such as ginkgo leaves, ginseng and grape seed extract also help regulate hormones, boost energy, and reduce cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Warning
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Never begin a vitamin regimen with your dog before consulting your pet's veterinarian. Your vet can recommend appropriate supplements, as well as recommend a safe quantity given your pet's age, breed and size. While pet-specific vitamins tend to be more expensive, do not assume that a human alternative containing the same active ingredient will be appropriate for your pet. Pet vitamins are formulated with agents that are safe for pet consumption, and may also be flavored in ways that are attractive to dogs.
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