Canine Nutrition
Vitamins and Supplements And Description of their Uses
By
Lew Olson,
PhD Natural Health, LMSW-ACP
Vitamins and Supplements and Description of Their Uses
In this month’s article I hope to cover the minimum supplements needed for a dry dog
food diet, a fresh food or raw diet, and a combined diet of fresh and dry dog food.
The word supplements cover a wide variety of nutrients. Supplements include vitamins,
herbs, probiotics, digestive enzymes and amino acids. Many of these are sold as
combinations or individually, so dog owners may be overlapping in their supplements
without realizing it. I will try and explain each one by type and define when and how
often they are needed.
At the end of this article, I outline some specific supplements that are helpful for common
ailments.
Vitamins
Vitamins come in two categories: 1. water soluble and 2. fat soluble. Water soluble
vitamins include Vitamin C and B vitamins. These are easily flushed from the body and
often need to be given twice daily for the best results. It is hard to overdose on these
vitamins, however if too much vitamin C is given, it can cause diarrhea and B vitamins
can cause urine to be a bright yellow. Fat soluble vitamins include vitamin A, D and E.
These are stored in the fat in the body and have a longer 'life' in the body. They are not
easily flushed from the body like water soluble vitamins and the dosage is generally less.
Water Soluble Vitamins
B Vitamins
B Vitamins help with nerve development, help to maintain kidney function, good muscle
tone in the gastrointestinal tract and help with eyes and skin. The B vitamins include B-1
(thiamin), B-2 (riboflavin), B-3 (niacin and niacinamide), B-6 (pyridoxine), B-12
(cobalamin), folic acid, pantothenic acid, biotin, choline, inositol and PABA. These
vitamins need to work together and it best to give them all rather than single out one or
two. B vitamins are found in organ meat, eggs, green leafy vegetables, meat, poultry and
fish.
B Vitamin Dosage:
0-25 lbs - 25 mg daily
25-50 lbs - 25 to 50 mg
50-75 lbs - 50 to 100 mg
100 lbs - 75 to 150 mg
Vitamin C with Bioflavanoids
This is an essential antioxidant and immune builder. Vitamin C has many functions,
including collagen building (present in connective tissue), adrenal gland functioning,
stimulates production of lymphocytes, fights bacteria and viruses, enhances ability of
chemotherapy drugs, helps prevent high blood pressure and serum cholesterol, aids in
healing of wounds and production of anti-stress hormones.
While dogs produce some vitamin C, it is often not enough for dogs living with the daily
stress of pollution, less physical activity, illness and those involved in performance
training. Additional vitamin C is helpful as a natural antihistamine and can help fight
allergies. It is also thought to help with wound healing and high amounts have been
shown to help with relief of pain and immunity.
Vitamin C is water soluble and is flushed from the body quickly. It is important to give
this supplement at each meal. Foods that are high in vitamin C include broccoli, brussel
sprouts, kale, cabbage, parsley, pineapple, strawberries, spinach, turnip greens and
collards.
There are several types of vitamin C, but the most common is the calcium ascorbate type,
as it is buffered and easier on the digestive tract.
Bioflavonoids, although not exactly a vitamin, are found in the rinds of citrus fruits and
are an antioxidant. When taken with vitamin C, they help with the absorption rate. They
help to strengthen capillary walls, help with hemorrhages and prevent bruising. They are
shown to be helpful with inflammatory conditions and arthritis. Bioflavonoids may also
be helpful in the treatment and prevention of cataracts. Vitamin C given with
bioflavanoids also helps with the uptake of vitamin C. All forms of vitamin C are useful,
but make sure that the type used also has bioflavanoids for full benefit.
Vitamin C with Bioflavonoid minimum dosage
0-25 pounds 100- 250 mg
25-50 pounds 250-500 mg
50-75 pounds 500-1,000 mg
50-100 pounds - 1,000-2,000 mg
Fat Soluble Vitamins
Vitamin A
It is believed vitamin A can help fight respiratory infections and helps keep our body’s
tissues healthy. It is considered to have antioxidant properties and helps maintain good
eye function and promotes good reproduction and healthy skin. There are two types of
vitamin A. The first type is found in animal sources and is called active vitamin A (such
as cod liver oil) and the other is beta carotene, found in plant sources. Not enough
research has been done with dogs to show the value of beta carotene, but both types are
probably helpful. Good food sources of active vitamin A are found in beef and chicken
liver, eggs and dairy products. Plant sources are found in fruits and vegetables, such as
carrots, spinach, cantaloupe and kale.
Generally food sources are rich enough in this vitamin, although more may be added for
immunity purposes, respiratory problems, ulcers, skin problems and cancer prevention. I
would not exceed daily dosages over 1,000 UI for small dogs, 2,500 for medium dogs
and no more than 5,000 IU for large dogs.
Vitamin D
This vitamin is also considered to be a hormone. It is not only found in food, but also
sunlight. It helps with the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus in the body by
increasing absorption of these in the intestines. A deficiency of this vitamin in puppies
can result in rickets, stunted growth, delayed tooth development and bone deformities.
The daily intake for a dog would be 100 IU or less for a small dog, 200 IU for a medium
sized dog and 400 IU for a large dog. Food sources for this vitamin include fatty
saltwater fish, fish liver oils and fortified dairy products. Sunlight also provides some
vitamin D.
Vitamin E
This vitamin is also an antioxidant and anticarinogen. It helps to protect vitamin C and
vitamin A from oxidation. It aids circulation, healing of wounds, aids in arthritis, helps
with normal functioning of the nervous system, improves athletic performance and
prevents cell damage and may prevent aging. It also works synergistically with omega 3
fatty acids (as found in fish oils) so make sure vitamin E is given with fish oils. It is
found in whole grains, dark green leafy vegetables, eggs, and organ meats.
Vitamin E minimum dosage:
0-25 pounds - 50-100 IUs
25-50 pounds 100-200 IUs
50-75 pounds 400 IUs
75- 100 pounds 400-800 IUs
Digestion Aids
Many dogs on dry or processed foods are missing two vital ingredients in a daily diet.
These are Probiotics, which are the good, friendly bacteria that are needed for good
digestion of food and digestive enzymes, which help process and breakdown fats,
proteins and carbohydrates. Heat over 110 degrees kill both of these elements, and
processed dog foods are heated when cooked and extruded for making the kibble. For
those who feed a fresh food diet, or a mixture of fresh and dry foods, both friendly flora
and fauna and digestive enzymes are in uncooked foods.
Probiotics
Good bacteria include acidophilus (lactobacillus acidophilus) and lactobacillus bifidus.
These are also contained naturally in buttermilk, yogurt, acidophilus milk, kefir and some
cheeses. Acidophilus may be helpful in detoxifying harmful substances; it has an
antibacterial effect, antifungal properties, aid digestion and help in absorption of nutrients.
Probiotic Powder contains lactobacillus, streptococcus faecium, bacillus subtilis and
amylase, protease and lipase.
Digestive Enzymes
Enzymes are needed for digesting food, the repair of tissue and all functions of the body.
While the body can make its own enzymes, it must also get them from food. As stated
above, heat destroys many enzymes, so they must be obtained from raw foods, and for
dogs, particularly raw vegetables and raw meat. Enzymes help to construct new muscle
tissue, nerve cells, bone and skin. They also promote oxidation and convert poisons and
toxins in the body into harmless substances.
The three types of enzymes in the body are amylase, protease and lipase. Amylase helps
with breakdown of carbohydrates, protease with proteins and lipase with fat digestion.
Unripe papayas and pineapples are high in proteolytic enzymes, which work on proteins.
Other enzymes besides these for proteins are pepsin, trypsin, rennin, pancreatin and
chymostrypsin. Proteolytic enzymes are good for reducing inflammation, diseases of the
respiratory tract, bronchitis, pneumonia, viral diseases, cancer and arthritis. Bromelain,
the enzyme from pineapple, is also helpful for the proper uptake of other supplements.
Garlic
Fresh garlic is useful for killing bacteria, fungus and parasites. It is believed to aid in
immune support and normalizing fats in the system. Garlic contains sulfur, potassium,
phosphorus, vitamins B and C, allicin, ajoene, amino acids, germanium and selenium. It
is also felt that it repels fleas. It is important to use either fresh garlic or garlic oil as the
properties that are useful are destroyed when dried.
Garlic minimum dosage:
0-25 pounds - 1/8 chopped clove
25-50 pounds - 1/4 chopped clove
50-75 pounds - 3/4 chopped clove
100 pounds - one chopped clove
Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar is high in potassium, as well as many other minerals and trace
minerals. It is helpful to use internally and topically for fleas and hot spots.
Apple Cider Vinegar minimum dosage:
0-25 pounds - 1/2 teaspoon
25-50 pounds - one teaspoon
50-75 pounds - 1/2 tablespoon
100 pounds - one tablespoon
Supplements Helpful for Specific Problems
(Please consult with your veterinarian for treatment and diagnosis for any illness. These
suggestions are not meant as a substitute for medical treatment)
Allergies
Digestive Enzymes
Vitamin C with bioflavonoid
Bromelain
EPA Fish Oil, given at 1,000 mg per ten lbs of body weight daily
Arthritis and Joint Problems
EPA Fish Oil (animal based omega 3 fatty acids) given at 1,000 per ten lbs of body weight
Garlic
Glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate/manganese ascorbate
GLA (which helps control inflammation)
Vitamin C with bioflavonoid (for pain and collagen building)
ProBiotic Powder (stress and pain can deplete the good flora and fauna)
Bromelain (enzyme from pineapple that helps to fight inflammation)
Yucca (liquid is best)
Vitamin E
Bladder and Kidney Infections
ProBiotic Powder
Vitamin B Complex
COQ10
Cranberry Juice Capsules
Cancer
EPA Fish Oil Capsules at 1,000 mg per ten lbs of body weight daily
Ganoderma, shitake mushroom extract
Cardiovascular Problems
CoEnzyme Q10
EPA Fish Oil
L-Carnitine
L-Taurine
Colitis, Irritable Bowel Disease and Gastritis
ProBiotic Powder
L-glutamine
Digestive Enzymes
Aloe Vera Juice
Constipation
Aloe Vera Juice
Canned Pumpkin
Dermatitis (flaking skin, itching and hair loss)
Cold Water Fish Oil
ProBiotic Powder
Vitamin E
Diarrhea
Canned or fresh pulped pumpkin
ProBiotic Powder
Ear Infections (yeast)
ProBiotic Powder
Vitamin C with bioflavonoid
Olive Leaf Extract
Epilepsy
L-Taurine (also found in meat)
Magnesium
Vitamin B Complex
Digestive Enzymes
ProBiotic Powder
Herbs such as skullcap are very beneficial
Kennel Cough
Vitamin C with bioflavonoid, given often throughout the day
Echinacea, given three times a day
Motion Sickness
Ginger
Magnesium
Pancreatitis
Chromium
Pancreatin
Digestive Enzymes
ProBiotic Powder
EPA Fish Oil Capsules
References
Pitcairn, Richard H DVM PhD, Natural Health for Dogs and Cats, Rodale Press, Pennsylvania, 1995
Balch, James F. and Balch, Phyllis A., Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Avery Publishing Group Inc, New York,
1990.
Belfield, Wendell O. and Zucker, Martin, How to Have a Healthier Dog. Orthomolecular Specialties, San Jose,
California. 1993
Lieberman, Shari and Bruning, Nancy, The Real Vitamin and Mineral Book. Avery Publishing Group Inc, New York.
1990
Schoen, Allen M. and Wynn, Susan G. Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine. St Louis, MO. 1998
Volhard, Wendy and Brown, Kerry, The Holistic Guide for a Healthy Dog. Book House, 1995.