| If you already give your dog a multivitamin, you | | | | properties |
| probably have most of what's on the list I'm about to | | | | Xanthophyll - vital to eye health, may help prevent |
| give you on the back of the package. It gets so | | | | cataracts |
| confusing for a dog owner than doesn't know what | | | | Zinc - necessary for the production of enzymes; |
| each one of these vitamins and minerals actually do | | | | important for skin and coat health |
| for your dog, so it's good to have a list that explains | | | | Vitamin A - This is necessary for normal vision, good |
| each and every one of them. Let's go down the list in | | | | eye health and night vision; it's crucial for their |
| alphabetical order. | | | | reproductive health; it helps itchy, dry skin; it's essential |
| Beta-Carotene - A vital antioxidant that can protect | | | | for the normal growth and development of puppies |
| against certain forms of cancer; may enhance immune | | | | Vitamin B-1 (Thiamine) - produces normal functioning of |
| system | | | | the nervous system; necessary for the bulk of cellular |
| Calcium - Keeps their bones, teeth and gums healthy; | | | | reaction in their body; produces good metabolism and |
| is needed for blood coagulation and a regular | | | | alertness |
| heartbeat; keeps their nerves and muscles functioning | | | | Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin) - regulates certain hormones; |
| well | | | | helps prevent cataracts in the eyes; it's essential to |
| Choline - essential for metabolizing fat, needed for | | | | energy generation, nerve and blood development |
| healthy brain and nerve functioning, may help to | | | | Vitamin B-3 (Niacin) - produces good energy |
| prevent dementia | | | | metabolism and proper circulation; creates healthy skin |
| Chromium - enhances the action if insulin, assists with | | | | and normal functioning of the nervous system |
| metabolism, may aid body fat loss and glucose | | | | Vitamin B-5 (Pantothenic Acid) - this is essential for the |
| regulation | | | | process of converting food to energy; helps the |
| Cobalt - required for production of red blood cells, | | | | healing of wounds; relieves stress and fatigue |
| necessary for nerve formation, aids iron absorption | | | | Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine) - necessary for the |
| Copper - necessary for bone growth and | | | | functioning of the nervous system and the immune |
| maintenance, absorption of iron, development of red | | | | system; helps their metabolism |
| blood cells | | | | Vitamin B-7 (Biotin/Vitamin H) - critical for normal |
| Green Tea Extract - a powerful antioxidant, protecting | | | | growth and development; improves their skin and coat; |
| cells from free radical damage | | | | can also helps prevent coprophagia (dog eating its |
| Inositol - helps to move fats out of the liver, needed for | | | | own excrement) |
| healthy nerve transmissions, is also involved in | | | | Vitamin B-9 (Folic Acid) - necessary for the creation of |
| neurotransmitter metabolism | | | | DNA in pregnant dogs; essential for the growth and |
| Iodine - essential for proper functioning of the thyroid | | | | reproduction of all body cells |
| gland; regulates metabolism; supports normal growth | | | | Vitamin B-10 (PABA) - good for growth support |
| Iron - necessary for carrying oxygen in the blood, helps | | | | Vitamin B-12 (Cyanocobalamin) - promotes growth and |
| maintain healthy immune system | | | | cell development and can improve your dog's appetite |
| Lecithin - antioxidant, may improve cognitive disorders | | | | Vitamin C - strengthens normal joint function; supports |
| Linoleic Acid - an omega 6 fatty acid that maintains | | | | the immune system; maintains healthy skin |
| healthy skin and coat | | | | Vitamin D - necessary for healthy teeth and bones; |
| Magnesium - necessary for absorption of certain | | | | metabolizes calcium and phosphorus; creates good |
| vitamins and minerals; helps in the formation of teeth | | | | nerve and muscle function |
| and bones; supports a healthy heart | | | | Vitamin E - this is a very strong antioxidant. It helps to |
| Methionine - an essential amino acid that assists the | | | | maintain good foot pads; boosts the efficiency of the |
| gall bladder; balances urinary tract pH levels; can treat | | | | heart and circulation system; is a mild anti-inflammatory, |
| and prevent urinary stones; is involved in | | | | Vitamin K - essential for normal blood clotting and |
| neurotransmitter metabolism | | | | kidney function |
| Phosphorus - needed for healthy bones, teeth, kidneys, | | | | You may want to print out the above vitamin and |
| heart and metabolism | | | | mineral list to keep it handy. You may find it hard to |
| Potassium - a mineral necessary for many normal | | | | find all of the above included in your dogs multivitamin, |
| functions of the body; essential for healthy heart and | | | | but try to make sure your dog's food has the majority |
| kidneys; maintains fluid balance in cells | | | | of good vitamins and minerals to keep him healthy. |
| Selenium - an important mineral with antioxidant | | | | |