10 Best Dog Vitamins in the Philippines 2021 (Nutratech, Virbac, and More)

Scrolling through thousands of options can be tedious, not to mention eats into your bonding time with your pet. So, we want to make online shopping easier for you by providing a list of the best dog vitamins online. All you have to do is wait and ensure your fur baby greets the delivery man nicely!

**Prices may vary depending on the website and their campaign period**

Dogs are not that different from humans in the sense that they also need necessary nutrients to be at their best functioning levels! Vitamins are organic compounds essential for growth and maintenance. They are usually found in foods, especially the whole, unprocessed types.

Most commercially-produced dog foods are formulated to contain essential vitamins and minerals. The amount varies according to the different stages, breeds, and conditions of dogs the food is designed for.

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), dogs fed with a commercial diet will do well even without vitamin supplements unless recommended by a veterinarian. On the other hand, dogs who eat a homemade diet will benefit from supplements to ensure that they get their essential vitamins.

Selecting your dog’s vitamins need not be ruff! Here is a buying guide to lead you on the right path. It ought to inform you of what you should look out for to ensure your pooch’s good health. 

Not all vitamins are created equal. As a fur parent, it pays to know which ones you should prioritize. According to a guide from the AKC, here are the most important vitamins your dog should have.

If you want to ensure that your dog gets enough support for healthy eyes, including night vision, you should incorporate vitamin A in their diet. In addition to its eye benefits, this fat-soluble vitamin also promotes growth, development, and immune function.

Different B vitamins all contribute to the healthy functioning of your dog. For example, thiamine regulates energy. For nervous system function, hormone regulation, and immunity, your dog needs vitamin B6. Another B vitamin to look out for is pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B5, which is responsible for proper energy metabolism.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant needed to help your dog’s body fight and remove free radicals and reduce inflammation. It also helps with healthy cognitive aging. Additionally, this nutrient benefits your dog by improving its energy. Just remember to be mindful of the dosage, otherwise, it can cause diarrhea.

Vitamin D is responsible for assisting your dog’s body in balancing  phosphorus and calcium levels, both of which are essential for healthy bone development. A deficiency in this vitamin may cause difficulty in developing properly and maintaining healthy muscles and bones.

For your dog’s cells to properly do their job, they need Vitamin E. This helps boost your dog’s primary defenses against free radical damages and supports fat metabolism. Deficiencies in vitamin E may result in eye and muscle degeneration and reproductive problems.

Dogs are curious beings who love to go on all kinds of explorations in their surroundings. This makes them prone to injury and ingestion of harmful substances. In order to help them recover from injuries and prevent further damage, your dog’s ability to clot needs to be activated. This is where vitamin K plays an essential role. A lack of this vitamin can lead to hemorrhage, or worse, death.

Another essential vitamin, choline, supports cell functioning. An appropriate amount of this promotes healthy brain and liver function. Additionally, because of its neurological benefits, it is commonly used in the treatment plan for epilepsy in dogs.

Now that you know what to look for, you have to think about your dog’s characteristics. This plays a crucial role in the vitamins they need, as well as in the administration procedures.

Different breeds call for different body needs. If you own a large breed dog, you should consider vitamins that promote the healthy growth and development of their bones and muscles. This is because they are prone to diseases like hip dysplasia.

Furthermore, the size of your dog depends on its breed. When it comes to doses, larger-sized dogs will need more amounts compared to their smaller counterparts. Also, make sure to read the instructions on the label to avoid overdosing.

Factoring in the age of your fur baby is important, too. Generally, puppies need specific vitamins to support their growth and development. On the other hand, senior dogs will benefit from supplements that help fight off conditions associated with old age, like dementia, arthritis, and liver diseases.

When choosing a supplement, regular check-ups with the vet greatly help. By knowing the health condition of your dog, you can address any specific concerns it has and prevent them from worsening. Plus, some components in a vitamin formulation may not work well with any medication they are on.

Special attention should also be given to pregnant dogs. They need essential vitamins like folic acid and calcium to promote development and avoid congenital disabilities in their pups. To ensure that your dog gets the best support, it's always a good idea to consult your vet before purchasing a supplement.

Dog vitamins come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some dogs can be really picky and difficult to convince to take their vitamins. It helps to think about your dog’s preferences and choose the formulation that is most agreeable for them because otherwise, you might just be wasting resources.

Most dog vitamins come in syrup form. This type has a better chance of being absorbed as they pass through the canine digestive system. It also contains a concentrated amount of nutrients your dog needs. However, not all dogs may like taking it. You may want to incorporate it in their meals, or better yet, consider other options.

If you’re having a hard time giving your fur baby their medicine, stick with chewable tablets. They come in a variety of flavors that appeal to most dogs Just keep in mind that this form has slightly lower levels of nutrients because they contain other added ingredients to make the taste more palatable.

Just like with your own vitamin supplements, you want to get the best out of your money. Make sure to get your dog's vitamins only from reputable brands. This ensures that the product you get has been tested and has passed quality and safety standards. 

Purchasing online can be tricky because of the abundance of counterfeit products, so take the time to check the information such as regulation stamps, batch numbers, and expiration dates. For best results, you may also want to check regulating bodies like the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC). When you see the NASC seal of approval, you can count on the product to be reputable.     

As much as we’d like to claim that we know everything about our dogs, we don’t. That’s why it’s essential to consult specialists about their needs. It would also help to have regular check-ups with the vet. This way, their physical, emotional, and mental health can be monitored.

Additionally, you can ask for vitamins that your vet vouches for. They may also assist you in administering the medicine at home. Don’t forget to ask for guidance about the optimal dosage, as well as any possible side effects to expect.

What’s better than a toy to chew on? Why, a tasty treat, of course! And tasty treats need not be expensive and complicated. Here is a quick and easy recipe from Kyara Macchiato you can make and that your dog will enjoy!

Ingredients: 

• 1 Egg 
• 1 Cup Oats 
• 1 Ripe Banana 
• 1½ Tbsp Peanut Butter (without xylitol)

Procedure:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
3. Grease the baking pan and line with parchment paper.
4. Shape the mixture into balls.
5. Put the balls into the baking pan, ensuring enough space in between.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
7. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

While our doggos are enjoying our company more now that we spend most of our time indoors, our bonding experience with them can be further improved with the right tools. Here are some products you should check out and try.

As a fur parent, it’s only natural to want the best things for your pet. After all, they are our best buddies! And in helping them stay in tiptop shape, dog vitamins go a long way. They provide the essential nutrients to support proper functioning so they can continuously offer us countless lovin’ and lickin’ moments!

We hope we were able to assist you in choosing the best vitamins for your dog. As always, the best vitamin is the one that suits your fur baby’s needs. Don’t forget to check with your veterinarian, too. Do let us know how your doggo liked their vitamins on our Instagram and Facebook page!

Author: J Ausa

Editor: R. Umlas