Should Pets Take Vitamins?

Q: I take vitamins everyday, should my dog and cat take vitamins too? A: Dogs and cats do require vitamins as part of their diet just like we do. Vitamins are responsible for keeping your pets skin and hair coat healthy, strengthening bones and teeth, and giving them the overall energy that they need to function. Most dogs and cats that are on well-balanced pet foods do not need extra supplementation of vitamins. Fortunately, the pet food companies do this for us and add the required amounts to their food. There are certain disease states that exist in animals that can actually benefit from additional vitamin supplementation. This is something that your veterinarian can discuss with you in detail. It is very important, however, not to give pets human vitamins. Since animals have different requirements than we do, supplementing pets with human vitamins can actually be harmful to them. To much calcium, for instance, can make your pet very sick. If you think your pet needs a vitamin talk to your veterinarian. They will have vitamins designed especially for pets.