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Should You Give Your Dog a Daily Multivitamin? A Science-Backed Guide for Pet Parents

Ever wonder why your dog's fur seems dull, even after a good brushing? Or maybe they have itchy patches or that unmistakable "low-energy slump"? These could be signs of a nutritional deficiency. [1]

Sure, you feed your pup what you think is the best kibble, but even premium dog food might not always hit the mark. That's where dog multivitamins enter the scene. Let’s dive deeper.

Are Daily Multivitamins Right for My Dog?

A daily multi can be a powerful tool to bridge nutritional gaps and support your dog's overall health and well-being. In particular, there are some circumstances where supplementation can be a game-changer for your furry friend: [1,2]

- Diagnosed Deficiencies: Blood tests revealed a vitamin or mineral imbalance in your sweet pup? A vet-approved multivitamin could help address that specific need.
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- Homemade Meals: Love whipping up gourmet meals for your dog? While home-cooked food can be highly beneficial, ensuring it's 100% nutritionally balanced can be tricky. A multivitamin can help fill any gaps in your homemade recipe.
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- Picky Eaters or Low-Quality Diet: Does your dog turn up their nose at anything but yesterday's leftovers? Or maybe you're feeding them a budget kibble that lacks essential nutrients? A multivitamin can help prevent deficiencies in these situations.
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    A close-up of an older woman affectionately kissing her tan Labrador Retriever dog on the muzzle.

    Beyond Filling the Gaps: The Power of Multivitamins

    So, your pup falls into one of these categories, or you're simply a proactive pet parent who wants to guarantee your dog gets the good stuff, every day. A high-quality multivitamin can be a true tail-wagger, especially if it includes these key ingredients: [3-16]

    - Vitamin B deficiency can lead to issues down the line. B vitamins help to support your dog’s muscle and nerve functions, and can also support the conversion of glucose into energy.
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    - Zinc and magnesium are essential ingredients that help support healthy immune responses, proper nerve function, and normal muscle health.
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    - Well-known antioxidants like vitamins A, D, and E can help to support normal inflammatory responses and healthy bodily defences.
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    - Calcium is a mineral helpful in supporting your dogs' bone health, muscle function, and normal nerve transmission. It's a critical component of a balanced diet for dogs, especially during normal stages of development.

      By ensuring your dog receives all the essential nutrients, you're helping them thrive and enjoy an active, healthy, happy life!

      Things to Consider Before Giving Your Dog a Multivitamin

      - Always Consult Your Vet: Before adding any supplements to your dog's diet, chat with your veterinarian. They can assess your dog's individual needs and recommend the appropriate dosage.
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      - Don't Mega-Dose: More isn’t always a good thing. Excessive vitamin or mineral intake can lead to toxicity. A vet-approved multivitamin ensures your dog gets the correct amount.
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      - Quality Counts: Choose a reputable brand that uses high-quality ingredients and undergoes independent testing for safety and purity.

        Multivitamins as Part of a Holistic Approach

        A balanced diet is the foundation of good canine health. But for dogs with certain dietary needs or health conditions, a veterinarian-recommended multivitamin can be a valuable addition to their health regimen. By consulting your veterinarian and choosing a high-quality product, you can ensure your dog receives the essential nutrients they need to live a long, healthy, and happy life!

        Looking for a Multivitamin You Can Trust And Fido Will Love?

        A gray and white dog with its tongue out sits next to a container of PupGrade Daily Multi supplement.

        Forget dull fur and low energy! PupGrade Daily Multivitamins are just what your pup needs. These veterinarian-formulated chews are bursting with delicious, natural ingredients hand-picked for: [3-16]

        - Whole Body Support: Promote healthy organs (liver, kidneys, lungs) and support recovery from injury.
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        - Mobility & Shine: Support healthy joints, skin, and fur for peak mobility and a radiant coat.
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        - Strong & Energized: Promote healthy bones and teeth, support a normal inflammatory response, and help maintain weight for optimal energy and well-being.
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        - Sharp Mind & Strong Heart: Support cognitive function and cardiovascular health for a healthy life.

          And the best part? Picky pups go wild for the taste! Made with love and packed with pawsome benefits, PupGrade Daily Multivitamins are the convenient, chewable way to ensure your dog gets the nutrients they need to thrive.

          Don't settle for just kibble—unlock your pup's full potential with PupGrade Daily Multivitamins! Click here to give your furry friend the gift of optimal health today.

          We've gone ahead and enclosed a 10% OFF coupon below for you to use in the store - remember, your puppy DESERVES to have the healthiest life! Click here to start shopping!

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          Resources:

          1. Vetericyn, Animal Wellness. October 17, 2019. Signs and Symptoms of Dog Nutritional Deficiencies. https://vetericyn.com/blog/signs-and-symptoms-of-dog-nutritional-deficiencies/
          2. American Kennel Club. 7 Vitamins Your Dog Needs For a Healthy Life. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/vitamins-dogs-need-healthy-lifestyle/
          3. Nutritional influences in dermatological disorders. Veterinary Practice News. (2021, October 4). https://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/allergies-august-2021/
          4. Burke, A. (2023, July 7). Dog vitamins: 7 vitamins your pet needs for a healthy lifestyle. American Kennel Club. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/vitamins-dogs-need-healthy-lifestyle/
          5. Jonathan Stockman, Cecilia Villaverde, Ronald Jan Corbee, Calcium, Phosphorus, and Vitamin D in Dogs and Cats: Beyond the Bones, Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, Volume 51, Issue 3, 2021, Pages 623-634, ISSN 0195-5616, ISBN 9780323778671, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2021.01.003
          6. K.A. Marsh, F.L. Ruedisueli, S.L. Coe, T.G.D. Watson (July, 2008). Effects of zinc and linoleic acid supplementation on the skin and coat quality of dogs receiving a complete and balanced diet. Veterinary Dermatology, Centre for Pet Nutrition. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-3164.2000.00202.x
          7. Lin PH, Sermersheim M, Li H, Lee PHU, Steinberg SM, Ma J. Zinc in Wound Healing Modulation. Nutrients. 2017 Dec 24;10(1):16. doi: 10.3390/nu10010016. PMID: 29295546; PMCID: PMC5793244. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29295546/
          8. Nielsen FH. Magnesium deficiency and increased inflammation: current perspectives. J Inflamm Res. 2018 Jan 18;11:25-34. doi: 10.2147/JIR.S136742. PMID: 29403302; PMCID: PMC5783146. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29403302/
          9. Pinotti L, Manoni M, Ferrari L, Tretola M, Cazzola R, Givens I. The Contribution of Dietary Magnesium in Farm Animals and Human Nutrition. Nutrients. 2021 Feb 4;13(2):509. doi: 10.3390/nu13020509. PMID: 33557151; PMCID: PMC7913977. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7913977/
          10. Kritikos G, Parr JM, Verbrugghe A. The Role of Thiamine and Effects of Deficiency in Dogs and Cats. Vet Sci. 2017 Nov 24;4(4):59. doi: 10.3390/vetsci4040059. PMCID: PMC5753639. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5753639/
          11. A. E. Schaefer and others, Studies on the Vitamin B Complex in the Nutrition of the Dog: Two Figures, The Journal of Nutrition, Volume 23, Issue 5, May 1942, Pages 491–500, https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/23.5.491
          12. Kolb, E. & Seehawer, J.. (2002). Significance and application of B-vitamins to dogs and cats: A survey. Tierarztliche Umschau. 57. 128-137. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/
          13. Pan, Y., Kennedy, A., Jönsson, T., & Milgram, N. (2018). Cognitive enhancement in old dogs from dietary supplementation with a nutrient blend containing arginine, antioxidants, B vitamins, and fish oil. British Journal of Nutrition, 119(3), 349-358.
          14. Becker N, Kienzle E, Dobenecker B. Kalziummangel - bei wachsenden und ausgewachsenen Hunden ein Problem. Zwei Fallberichte [Calcium deficiency: a problem in growing and adult dogs: two case reports]. Tierarztl Prax Ausg K Kleintiere Heimtiere. 2012 Apr 24;40(2):135-9. German. PMID: 22526818. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22526818/
          15. Gareri P, Mattace R, Nava F, De Sarro G. Role of calcium in brain aging. Gen Pharmacol. 1995 Dec;26(8):1651-7. doi: 10.1016/0306-3623(95)00043-7. PMID: 8745152. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8745152/
          16. Providence Animal Hospital. Should my dog take calcium supplements? Pet Care. https://www.waxhaw.providencevets.com/site/blog

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