Vitamins for Shepherd Dogs: for joints, hair, raising ears, complex

Nutrients for adult dogs and puppies are essential. Animals get them from regular food and in the form of active additives. However, the composition of the complex, the dose of elements and minerals for different ages are different. It is better to listen to the professionals and choose the right vitamins for your German Shepherd for its health and age.

What vitamins to give to a German shepherd

The German Shepherd, although a large breed of dog, is still susceptible to disease. Without the necessary complex of vitamins, the pet's health condition deteriorates sharply. The animal seems to be energetic in appearance, but it gradually fades away, ages quickly, its coat loses its bright color, and brings vision. The breeder is confused, and the reason is often a lack of nutrients. For large German Shepherds, the diet must include:

1. B vitamins... They are responsible for the condition and color of the coat, the metabolism of the German Shepherd. Contained in lactic acid products, yeast, beef liver.
2. Ascorbic acid or vitamin C... Responsible for the absorption of calcium in bones and connective tissue. Prevents leaching of the element from the animal's body. It is present in large quantities in cabbage, beef liver, tomatoes, offal.
3. Retinol or Vitamin A... Strengthens the dog's immunity, is responsible for the condition of the skin and mucous membranes. Found in late carrots, apples and fresh milk.
4. Calciferol or Vitamin D... Promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Its deficiency causes rickets in the German Shepherd. Present in fresh grass, lactic acid products, cheeses, cottage cheese, vegetable oils and seafood.
5. Tocopherol... Vitamin E is responsible for the stability of hormonal levels, reduces the risk of obesity, and normalizes metabolism. Lack of this element leads to infertility, problems with offspring, heart disease and muscle atrophy.
6. Vitamin K... He is responsible for good blood clotting, which is very important for the health of the pet. It is found in large quantities in leafy greens and green vegetables.
7. Folic acid... It is essential for the prevention of anemia in adult dogs and puppies. Promotes normal growth and development of the fetus, protects against a number of diseases. It is found in buckwheat and oatmeal, cauliflower and yeast.
8. A nicotinic acid... Responsible for the condition of the skin and organs of the gastrointestinal tract. Reduces the risk of developing pellagra, normalizes metabolism in the body. Very important to the German Shepherd at any stage of its life. Found in cheeses, milk, eggs, liver, fish and most vegetables.

However, even a properly formulated diet and balanced nutrition do not guarantee that the pet's body will receive everything it needs. The quality of food and many other factors affect the rate of absorption of vitamins and their quantity. That is why a competent breeder prefers to include in the menu active supplements for dogs that contain everything you need.

The best vitamins for the German Shepherd

Today, the choice of vitamins for dogs is huge, so it is better to familiarize yourself with each complex in advance and choose a drug suitable for a German shepherd. Below is a list of supplements that are considered the best in terms of price / performance ratio:

1. «Nutri-vet". The drug helps to get rid of joint problems. It contains glucosamine, which normalizes the condition of tendons and ligaments. It is used as a prophylaxis and for the treatment of sprains, injuries and other joint problems in the German Shepherd.
   
2. «Beaphar". The complex is rich in vitamins and minerals. Regular intake improves the general condition of the pet, its teeth, claws, coat color. Increases physical activity and reduces the risk of infectious diseases.
   
3. «Tetravit". Oil complex, available for injection and oral use. Suitable for the treatment of exhaustion and recovery from long-term illnesses.
   
4. «AniVital". The complex is rich in Omega-3 acids, improves the condition of tissues, joints and tendons. Suitable for puppies in the period of active growth, dogs with age-related changes and sick animals.
   
5. «Farmavit Neo for dogs". The preparation contains practically all vitamins and minerals necessary for puppies, pregnant and lactating German shepherds. The dosage is calculated based on the weight of the animal.
   

These complexes expand the pet's capabilities and allow it to fully grow and develop. With regular use of the preparations, the German Shepherd remains active and cheerful for a long time.

Vitamins for a German Shepherd puppy

In the first year, a cub of a German Shepherd is considered a puppy. During this period, the dog is actively developing. She needs vitamins that strengthen bone tissue, replenish energy reserves, and promote the development of the cartilaginous plate on the ears. The preparations, together with food, help the puppy get everything he needs.

At the age of one month, German Shepherd puppies are given a complex of vitamins and calcium tablets. They are added to food. The preparations are combined with cottage cheese, milk and other dairy products so that they are better absorbed. The dose must be calculated correctly, otherwise an excess of calcium leads to loss of appetite, problems with stools, nausea and vomiting. In especially severe cases, abnormalities in the animal's brain develop.

A German shepherd puppy aged 2 to 5 months will benefit from individual vitamins and whole complexes that contain:

• phosphorus;
• calcium gluconate;
• chondroitin;
• calcium glycerophosphate;
• glucosamine.

In the early stages of development, when the skeleton is not yet fully formed, they are necessary. However, many complexes cause gastrointestinal upset, so they are taken together with fermented milk products.

During the raising of the ears, which in German Shepherd puppies starts from 3 months and lasts up to one year, vitamins with glucosamine are needed. The preparation in powder has proven itself well, which is convenient to give to a pet with food. One of these additives is Gelakan Darling.

Vitamins for an adult shepherd

After a year, the German Shepherd is considered an adult, so the dosage of vitamins and the composition of the complexes are changed. Food products and active additives must contain:

• ascorbic acid;
• carotene;
• vitamin E and D;
• thiamine.

They prevent bleeding of the gums during tooth changes, strengthen the immune system, and support the health of the organs of vision and the reproductive system. Protect from cramps and numbness of the limbs.

In the 2nd year of life, the German Shepherd is susceptible to diseases, therefore vitamins are necessary for it. By this time, the animal's diet becomes monotonous, diseases of the musculoskeletal system develop more often. Drugs with chondroprotectors are added to the usual complexes. In addition, you need to reduce the calorie content of food, give more protein products.Dry food should contain vitamins C and E. This diet is adhered to for up to six years.

At the age of 7-8 years, the German Shepherd is considered elderly. All processes in the body slow down, nutrients are absorbed hard. At this stage, complexes are needed. They must contain Omega-3 and Omega-6 acids, vitamins E, B and A.

Vitamins for pregnant shepherd dogs

During pregnancy, the German Shepherd needs an increased concentration of vitamins. Since they go not only to replenish the body's reserves, but also for the development of puppies.

The diet should be rich in protein foods. These are meat, eggs, cottage cheese and lean fish. The carbohydrate content is reduced to a minimum. In addition, special supplements for pregnant bitches are being given.

They contain an increased amount of:

• folic acid;
• vitamin E;
• gland;
• calcium.

They are added throughout pregnancy and lactation. From industrial preparations, they received good reviews:

• «Brevers Excel 8 in 1"- USA;
  
• complexes "Kanina"- Germany;
  
• «About Bio Booster Sa" - Switzerland.
  

They are well absorbed and tolerated by dogs.

Vitamins for the Caucasian Shepherd Dog

The Caucasian Shepherd Dog in the first year of life is rapidly gaining weight, which ranges from 50 to 90 kg. The pet's body is exposed to strong stress and needs additional nutrition. The complexes contain the same vitamins as for the German Shepherd, but the dosage will be different.

It is better to give a pregnant Caucasian shepherd dog a full complex "Pro Bio Booster Ca", which contains all vitamins. It was developed in Switzerland, it recovers well and nourishes the bitch's body.

Rules for the use of vitamins for shepherd dogs

Each specific manufacturer indicates on the packaging how to properly give certain vitamins to adult dogs and puppies. However, care must be taken not to cause excess nutrients in the body. After all, every pet, in addition to complexes, receives them with food. The table shows the daily allowance for an adult shepherd dog and a puppy, which should be followed.

Vitamin complexes are best given in autumn and early spring, when the body's need for nutrients is higher. The rest of the time, it is better to give preference to natural food, which must be properly prepared so that it does not lose vitamins.

Precautions and contraindications

Cynologists and veterinarians say that it is not necessary to constantly give the same drug. They should be changed every season. Problems with a lack and excess of nutrients in the body can be avoided if the instructions on the package are strictly followed.

As a rule, vitamin complexes for dogs have no contraindications, but you should refrain from using them in such cases:

• allergy;
• signs of overdose;
• individual intolerance.

At the first symptoms of an excess of the drug, you need to contact your veterinarian, and not wait until the pet's health becomes worse.

Conclusion

Vitamins for the German Shepherd are an integral part of the diet. If the breeder doubts which one is better to choose, then a veterinarian or dog handler will come to the rescue. The right medication will help your dog feel good throughout his life.