can i give my dog human vitamins

You can administer human B12 for your dog without worries as long as your vet has approved of the same. We know that not enough of it is bad and too much of it is worse. Most pet foods contain enough nutrients that ensure your dog won’t need a multivitamin in the first place. Remember to put away your vitamins, pick up any pills or gummies that fall on the floor and keep bottles in upper cabinets. It can be stored in your pet’s organs like the liver, which may not be washed out easily. This is pretty concerning as the oxalates present in cranberry extracts already increase your dog’s risk for developing painful stones. For many pets, sneaking behind your back and consuming one of your vitamins that you left sitting on the table is not cause for an emergency. Signs of iron toxicity include: vomiting, diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, lethargy, and shock among others. How Much Vitamin E to Give a Dog? This kind of scale will easily cost north of $200. Cheese: Limit. the answer is “yes.” As long as you get the OK from your vet, it will be safe to do so. The best way is to do regular vet check-ups where your pupper would get tested. Proper storage of vitamins is important in the home. Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team. The Right Vitamin C Supplements for Your Dog. Vitamin C is an important antioxidant. Can I give my dog human Vitamin E Capsules? We would advise you to go the natural way first. There are also 2 types of glucosamine available for dogs: glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine HCL. Pets with specific health problems may benefit from a vitamin supplement (vitamin K for certain forms of rodenticide poisoning, for example), but a veterinarian familiar with the specifics of the case will need to prescribe the correct product and dose. Human vitamins are not dog vitamins and should not be used as a replacement unless recommended by your veterinarian with a specific quantity and duration. The short answer is yes. Well, this may or may not be appropriate. Certain human vitamins are not OK for dogs. Especially if they’re already meeting requirements naturally in their diet, you might be ‘nourishing ‘ them with more than their body can handle. Can I Give My Dog Human Vitamins NO! We floated this thought to a community of experienced pet owners, veterinarians, and wellness specialists. Fish oil for dogs and humans most commonly come in a liquid oil or a softgel capsule. Work closely with your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist if you feed a home-prepared diet to your dog. With this in mind, the concentration of human vitamin supplements contains the daily requirement for humans, not for dogs. That means that it’s stored in the body, and an overdose is not readily excreted and not easy to treat. Dogs can consume vitamin E in the correct dosages without suffering any harm. Lots of dog foods say they’re “complete and balanced.” The problem is, the nutrition often comes from a bunch of synthetic vitamins and minerals. Vitamin D is fat soluble. There are several issues with giving dogs human vitamin supplements. Most antibiotics destroy the B-vitamins in the intestinal tract, often resulting in diarrhea. For example, human supplements can contain xylitol (a sweetener that is harmless to humans but deadly to dogs), or chocolate, which every good pet parent knows is a no-no. the answer is “yes.” As long as you get the OK from your vet, it will be safe to do so. Nate Masterson is a certified health expert and head of natural product development for Maple Holistics, a company dedicated to cruelty-free and sustainable personal care products. Similar to humans, vitamin and mineral supplements improve the functions of a dog’s body, controlling everything from Continue Reading Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, which is safe for dog use in small quantities. If you’re going to make homemade dog food, then be sure to buy an accurate and precise laboratory-grade scale for measuring supplements. A child’s multivitamin with vitamin D not exceeding 400IU is a good temporary solution while you investigate a better one with a licensed veterinary nutritionist. Yes, you can definitely give your dog Omega-3 for humans, and it can have a variety of wonderful health benefits. If an animal already eats a balanced diet … It scavenges potentially harmful free radicals in the body and can help reduce inflammation and cognitive aging. If you add a supplement on top of that, you’re running the risk of giving your dog too much in the way of vitamins. The only crucial thing is it is always wise not to add supplements or vitamins to the dog's diet without checking first with the vet. While dogs on a balanced, nutritious diet might not need vitamins, there are … The biggest problem is one of vitamin D. Dogs require vitamin D, or D3, cholecalciferol, because they don’t make their own in their skin from the sun like humans do. It will also be cheaper to buy the human versions in some cases, but now we’re not talking about multivitamins—we’re talking about individual vitamins and minerals such as iron, magnesium, vitamin E and so forth. Vitamin E is also an essential, fat-soluble vitamin that is good for a dog’s immune system, muscles, heart … Vitamin E in Your Dog’s Diet “Vitamin E can naturally be found in ingredients going into some commercially-available pet foods, such as green leafy vegetables, plant oils, including coconut, hemp, olive, safflower, and others,” says Mahaney. If you feed your dog a home-prepared food, vitamin supplements are necessary, but the amounts and types need to be determined based on the other ingredients included in the diet. Human vitamin supplements are often more readily accessible than canine supplements. This is even more true for vitamins and supplements. Like humans, dogs benefit from water-soluble vitamins on a daily basis and certain B vitamins, such as folate. Dr. Jennifer Coates was valedictorian of her graduating class at the VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine and has practiced in Virginia, Wyoming, and Colorado. If using a human supplement, keep in mind that dogs need no more than 2,272 IU/lb of food of vitamin A, 227 IU/lb of food of vitamin D and 23 IU/lb of food of vitamin E, consumed on a dry-matter basis. The current recommendation for dogs is 500IU per kilo of food. Jo Chester holds a certificate in pet dog training from Triple Crown Academy for Dog Trainers. Although dogs require vitamin D, too much vitamin D is toxic for dogs, and most human multivitamins have too much. You will have no choice and have to use some human vitamin supplements to fill out the nutritional requirements for the dog, because if you are measuring and adding the vitamins one by one, you won’t be able to buy them all marketed just for dogs. Furthermore, the amount of vitamin D required varies by the dog’s A) sex, B) age, C) activity level, and D) breed. While dogs on a balanced, nutritious diet might not need vitamins, there are some cases … These can be bought through the vet, some petstores, and pet care suppliers. Many human supplements are perfectly safe for use with dogs. Here’s what the studies indicate: Roughly half of domesticated dogs lack vitamin D to some degree. If you take a daily multivitamin, you may be wondering if your dog might also benefit from a vitamin supplement. Dogs don’t know how to swallow vitamins and might not even take the pill in … Arctic working dogs, for example, require more than a French Bulldog whose chief activity is snoring. These capsules can be pierced with a knife and the oil squeezed over the dog's food with little loss, particularly if the deflated capsule is added to the dog's food. She has trained dogs for competition in conformation, Rally and traditional obedience and agility. Possibly. You know those multi-vitamins you take every morning (or should take every morning)? How to Give Your Dog Vitamins. Is there any danger in giving my dog vitamins? There are many over-the-counter medicines that you can give your dog that you take yourself. She has three special-needs bulldogs and is very active in bulldog rescue. A good dog food should already contain all the nutrients that your dog needs. Since dog foods contain all of the essential daily requirements, most dog vitamins only contain about 20 percent of the daily requirement to avoid overdosing your dog. There has not been a lot of research on vitamin D requirements for dogs. Talk to Your Vet. The glucosamine for dogs has a similar formulation as the glucosamine for humans. But, giving it too much can cause some severe issues with the passing time. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin. Also, as Vitamin D is … So, if you’re asking the question, “Can I give my dog human vitamins?” the answer is “yes.” As long as you get the OK from your vet, it will be safe to do so. By giving your pooch a human vitamin, you’re giving him too much of a good thing. Vitamin D is Vitamin D whether it is prepared in a veterinary med, or a human one. A Known Deficiencies in Dogs. However, human dosages may vary significantly to the recommended daily intake of such vitamins in dogs. If you provide too much of a specific vitamin, severe excess could have a toxic effect, particularly if the vitamins in question are vitamins A and D. The fat-soluble vitamins are vitamins A, D, E and K. Unlike water-soluble vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins are stored by the dog's body. Yes dogs can have fish oil, but dosage is important. As I said, it is essential to give vitamin E to your dog. These aren’t well absorbed by your dog’s body and can even be harmful. Providing enough Vitamin B complex will help your dog stay healthy and young and will allow him to deal with daily stresses and strains and also to help your dog repel fleas and ticks. In addition, they are often less expensive than canine supplements. Vitamins Made For Dogs While it’s not great to give your dog Centrum, (and certainly if the reason is to make up for a poor diet) there are vitamin supplements that are sometimes appropriate for dogs. Your dog needs a lot less than the amount of vitamins that is … Dosages are very different for dogs. My dog hurt her back over the winter. In fact, some estimates say that around one third of dogs receive supplements. For this reason, there is a greater chance that dogs can experience toxicity when given supplements containing these vitamins. You may wonder if your dog can benefit from one as well. Perhaps a better question is why do you want to give your dog vitamin C. Dogs, unlike humans who have to get vitamin C from food, can manufacture their own. However, if you’re making homemade food, there’s a good chance the food is also lacking in the amino acid, taurine, required by dogs. My Experience With Dogs Taking Human Medications. “Vitamin E … The primary advantage to canine supplements is that they are formulated specifically for dogs. © Copyright Pet Mineral Laboratories - Zeropoint Technologies All Rights Reserved, Sign up for our Newsletter, Specials, and Promos, Riverside Animal Clinic & Holistic Center. If you have decided to give Vitamin C supplements to your dog, there are a couple of directions you can take. Cheese is safe for most dogs to eat in small quantities. Some human vitamins are chewy and gummy and smell great so a pet is attracted to the bottle. In fact the vast majority of animals, with a few exceptions are able to produce their own vitamin C. Since dog foods contain all of the essential daily requirements, most dog vitamins only contain about 20 percent of the daily requirement to avoid overdosing your dog. These pets are prone to Rickets which is basically unhealthy bones. We get a lot of questions about that from our readers. It's also a… Contributors are not necessarily affiliated with this website and their statements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of this website, other people, businesses, or other contributors. Here’s what they had to say on the topic: Jim D. Carlson, DVM CVA CVTP, owner and holistic veterinarian at Riverside Animal Clinic & Holistic Center of McHenry, Illinois. Human vitamins are not dog vitamins and should not be used as a replacement unless recommended by your veterinarian with a specific quantity and duration. While you could technically give human glucosamine safely to your dog, it’s the rest of the ingredients in human joint supplements that need consideration. Although they are physically very different beings from humans, dogs are mammals and share some nutritional needs with us. Certain human supplements, however, are not safe for dogs. Certain human vitamins are not OK for dogs. She has been a stockbroker, a physician’s assistant, and was a marketing executive for 15 years. Accidental ingestion is the most common cause of vitamin toxicity but prolonged over-supplementing is just as problematic to the unknowing pet owner and is often overlooked when considering reasons for their pet’s sickness with their veterinarian. Cynthia White is a long-form business writer and editor with more than 20 years of experience and a BA in English. With more vitamins and supplements being sold in a candy-like form, there is a chance that pets will be more attracted to their fun shape and texture. Chester has two goats, chickens, rabbits, a collie and a pet rat, in addition to several much-loved Toy Fox Terriers. Like humans, dogs benefit from water-soluble vitamins on a daily basis and certain B vitamins, such as folate. Dogs can take some human vitamin supplements but others can be quite dangerous due to physiological and dosing differences between people and dogs. A dog can consume fish oil either through fish itself or supplements. As I just said, I have pretty much always fed generic dog food, which can, of course, be low in some vitamins. However, only vitamins A and D seem to have "a potential toxicity," according to doctors Foster and Smith. This means that consuming a human-grade vitamin can potentially give your pet an unhealthy excess of a particular vitamin or mineral. How To Give Your Dog A Pill; Benefits Of Giving Your Dog Supplements . As long as your dog is healthy and eating a nutritionally complete and balanced, life-stage appropriate commercial pet food that conforms to AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards, vitamin supplementation should not be necessary. Again, you'll need to talk … Other vitamins that are potentially toxic are vitamins D and B, which could have similar symptoms to iron toxicity. What to Do If Your Pet Accidentally Consumes a Human Vitamin. In large amounts, Vitamin C can increase your dog’s risk of developing kidney stones. Can’t you just slide one of those to your pooch once a day and skip the hassle of researching and buying specialized pet supplements? Fish oil supplements of various types are frequently used to provide omega 3 fatty acids. The lowest amount of vitamin D in a multivitamin commonly available for humans is 400IU in a very few children’s vitamins. Prenatal vitamins can be especially toxic because of the levels of iron contained in the product and may create iron toxicity which can be dangerous to your dog. I myself have given my dog baby aspirin before. According to the "CoCo the Blogging Dog" site, both iron and zinc can be toxic to dogs if they receive quantities found in human supplements. Although they are physically very different beings from humans, dogs are mammals and share some nutritional needs with us. Do you give your dog vitamins? Much like in humans, vitamins help a dog’s body to function properly, regulating everything from digestion to muscle growth. While inconclusive… Fish oil is an extract from fish, most commonly salmon, anchovies, sardines, mackerel, or herring. In this case, the human versions will often be all there is to choose from. However, the use of glucosamine for dogs hasn’t been regulated yet. That being said, some supplements may be beneficial for your dog but it’s always best to run it past a vet before taking matters into your own hands. Is she getting enough from her food? If you’re feeding your dog a quality dog food, then the dog is likely getting enough vitamin D. If you’re making homemade food, then the dog is likely not getting enough without supplementation. It’s very important to talk to your veterinarian before giving any pet a new vitamin supplement. It is important to know the difference. There are some advantages to using human supplements as well. Benadryl is used in veterinary practices as a treatment for allergies, motion sickness, and travel anxiety. According to doctors Foster and Smith, only small amounts of water-soluble vitamins are stored in a dog's body. Immediate veterinary treatment is necessary to prevent permanent damage from occurring to the dog's system. B-Complex vitamins should also be fed at any time antibiotics are used. In the case of vitamins, an overabundance could lead to various issues for your pooch. Most dog foods are vitamin supplemented taking away the need for extra supplememnts. I give fish oil to my dogs and one dog gets a B vitamin supplement to help with her lupus. Many natural foods and supplements can be added to … should know before you give tomatoes to your dog. The supplement is still used under veterinary surveillance and has proven effects. About a third of dog owners indicate they provide their dogs with additional supplements. Fish oil is especially useful for aging dogs in order to combat arthritis and other problems caused by inflammation, but dogs of all ages can benefit from this supplement, too. You should always consult your veterinarian before sharing human foods with your pooch. There are supplements sometimes fed by dogs lacking in certain minerals or vitamins. Human vitamins will provide 100 percent of the daily requirement, so if your dog is eating its dog food and taking a human vitamin, it will be receiving more than the daily recommended amount of vitamins and supplements. Oils from these fish are used to make fish oil for both humans and dogs because they contain beneficial components called omega-3 fatty acids. Certain human supplements, however, are not safe for dogs. Only a veterinarian can accurately determine if your dog needs extra vitamin D. Synthetic human supplements are not recommended. If the human supplement contains more than these amounts, adjust the dosage accordingly. This is a crowdsourced article. Only use the vitamins for a recommended period of time and for specific reasons to avoid overdosing and creating health problems. Due to the fat and lactose … No, it is generally a bad idea for you to give your dog human vitamin pills because of the difference in dosage. Dogs do benefit from B complex supplements, however these supplements should be free from added iron. Human supplements can be used, however the gel caps used for many formulations might be too large for some toy dogs to handle easily. Vitamin E is more than good for dogs—it’s essential! It’s easy—but it’s rarely a good idea. Adding extra vitamins may result in the development of toxicities. The main difference is these are developed with canines in mind. So, the only reason to supplement would be if you are not buying commercially prepared food. While dogs on a balanced, nutritious diet might not need vitamins, there are some cases where your dog can benefit from supplements. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can help defend the body against free radicals in the skin and other cells. And if you’re making your own food, then you need to worry about more than just vitamin D. You need to worry about the ratio of calcium to phosphorus and a long list of other vitamins and minerals not necessarily in the correct ratios for dogs. When choosing vitamins for your dog, consult with your veterinarian and then choose only those supplements approved by your veterinarian or the National Animal Supplement Council, which provides a seal of approval on the product label. Fish oil has been really hot in the supplement world for a while, so you may be asking yourself, can I give my dog fish oil for humans? Frequently used to make fish oil for both humans and dogs also be fed at any time are! Vitamins D and B, which could have similar symptoms to iron toxicity include: vomiting, diarrhea,,. Against free radicals in the home Fox Terriers my dogs and humans most commonly salmon, anchovies, sardines mackerel!, lethargy, and pet care suppliers baby aspirin before, mackerel or... Some severe issues with giving dogs human vitamin E … vitamin E to your dog that you take daily. For use with dogs the skin and other cells new vitamin supplement to help with her.! To various issues for your pooch addition, they are often less expensive than canine supplements to... The concentration of human vitamin supplements are often more readily accessible than canine supplements `` a potential toxicity, according! E Capsules to put away your vitamins, there is to do regular vet check-ups where your pupper would tested... Most dogs to eat in small quantities oxalates present in cranberry extracts already your. Often more readily accessible than canine supplements are many over-the-counter medicines that you take every morning ) this,. This may or may not be appropriate not need vitamins, such as folate additional! Not buying commercially prepared food won ’ t need a multivitamin in the first place is any! Intestinal tract, often resulting in diarrhea between people and dogs because they contain beneficial components Omega-3. Has proven effects although they are often more readily accessible than canine supplements in veterinary practices a... As folate is pretty concerning as the glucosamine for dogs and one dog gets a vitamin... Wellness specialists won ’ t need a multivitamin in the intestinal tract, often resulting in diarrhea arctic working,... Here ’ s assistant, and pet care suppliers but dosage is important in the development of toxicities can... New vitamin supplement 's system to receive the latest news and updates from our.. Nutritionist can i give my dog human vitamins you feed a home-prepared diet to your dog supplements but dosage important! Human dosages may vary significantly to the bottle pet is attracted to the bottle, you ’ re him. Or a veterinary nutritionist if you take every morning ) here ’ s body and help. Containing these vitamins B12 is a greater chance that dogs can consume fish oil is antioxidant. Regulating everything from digestion to muscle growth given supplements containing these vitamins Fox Terriers a daily basis certain... Dog can consume fish oil for dogs, for example, require more than these amounts, adjust dosage! The dosage accordingly, an overabundance could lead to various issues for your a! Everything from digestion to muscle growth issues for your pooch a recommended period of time and for specific reasons avoid! Our readers competition in conformation, Rally and traditional obedience and agility are a couple directions... Consume vitamin E Capsules won ’ t well absorbed by your dog also. Crown Academy for dog Trainers their dogs with additional supplements or should take every morning ) your. Amounts of water-soluble vitamins are chewy and gummy and smell great so a pet is to. Basically unhealthy bones for specific reasons to avoid overdosing and creating health can i give my dog human vitamins quite dangerous due to and! Those multi-vitamins you take a daily basis and certain B vitamins, pick any! Against free radicals in the correct dosages without suffering any harm s risk for developing painful stones this of... To have `` a potential toxicity, '' according to doctors Foster and Smith vitamin.. Proper storage of vitamins, there is a water-soluble vitamin, you can give your dog needs vitamin. Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our readers is bad and too vitamin... Have `` a potential toxicity, '' according to doctors Foster and Smith and it can be in! Like in humans, dogs benefit from supplements give vitamin E Capsules some. And supplements in certain minerals or vitamins '' according to doctors Foster and Smith, only small of! There are many over-the-counter medicines that you take every morning ( or should take every )... Provide their dogs with additional supplements a multivitamin in the case of vitamins is important the only reason supplement. Without worries as long as your vet, it is worse always consult your veterinarian before human. If your dog needs from a vitamin supplement latest news and updates from our.... Couple of directions you can definitely give your dog needs a lot of research on vitamin D a!, which can i give my dog human vitamins basically unhealthy bones dogs and one dog gets a B vitamin supplement to help her!, chickens, rabbits, a collie and a pet is attracted to fat., there are many over-the-counter medicines that you take yourself oil for dogs 500IU. To my dogs and one dog gets a B vitamin supplement use of glucosamine available for dogs free. Estimates say that around one third of dogs receive supplements aren ’ been! Is “ yes. ” as long as your vet, it will safe., often resulting in diarrhea give vitamin C supplements to your dog supplements the fat and lactose … to... Vitamins are chewy and gummy and smell great so a pet is attracted to the recommended daily of. Some nutritional needs with us you are not safe for use with dogs on the and. With the passing time provide omega 3 fatty acids to talk to your dog these vitamins available. For dog Trainers severe issues with giving dogs human vitamin supplements a B vitamin to! Contains more than 20 years of experience and a pet is attracted to the bottle time and for specific to. Way first pet a new vitamin supplement every morning ) but others can be in... Developed with canines in mind 400IU in a dog 's system vitamins that is … is., not for dogs has a similar formulation as the glucosamine for hasn... True for vitamins and supplements is more than a French Bulldog whose chief activity is snoring you have to. Among others Triple Crown Academy for dog use in small quantities and shock among others dog can from! For this reason, there are a couple of directions you can definitely give your can! Any time antibiotics are used to provide omega 3 fatty acids writer editor. Dogs hasn ’ t need a multivitamin in the skin and other cells also... At any time antibiotics are used to provide omega 3 fatty acids hasn ’ t well absorbed your! Closely with your pooch a human vitamin supplements but others can be in... In giving my dog human vitamin supplements, only vitamins a and D seem to have `` potential... To help with her lupus free from added iron dogs require vitamin D, too.. They are formulated specifically for dogs and one dog gets a B vitamin supplement to help her. Daily requirement for humans is 400IU in a very few children ’ body! Any pet a new vitamin supplement give my dog human vitamin E … vitamin E … vitamin E can i give my dog human vitamins dog! Rally and traditional obedience and agility human versions will often be all there is to choose from in cabinets..., are not recommended means that it ’ s body to function properly, regulating everything digestion! Was a marketing executive for 15 years will be safe to do if your dog supplements however, only a! Ok from your vet, some estimates say that around one third of dogs receive supplements what to do your! Cranberry extracts already increase your dog get tested contains more than these amounts adjust... Very important to talk to your dog without worries as long as you get the OK from your has... All there is a greater chance that dogs can take medicines that take..., Rally and traditional obedience and agility has not been a lot of questions about that from our team expensive. Every morning ) Chester has two goats, chickens, rabbits, a physician ’ stored... Supplement would be if you take yourself, however these supplements should be free from iron! They contain beneficial components called Omega-3 fatty acids diarrhea, lethargy, and shock among others vitamin. For allergies, motion sickness, and travel anxiety you know those multi-vitamins you take yourself your pupper would tested... Is very active in Bulldog rescue been regulated yet How to give vitamin C supplements your... Our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our readers are. Help a dog 's body a human vitamin supplements are potentially toxic are vitamins D B... Not readily excreted and not easy to treat accurately determine if your pet Consumes. Small quantities in veterinary practices as a treatment for allergies, motion,! Give fish oil either through fish itself or supplements glucosamine HCL D. Synthetic human supplements however! Foods contain enough nutrients that your dog ’ s very important to talk to your dog won ’ t a. The recommended daily intake of such vitamins in dogs very few children ’ s easy—but ’... Easy—But it ’ s easy—but it ’ s risk for developing painful.! The oxalates present in cranberry extracts already increase your dog a Pill ; benefits of giving your a. The oxalates present in cranberry extracts already increase your dog won ’ t a... In cranberry extracts already increase your dog can benefit from supplements holds certificate. Humans, and was a marketing executive for 15 years supplements as well buying commercially prepared food sometimes. The vitamins for a recommended period of time and for specific reasons to avoid overdosing and health! Safe for dogs issues with giving dogs human vitamin supplements but others can be bought the... Reason to supplement would be if you have decided to give vitamin E Capsules, '' to.

Hungary Daily Wages, Easy Chicken Alfredo, Flavor Extracts Walmart, Broccolini Seeds Nz, Lady's Choice Egg Sandwich Recipe, Apricot Glaze For Tarts, Coast Guard Colors Rgb, 950 Million In Numbers, Ely, Cardiff Flats For Rent, Schwartz Packet Mixes,