We have a wide-ranging diet, but it’s still not always easy to get the right mix of vitamins and minerals. Many of us take a daily multivitamin to ensure we get enough of the vital elements our body needs.
We want the best health for our dogs too. To help, we reviewed hundreds of products and thousands of verified reviews to find the 7 best dog multivitamins available on the market.
Top Picks for Dog Multivitamins
1. PetHonesty Dog Multivitamin with Glucosamine
The PetHonesty 10 for 1 dog multivitamin packs a host of vitamins and minerals in an easy to eat chewable form. It’s made in the USA from all-natural ingredients, and supports areas from brain health to immune system functioning. Other added benefits include probiotics for digestion, as well as glucosamine for joint care.
Key Features:
- Soft chew dog multivitamins with added probiotics
- Contains 23 different vitamins and minerals including vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, D3, E, Zinc, Glucosamine, Niacin, and Omega 3 Fatty Acids
- Also made with carrots, sweet potato, and pumpkin
- Ingredients support healthy skin and coat, digestion, immune response, brain functioning, and joint health.
- Chicken flavor
- 90 soft chews per container
Pros:
- Made in the USA in a GMP certified facility
- Suitable for all breed sizes
- 100% all-natural with no added preservatives
- Also available in a senior dog option
Cons:
- Can get expensive for those with larger dogs as the dosage is one chew per 25 pounds of weight
2. Doggie Dailies Senior Essentials Multivitamin for Dogs
Doggie Dailies 10-in-1 is a daily multivitamin made for senior dogs with ingredients that support digestion, skin and coat, joints, immune, and cardiovascular systems. Ingredients range from essential vitamins and minerals to prebiotics and salmon oil for a healthy coat.
Key Features:
- Daily dog soft chew multivitamin made for senior dogs
- Ingredients include biotin, folic acid, glucosamine, salmon and cod liver oil, vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, D3, and E
- Prebiotics for digestive functioning
- Supports bones, joint, cognitive, vision, heart and liver functioning
- Bacon flavored
- Comes in 120 soft chew packs
Pros:
- Doesn’t contain palm oil
- Carries the National Animal Supplement Council seal of quality
- Manufactured in the USA in a GMP compliant facility
- 100% “no questions asked” money back guarantee
Cons:
- Only available in bacon flavor
3. Pro-Sense Dog Vitamin Solutions for All-Life Stages
If you’re testing out dog vitamins for the first time and don’t want to invest too much, Pro-Sense Dog Vitamins is the best affordable option at around $7 per bottle. But don’t let the price fool you, Pro-Sense comes packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support immune health, energy, and a healthy skin & coat.
Key Features:
- Daily dog multivitamin in chewable tablet form
- Contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C, D3, E, Zinc, and others
- 90 chewable vitamin tablets per bottle
Pros:
- The most affordable option on our list
- Suitable for all breed sizes and ages
- Made in the USA
- Certified through the NASC (National Animal Supplement Council)
Cons:
- Large tablets are not as appetizing as other flavored soft-chew options
- Contains an essential mix of vitamins and minerals, but does not contain “premium” ingredients such as MSM, fish oil, etc. like other options
4. Pet Naturals of Vermont Daily Multivitamin for Dogs
The PetNaturals of Vermont Daily Multi is another affordable option. This soft chew multivitamin contains a veterinarian formulated blend of 21 different supplements for optimal dog health.
Key Features:
- Daily multivitamin for dogs in soft chew form
- Contains 21 different nutrients for optimal coat, digestion health, and organ functioning
- Supplements include calcium, phosphorous, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, D3, E, and more
- Made without corn, wheat, or artificial ingredients
- Each jar contains 150 bite sized chews
Pros:
- Veterinarian formulated blend of vitamins and minerals
- Suitable for all breed sizes and ages
- Affordable option given the amount of chews per bottle
- NASC approved vitamin
- Comes with 100% satisfaction guarantee
Cons:
- Made in the USA, though some ingredients are sourced from other countries. That being said, PetNaturals is FDA and AAFCO regulated, and a member of the FDS.
5. Zesty Paws Multivitamin Treats for Dogs
Zesty Paws Everyday Vitality is a comprehensive multivitamin and supplement in a chicken flavored soft chew. In addition to essential vitamins and nutrients, Zesty Paws contains glucosamine and MSM for joint health, as well as cod liver oil to support a healthy coat and skin.
Key Features:
- Daily dog multivitamin soft chews in chicken flavor
- Contains vitamins, minerals, and other healthy ingredients meant to support skin, brain, heart, and immune systems.
- Ingredients include vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, C, D3, E, manganese, folic acid, and others.
- Each jar contains 90 soft chews
- For use in dogs only
Pros:
- Includes probiotics for digestion
- Supports joint health with MSM, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate
- Also contains cod liver oil for healthy skin and coat
- Does not contain corn, wheat, soy, or artificial flavorings or preservatives
- Suitable for all ages and breed sizes
Cons:
- Made in the USA, though some ingredients are sourced from other countries. (Zesty Paws is FDA and AAFCO regulated)
- On the pricier side of options
6. VetriScience Canine Plus Everyday Multivitamin
VetriScience Canine Plus is a solid multivitamin choice with 30 vitamins and minerals packed into a daily soft chew. VetriScience’s mix of vitamins, amino acids, and omega 3s from fish oil help support a range of healthy functions in your dog.
Key Features:
- Dog multivitamin soft chews in chicken liver flavor
- Contains over 30 ingredients including calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, fish oil, iron, copper, zinc, vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, D3, E, and more.
- 30 soft chews per bag
Pros:
- Suitable for all ages, sizes, and breeds
- Can be used as a supplement for a homemade or raw diet
- Manufactured in the USA
Cons:
- Does not include ingredients for joint health or probiotics for digestion
- Not fully all natural (contains a preservative)
7. Zesty Paws Multivitamin for Senior Dogs
For those looking for a multivitamin for a senior dog, a top choice is the Zesty Paws Multivitamin Bites for Seniors. Similar to the regular Zesty Paws bites, this soft chew contains a number vitamins and minerals, in addition to support for joints, bladder function, and cognitive health — perfect for an older dog.
Key Features:
- Daily multivitamin soft chew
- Formulated specifically for senior dogs
- Includes vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, C, D3, E, and others
- Each jar contains 90 soft chews
Pros:
- Complete with extra joint support for geriatric dogs including turmeric, curcumin, MSM, chondroitin, and glucosamine
- Helps skin and coat health with cod liver oil
- Contains a specific vitamin complex for kidney and urinary tract support
- No artificial flavorings or preservatives
- Chicken flavored
Cons:
- Pricier compared to other options
- Made in the USA, though some ingredients are sourced from other countries. (Zesty Paws is FDA and AAFCO regulated)
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Dog Multivitamin Buying Guide
While the majority of dogs are able to get proper nutrition from their kibble, many require additional supplements to get the vitamins they need. Your veterinarian may also suggest a multivitamin to treat a health condition, to supplement a homemade or raw diet, or to support a dog with a poor appetite. Senior dogs with decreased mobility and cognitive function may also need a multivitamin.
While dog food with the “complete and balanced” labeling on it has to meet adequate health recommendations from AAFCO, it doesn’t mean that it’s providing optimal levels of each vitamin or mineral. With the right product, a dog multivitamin can lead to improvements in skin and coat health, immunity, digestion, and cognition — even for an otherwise healthy dog!
A List of Essential Vitamins for Your Dog
Vitamins can be put into two broad categories: water-soluble and fat-soluble. We’ll dive into detail for each one in this guide.
Water-Soluble Vitamins
Water-soluble vitamins are vitamins that dissolve in water. They’re more easily absorbed into the system and are metabolized quickly and must be replenished often. The good news is that an excess of water-soluble vitamins is released through urination, making overdosing on these vitamins difficult. Here’s a list of some common ones:
Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
Vitamin B1, better known as thiamine, is used by the body to metabolize carbohydrates. Dogs with low levels of thiamine will first develop an upset stomach, lack of appetite, and weight loss, followed by neuromuscular weakness and decreased light response from the pupils.
Too much B1 can cause muscle relaxation and drowsiness, but is very quickly removed from the system via urination.
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
Vitamin B2, or riboflavin, is essential for the body, and forms the mucous membranes that line your dog’s digestive tract. Canines deficient in riboflavin are likely to experience hair loss, dermatitis, anorexia, and general weakness.
Vitamin B3 (niacin)
Niacin, or Vitamin B3, is used in the creation of important chemical signal molecules. It helps with the synthesis of hormones, lowers cholesterol, and enhances memory. Chronic deficiencies can lead to a condition known as black-tongue, which can result in anorexia, inflammation of the oral mucosa, and weight loss. High doses of niacin are also sometimes used to lower dangerously high cholesterol levels.
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)
Vitamin B5, pantothenic acid, is involved with the creation of neurotransmitters. It’s often referred to as the anti-stress vitamin due to its connection to adrenal hormones and antibodies. A deficiency in B5 can lead your dog to be anxious, nauseous, and fatigued.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
Vitamin B6 sometimes referred to as pyridoxine, is essential for the metabolism of amino acids. While this vitamin is found in a variety of food sources, it’s easily destroyed by the manufacturing process.
Although B6 is removed quickly through urination, excessive amounts may lead to muscle weakness and ataxia, a condition characterized by a lack of bodily control.
Vitamin B7 (biotin)
Biotin is another name for Vitamin B7. This vitamin contributes to the production of collagen and elastin, the components responsible for the elasticity of skin and the formation of hair and nails. Biotin deficiency in dogs can lead to anemia, cracked or dry skin, lesions, and lethargy.
Dogs who eat raw egg whites on a regular basis may be at a higher risk for biotin deficiencies. Raw egg whites contain a protein called avidin, which prevents it from being absorbed. Occasional raw eggs will not cause a biotin deficiency, but may come with other risks like Salmonella poisoning. Cooking egg whites changes the structure of the avidin and prevents it from binding with biotin.
Vitamin B9 (folic acid)
Vitamin B9 is usually referred to as folic acid, and is needed for the production of red blood cells. Ensuring your dog has enough folic acid will help strengthen your pet’s cell membranes and prevent depression. This vitamin is especially important during pregnancy, given its role in the formation of newborn puppies.
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is important for your dog’s nervous system and digestive health. Reduced cobalamin levels in your dog’s blood can lead to anemia, resulting in lethargy, weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, confusion, and seizures.
Deficiencies in vitamin B12 are usually due to malabsorption rather than a lack of the vitamin in the diet. Certain breeds, including Australian Shepherds, Border Collies, Beagles, Giant Schnauzers, and Chinese Shar-Peis, are more prone to developing malabsorption problems.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a valuable element that keeps humans and dogs healthy. While our cells aren’t able to create this vitamin in our bodies, dogs can actually synthesize vitamin C in their livers, and rarely need supplementation.
Fat-Soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins dissolve in fat rather than in water, so they must be absorbed by fat before they can move into the bloodstream. They are more difficult to absorb than water-soluble vitamins, but are also stored longer, usually in the liver and other fatty tissues. This also gives them a higher chance to build up, making overdoses more likely.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A boosts the immune system and helps with the proper functioning of organs including the heart, lungs, and kidneys. It’s also critical for reproduction and vision, especially night vision. Dogs who are deficient in Vitamin A may develop vision problems as well as skin and coat problems.
This vitamin is especially important for anyone who breeds dogs. Female dogs deficient in Vitamin A won’t ovulate properly and males may become sterile. Pups who don’t get enough Vitamin A may also see low growth rates and can develop muscle weakness and skeletal disorders.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D, often referred to as the sunshine vitamin, is important for regulating calcium and phosphorus. For humans, it’s produced by the skin as a response to sunlight, but dogs must get all of their Vitamin D from food.
This vitamin helps our dogs maintain strong bones, and is partially responsible for controlling inflammation. Deficiency can lead to weak or soft bones, kidney disease, or hyperparathyroidism.
Unfortunately, excess levels of Vitamin D can be dangerous too. Dogs who have overdosed on vitamin D can show little appetite. Early signs of toxicity include vomiting, drinking and urinating more, and drooling excessively.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a vital component of your dog’s health and well-being. It not only helps develop a healthy circulatory and immune system, but also protects the body against free radicals. Deficiency can lead to poor vision, dry and cracked skin, reproductive dysfunction, or neurologic abnormalities.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is a multifaceted vitamin that doesn’t get enough attention. There are two natural forms of vitamin K: K1 (phylloquinone) and K2 (menaquinone). K1 helps with blood clotting by activating the calcium-binding properties of proteins, while K2 regulates that calcium. While your dog needs vitamin K1 added to their diet, K2 is created by the bacteria already in their gut.
Human Multivitamins vs. Dog Multivitamins
Humans and dogs don’t have the same needs when it comes to vitamins and minerals. Our systems handle vitamins differently and require varying amounts of supplementation. Multivitamins for humans are developed for humans, not for dogs, and can be dangerous to our canine companions. Only feed your dog a vitamin made specifically for dogs.
Most multivitamins developed for humans tend to include 100% of the dietary needs in each vitamin. Canine multivitamins, however, were developed with only about 20% of their dietary needs, because they should already be getting most of the vitamins through their food. Giving a human multivitamin to a dog will likely to lead to an overdose, most commonly of vitamin D or Iron.
Human multivitamins may also include supplements that are fine for people but are toxic to dogs. These include caffeine, ephedra, fluoride, and xylitol — all of which should never be given to dogs.
Additional Supplements in Dog Multivitamins
Most multivitamins will include a combination of the vitamins listed above, but can include others as well. Some common additional supplements include choline, MSM, glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids.
Choline
Choline is needed to properly transmit nerve impulses, and ensure that the liver and gallbladder are functioning properly. It’s also been linked to successfully reduce seizure activity in canines.
This nutrient has also been used as a treatment for certain neurological disorders in humans, such as Alzheimer’s or Tourette’s Syndrome, and for the dog equivalent, Canine Cognitive Dysfunction.
MSM and Chondroitin
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a form of sulfur that’s sometimes used to treat arthritis and other inflammation issues. It exists in most plants and animals, but is easily destroyed by the heat used to form dog kibble.
Chondroitin is considered a building block of cartilage and is often recommended for dogs with damaged joints. This element is useful for animals with chronic conditions, such as arthritis and hip dysplasia, and for repairing damaged joints after an injury.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is one of the most commonly used supplements for arthritis and joint pain. It’s a component of both the cartilage in joints and the fluid that surrounds them. Studies of glucosamine have revealed generally no adverse effects at high doses, although it is possible.
If you’re looking to treat joint issues, specifically formulated dog joint supplements can help.
Omega Fatty Acids
Omega fatty acids, made up of Omega-3s and Omega-6s extracted from fish oil and flaxseed oil, are beneficial for dogs. They’ve been proven to be an anti-inflammatory, making them useful for disorders from skin allergies to heart conditions. While more study is needed, these fatty acids can likely also help with other disorders as such as diabetic neuropathy, and autoimmune issues.
Minerals
Multivitamins can also have minerals included in their recipes. Ensuring our pets have the right amount in their diets can both extend and improve their lives.
Calcium
Calcium is essential to the canine diet. While calcium is best known for its bone-building capabilities, it’s also crucial to the functioning of other systems. Calcium is used by cells as a messenger, in the contraction of muscles, and for the functioning of the heart.
Pregnant or nursing dogs need more calcium in their diets, as well as dogs with damaged parathyroid glands or kidney disorders. Deficiencies in calcium can lead to a softening of the bones (known as rickets when occurring in young dogs) and osteomalacia in adult dogs.
Phosphorus
This mineral works hand-in-hand with calcium—improving the bone structure and increasing cell energy. Imbalances in phosphorus and calcium can lead to either hyperparathyroidism or hypoparathyroidism, both of which can cause permanent skeletal damage.
Senior dogs require less phosphorus in their diet.
Magnesium
Magnesium is essential for the proper functioning of the heart. Deficiencies can lead to symptoms ranging from fatigue and anxiety to heart arrhythmias. Magnesium supplements are also sometimes recommended as a way to manage constipation and certain urinary issues.
Types of Multivitamins
The majority of dog multivitamins come in a chewable tablet form. While easier to feed, chewables also give vitamins a better chance of being absorbed as they pass through the shorter canine intestine.
Soft multivitamins that come in a variety of flavors are great for tempting that picky eater, although they still have to be digested before they are effective.
There are many factors to consider when buying multivitamin for your dog. The first is simple: do they need a multivitamin? If yes, make sure you consult your veterinarian before making a final choice. Find out which vitamins your particular dog needs, and which ones they should avoid.
Sources
ASPCA: https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/common-vitamins-and-pet-toxicities
Augusta Free Press: https://augustafreepress.com/pet-care-101-are-supplements-safe-for-your-dogs/
Medline Plus: https://medlineplus.gov/bvitamins.html
US National Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2705925/
AKC: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/vitamins-dogs-need-healthy-lifestyle/
VCA Hospitals: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/fatty-acid-supplements
NextGen Dog: https://nextgendog.com/vitamins-dogs-benefits-side-effects/
Merck Veterinary Manual: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/bone,-joint,-and-muscle-disorders-of-dogs/disorders-associated-with-calcium,-phosphorus,-and-vitamin-d-in-dogs
MSD Veterinary Manual: https://www.msdvetmanual.com/toxicology/toxicities-from-human-drugs/multivitamins-and-iron-toxicity
National Animal Supplement Counsel: https://nasc.cc/pet-university/calcium-deficiency-dogs/, https://nasc.cc/pet-university/thiamine-deficiency-dogs/
US Food and Drug Administration: https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/complete-and-balanced-pet-food
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