Top 20 best vitamins for dogs for 2022 (drug rating)

Expert: Rudenko Irina Sergeevna

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Pets need care and attention. In addition to walking, feeding and training, dog owners must monitor the health of their animals. From time to time you need to contact veterinarians to check the well-being of your four-legged friend and carry out mandatory and preventive measures. The dog's body, like the human body, must receive certain micro- and macroelements, which are not contained in sufficient quantities in food products. In this case, vitamins and vitamin complexes in the form of food supplements come to the rescue. All you have to do is choose the ones that are right for your pet.

Expertology experts took into account the recommendations of experienced veterinarians, ranking the 18 best vitamins for dogs.

What to look for when choosing vitamins for dogs

1. Nutrition
   . If the animal eats dry food, then when choosing vitamins, take into account its composition, since most feeds already contain added microelements.
2. Age
   . Pay attention to the age labeling of vitamin complexes. Usually you can find three lines: for puppies, adults and older animals. Each life stage of a dog requires its own amount of minerals and trace elements.
3. Features of the condition
   . For pregnant and lactating bitches, castrated and sterilized, as well as pets with certain problems (poor heart function, sore joints and ligaments, dull hair, etc.), special vitamins should be selected, the action of which will be aimed exclusively at solving these specific problems.
4. Compound
   . Avoid containing dyes, preservatives and any chemicals, as these components can cause an allergic reaction.
5. Taste preferences
   . Choose what your pet loves. There are vitamins that taste like meat, chicken, etc. Vitamin complexes without a distinct smell or taste are suitable for most dogs. It will be easier to mix them into food without interrupting your pet’s appetite.
6. Release form
   . There are vitamins in tablets and capsules with a soluble shell, in the form of powder, granules, crackers, as well as suspensions and injections. The latter are only suitable if the owner knows how to give injections on his own, or will seek help from a veterinary clinic.

How many courses to conduct

Depending on what food the dog eats, the number and duration of fortified courses depends.

Animals that constantly eat dry food need a vitamin course twice a year.

• Those dogs that consume economy class food need more frequent intake of vitamins.
• What kind of medications, in what quantity, and how long the course should last should be found out from your veterinarian.

Rating of the best vitamins for dogs

Universal multivitamins

Excel Multi Vitamin Adult 8 in 1

The line of vitamin complexes from the German company Excel is considered one of the best for maintaining the health of dogs of different breeds. The most popular complex is Multi Vitamin Adult. It is suitable for adult dogs of all breeds. The dosage is calculated based on the weight of the animal.

The composition, in addition to vitamins A, D, C, E, group B, contains such essential elements as iron, copper, manganese, zinc and others. As a dietary supplement, it contains crude protein, fat, fiber, and ash. Thanks to the correct balance of vitamins and minerals, the complex guarantees the normalization and maintenance of the necessary elements in the dog’s body.

The tablets have a scent that is attractive to dogs and are easy to break and crumble if for some reason the pet does not want to eat them whole. There are 70 pieces in a package.

The price of this complex is 450₽.

The Excel line of vitamins includes the following types: multivitamins for coat and skin, for joints, for bones, for small breeds, for puppies, and not only for dogs, but also for cats.

Excel Multi Vitamin Adult 8 in 1

Advantages:

• have a balanced rich composition;
• do not contain artificial flavors and dyes;
• do not cause allergies;
• crumble easily;
• suitable for all types of dogs;
• animals like it.

Flaws:

• not found.

Anivital Cani Agil

This biologically active food supplement is suitable for all ages of animals - dogs and cats. The complex has a very rich composition, which can also be used as a food additive, since it contains: dry poultry meat, egg white, whey, dry fish, fish oil concentrate, egg powder.

The New Zealand green sponge mollusk in the composition has a beneficial effect on joints, teeth and bones, as it contains natural glucosamine - a substance easily absorbed by the body to strengthen joints and tendons.

Excellent for supporting the growth and development of puppies and kittens, for dogs with high physical activity, for very large breeds, for animals with increased body weight.

The average price for 60 tablets is 1700₽.

Anivital Cani Agil

Advantages:

• absolutely natural composition;
• contains natural glucosamine;
• strengthens ligaments and joints well;
• reduces lameness in animals;
• suitable for dogs and cats;
• for animals of any breed and age;
• does not cause allergic reactions;
• animals like it.

Flaws:

• very high price.

The best vitamins for large breed dogs

VITA-BON Large Dog

Rating: 4.9

The first in the rating category is a vitamin complex, divided into two types: Conditions and fitness tablets. The pills contain all the micro- and macroelements necessary for young dogs. Conditions are designed to generally strengthen the immune system, activate metabolic processes and improve the condition of joints, ligaments and coat. And fitness tablets help the growing body of large breed dogs accumulate the energy necessary for life and active activity.

Advantages

• normalizes cardiac function;
• reasonable cost;
• leads to normal general health;

Flaws

• not suitable for older animals.

When drugs are needed

Giving additional food to dogs for preventive purposes is strictly prohibited.

Vitamins are necessary for our four-legged friends in the following cases:

• Folic acid is given to pregnant or lactating dogs, as well as shortly before mating;
• Puppies, during the formation of bones, teeth and joints;
• During the dog’s recovery from illness, surgery, or injury;
• In case of switching to a different diet;
• To maintain a healthy lifestyle for older adults.

Important! Small breeds of pets need vitamin supplements more often, because... they are more mobile and expend more energy.

The Best Vitamins for Dogs' Heart

Canina Herz-Vital

Rating: 4.9

The category is headed by a complex of vitamins that stabilizes and supports cardiac function. The drug has an effective preventive effect, helping to reduce the risk of heart disease. Dogs that already have problems experience significant improvement in their well-being. The unique combination of L-carnitine and hawthorn extract is responsible for this. The composition also contains dextrose, plant extracts and brewer's yeast.

Advantages

• harmonizes heart rhythm;
• improves blood circulation of the heart muscle;
• increases the efficiency of the heart in conditions of chronic weakness;

Flaws

• relatively expensive - 1350 rub.

When there is no need

If the owner has the opportunity to feed the dog expensive and balanced food, additional feeding with vitamins can only do harm. High-quality feed already contains all the necessary microelements.

Vitamins should not be given to your pet if:

• The dog is active and regularly spends time in the fresh air;
• Eats well;
• Not sick;
• Has sufficient physical activity.

What supplements should you not buy?

It is impossible to definitely name the manufacturers of bad drugs, and it is impossible to answer the question of which company is better, since the selection process is purely individual and is based on the needs and characteristics of a particular pet. However, many owners and experts say that foreign brands still outperform domestic ones both in quality and in the variety of products offered, even though they are in the same price category.

Taking vitamins will definitely benefit any pet, the main thing is to choose the right drug and dosage, and only a specialist can help with this, so every caring owner must visit a veterinary clinic before purchasing vitamins for their beloved four-legged friend.

Puppy joy

A growing body requires an enhanced vitamin and mineral complex.

The following vitamins are recommended for babies:

• "Beafar Junior";
• "Biorhythm Veda";
• V25 Kanin;
• "Nutri Vet";
• "Omega Neo Agrovetzaschita."

Reviews of vitamins from amateur dog breeders and breeders

Natalya: My Maltese has soft and long hair. Previously, in spring and autumn, the dog lost its appearance, hair fell out, and flaky spots appeared on the skin. The vet recommended vitamins for furry animals. The choice fell on Biotin forte from Kanin. We felt the difference immediately. The shedding stopped, the fur became shiny and stopped tangling. My Malti looks just like the picture.

Olga: I am pleased with the domestic manufacturer Agrovetzaschita. This is the second year I have been giving my collie Vittri liquid complex. The drug consists of three main vitamins: B, D and E. I mix the drops with any food, the animal eats it with pleasure. For weakened animals, the manufacturer offers fortified injection solutions.

Sergey: My Rottweiler Jack is a very fastidious animal. As the dog grew older, he developed problems with his joints. My paws hurt, especially after lying in one place for a long time. Doctors insisted on taking any vitamins for aging dogs. I chose Doggy's Senior from Beaphar. The dog became more active, and his mood clearly improved and his appetite appeared. We again take long walks outside and make long treks through the forest.

Elena: As a pug breeder, I recommend vitamins from Kanin to everyone. High quality, natural composition and convenient tablet form. I prefer the Dog Immun Protec complex to support immunity. Dogs are less susceptible to viral and bacterial diseases, feel good, and their coat and teeth are in normal condition.

Reviews from experts: veterinarians and dog handlers

Anatoly: You should not give vitamins to animals without a preliminary examination. Excess of nutrients will only harm the dog’s body and lead to hypervitaminosis. Most often, an acute disorder is caused by an excess of groups D and A, and they are contained in almost all complexes. For a healthy animal, I recommend gentle fortified pads from Trixie or Minis 8 in 1. But give strictly according to the instructions, several pieces per day.

Alexandra: I recommend giving vitamin complexes to the animal no more than twice a year. I like the natural composition of vitamins Nutri Vet from the American manufacturer and Canina from Germany. High quality and balanced composition are suitable for dogs of any age. When choosing, you should take into account the narrow profile of the complex and select supplements individually for your pet.