How and what to feed a sterilized dog: feeding features and analysis of brand compositions

Owners often spay their animals to avoid hormonal surges that change their pet's behavior and personality. If the dog is not intended for breeding and will simply be a favorite in the family, then castration is the best way to preserve the health of the pet and the breeder’s nervous system. The operation does not affect the condition of the body in any way, the dog becomes more obedient, balanced and better in contact with the owner. In this article we will look at how to choose food for sterilized dogs, how they differ, composition and rating of the best manufacturers.

What is sterilization

Sterilization or castration is an operation to disrupt the functioning of the reproductive organs. The procedure is common both among mongrel dogs and among dogs of noble breeds in order to avoid unwanted pregnancy in females and procreation in males.

Natural instincts to find a partner are reduced to nothing, which allows you to calmly walk with your pet on walks and play with other dogs without consequences.

Veterinarians recommend sterilization for puppies at 6-8 months. Puppies recover faster, tolerate the postoperative period easier, and have fewer complications.

After the operation, the dog cannot be fed for the first 24 hours; only water is needed in small quantities. On the second day, start giving dry food, dividing the usual daily portion into 3-4 parts. In 5-7 days the pet will fully recover.

What other changes may occur after surgery?

• For some time after the operation, the pet will recover from anesthesia - within about a day. During the recovery period, it is better not to feed the animal at all. Over the next week, you need to give your pet soft food: canned food or dry food soaked in water.
• Low activity and weight gain come with other risks. Large breeds (Labradors, Huskies, etc.) are prone to diabetes, arthritis and hypertension. Medium and small dogs (dachshunds, Yorkshire terriers) may suffer from inflammation of the pancreas or suffer from joint dysplasia.

Why do dogs need to be given special food after sterilization?

The procedure of sterilization or castration changes the functioning mechanisms of the body. After surgery, the animal’s needs change, and accordingly, the diet needs to be adjusted to suit these needs.

Veterinarians are divided into two categories - some argue that castrated pets should be fed natural food, others - that special food with a balanced composition should be given. There are more second specialists. You need to choose a product carefully, in consultation with your doctor and focusing on the individual characteristics of the dog.

What is the difference between food for sterilized dogs and regular dog food?

During surgery, the dog's hormonal levels decrease, the pet becomes less active and lazy, which can affect its health. Males are more sensitive to sterilization. In castrated animals, appetite increases and natural activity decreases. Bitches tolerate surgery more easily, and their eating behavior remains virtually unchanged.

The owner’s main task after surgery is to help the dog recover. You need a calm environment in the home and proper nutrition, which includes vitamins, minerals and a minimum amount of fatty components in the diet. If your dog's diet consists of home-cooked food, it will be difficult to achieve the necessary balance of components.

After surgery, veterinarians recommend changing the diet and switching the pet to commercially balanced food to avoid obesity and related diseases.

Food for dogs that have undergone sterilization or castration is characterized by a decrease in protein in the food. The basis is lean meat, chicken and sea fish.

The composition contains more vegetables, cereals and a special additive L-Carnitine, which increases metabolism and burns excess fat in the body. The lipid content decreases by 12-14% and the protein volume increases by 10-12% - this gives quick saturation.

Changes in a dog's body after castration

It is better to castrate a dog at the age of 8–9 months so that it can recover faster after surgery and return to a normal lifestyle. Surgical intervention is necessary if you do not plan to reproduce your pet and want to correct its behavior.

The main change that occurs after sterilization is the stopping of the production of testosterone or estrogen in the dog's body. The animal becomes calmer, more sociable, begins to trust people and show friendliness towards them.

Another change is an increase in appetite, which causes many four-legged animals to gain weight. Dogs of both sexes reduce their physical activity and especially enjoy food and treats. Due to the rapid accumulation of calories and low energy expenditure, there is a risk of obesity, urolithiasis and other diseases. In this regard, after sterilization or castration, it is necessary to select a special diet in accordance with the individual needs of the dog.

Features of nutrition of sterilized dogs

The quality of food given to a neutered dog must be approached responsibly. The amount should correspond to the energy expended per day. If your pet does not eat the food, you need to reduce the dosage.

Don’t forget about the dog’s age, weight, breed characteristics and living conditions.

The average daily food requirement of a dog based on weight:

If your pet walks for less than one hour a day and likes to lie on the couch, this is considered reduced activity, and the amount of food given should be reduced by 30%.

High activity means walking with long walks and training, this implies an increase in calorie intake.

The daily amount of food for adults is divided into 2 meals, and puppies need to be fed 3-4 times a day.

For castrated or sterilized dogs, it is better to choose special food marked premium or super class on the packaging. Suitable dietary dry food for dogs prone to obesity, the composition is almost identical.

Series of products from Pro Plan

This company has developed its own complex to protect the digestive tract of sterilized dogs. The composition of dry food for sterilized dogs provides a balanced ratio of proteins, fats, carbohydrates to simultaneously maintain the required calorie content and prevent obesity.

When choosing this product, you should remember that it contains chicken meat (not suitable for dogs with high allergies).

Manufacturers also took care of protecting the musculoskeletal system of pets, for which they included cartilage and meat tripe in the food products. Unlike previous companies, food for sterilized small breed dogs is being launched on the market.

Composition of food for spayed/neutered dogs

All manufacturers produce specialized feed, knowing how important it is to feed animals the right food.

The main composition of the feed includes: proteins 27-30 g, fats 8-10 g and fiber 8 g per 100 grams of product. The rest is easily digestible vitamins, macro-microelements and additional ingredients: cereals, legumes, peas and alfalfa.

Squirrels

The basis of dog nutrition: they give strength to the pet and keep the body in balance. Protein sources can be different: animal and plant. Animal protein is added to the feed in the form of chicken, turkey, lean beef and eggs. It provides the necessary amino acids, without which the development of puppies and the activity of adults is impossible. Vegetable protein is made from cereals and legumes.

Lipids

Provides the dog with Omega fatty acids. Sea fish is rich in lipids, which is often added to animal feed and vegetable oils obtained from sunflowers and cereals. The lipid component in food is very important for sterilized animals and should be indicated on the food packaging. Omega improves the dog's coat, plays a major role in the formation of the nervous system and is indispensable for the proper development of the puppy. It accumulates energy in the body obtained from food and allows the pet to become full faster while consuming less food.

Carbohydrates

Fiber is rich in carbohydrates and is necessary for the normal functioning of the intestines. Carbohydrates that are easily digestible by dogs are obtained from cereal crops: rice, wheat and corn. If your pet doesn't move much and is prone to a lazy lifestyle, carbohydrates will give you a feeling of fullness between feedings with a minimum amount of calories. The presence of fiber in food for adult dogs that are susceptible to stomach and intestinal disorders is important.

Additional components

Adding alfalfa from healthy herbs, burdock and chicory root to the food will have a good effect on your dog’s health. Many manufacturers add vegetables, fruits and berries to the composition. Green peas and legumes are useful, but in small quantities.

Be sure to have vitamin supplements and minerals in an easily digestible form.

Which is better: industrial rations or “natural”

Many new breeders will not hesitate to answer this question: almost everyone will say that natural nutrition is better. And, oddly enough, they will be wrong. Industrial feeds are much preferable during the postoperative period. And the reasons for this are simple. Industrially produced food (from normal manufacturers, of course) fully meets all of the above requirements:

• They are completely balanced (and creating a diet from “natural” foods is quite a task).
• They have the necessary nutritional value.
• They are easily digestible and support the intestinal motility of the operated pet.
• They contain exactly as many nutrients as the body of a sterilized dog needs. In operated animals, the energy requirement is reduced, and therefore feeding with regular food almost always leads to the development of obesity.

Types of food for sterilized dogs

The digestive system of dogs absorbs ingredients from food in the quantities needed by the body. Manufacturers offer highly specialized food for dogs susceptible to diseases of the endocrine and genitourinary systems. For overweight pets who are prone to diabetes, you can buy low-calorie food.

Feed mixtures are also produced for dogs with heart and joint problems, which contain taurine, kaolin and brewer's yeast.

If an animal is diagnosed with a certain group of diseases before purchasing, you need to consult a veterinarian - he will tell you which food is best and which can be harmful.

Premium

It is made from chicken meat powder with a minimum amount of by-products, the share of which does not exceed 5%, and meat should be 30% of the total feed volume. The cereals included in the composition undergo additional purification. Sea salt, rich in microelements, is added as a preservative. The manufacturer does not use flavor enhancers, and the food is prepared using natural broths.

Super premium

Designed for elite dog breeds participating in exhibitions. The balance of components, including minerals and vitamins, provides the dog with everything necessary for a full life. When using this food there is no need for additional vitamins. There are no by-products, only natural meat of lean beef, sea fish and boneless chicken with the addition of cereals, vegetables and fruits.

Holistic

It has a high energy value, which will satiate your pet for a long time, which allows you to reduce daily food consumption. The composition is universal and suitable for dogs of any breed and weight. When purchasing, you only need to consider age. Made from chicken, beef, fish, vegetables and fruits with a small addition of cereals. There are no GMOs, dyes or flavor enhancers.

Dry

Can be a dog's main source of nutrition. Dry food can be used as a reward during training and activities with your pet. It makes it easier to regulate the amount you eat per day.

Wet

Consists of 60-70% meat ingredients. When feeding sterilized and neutered individuals, it is used in combination with dry specialized food.

The food differs not only in quality classes, but also takes into account the breed and age of the dog.

Different composition and fraction of the granule, what breed the food is intended for:

Puppies under one year of age require increased levels of all ingredients, including vitamins and minerals. The food is enriched with these components in full for the growing organism.

Small breeds are prone to allergies and stomach upsets. The food should have a balanced composition of fat and protein and exclude beets, legumes and fruits, which often cause allergic reactions.

Medium breeds need carbohydrates and lipids, which improve the functioning of the digestive system and give strength for long walks.

Large dogs need a higher calcium content, which is added to the food with vitamins that improve its absorption in the body.

Older animals over 12 years of age need fiber and a special composition of vitamins to maintain health and prevent disease.

Food mixtures for spayed and neutered dogs are balanced. When feeding your pet homemade food, it is impossible to achieve a complete diet. And the lack of necessary vitamins and elements affects health, so veterinarians recommend switching to higher quality food from an early age.

Food "from the table" pros and cons

Often the owner believes that the dog, as a member of the family, should eat together with the owner and human food. What to feed a sterilized dog using human food, what are the pros and cons of such a diet?

There is only one plus in feeding food “from the table” - satisfaction for the dog that it eats the same thing as the owner.

There are many disadvantages to this type of feeding:

• Human food contains salt, spices and seasonings that are harmful to dogs.
• It is impossible to control the amount of food that your pet eats daily.
• Lack of essential vitamins, enzymes, fats and protein.
• The food is thermally processed and has no nutritional value for the predator.
• Harmful additives affect the condition of the coat, lead to weight gain, cause apathy, decreased energy, and allergic reactions.

“You are what you eat.”
This expression is also relevant with dogs. Not only health and immunity, but also the pet’s appearance, its mood and happy facial expression depend on nutrition. Share with friends:

Rating of food for sterilized dogs

Manufacturers offer the entire age line of food for castrated animals, dividing them into small, medium and large breeds, which differ in the granule fraction.

Food for castrated animals

Akana

Belongs to the premium class. The main composition is 40% chicken and beef and 4% chicken eggs. Carbohydrates in the form of legumes, vegetables and fruits. Additionally, it contains minerals: magnesium and phosphorus, which prevents the occurrence of diseases of the genitourinary system.

Royal Canin

Dietary food that does not contain animal protein. The source of protein and carbohydrates in the feed is chicken eggs, soy meat, legumes and corn, which is not advisable to include in the diet of castrated animals. When feeding Royal Canin, it is necessary to add vitamin and mineral complexes to the diet. Suitable for dogs with gastrointestinal diseases and allergies to animal protein.

Farmina

The composition is optimally balanced, no additional fertilizing is required. Farmina contains 30% chicken and egg, minerals and additional components for burning fat, which prevents obesity.

Summit

Belongs to the holistic class. Contains beef and chicken meat, without added by-products. Source of carbohydrates: brown rice and oatmeal in easily digestible form. Chicken fat is used as a preservative, which gives the pet quick satiety. A full complex of vitamins and minerals is added to the composition.

Hills

It is characterized by a high content of protein and carbohydrates, which can lead to obesity in a sterilized animal. The composition contains few vegetables and a large amount of corn, but contains minerals and vitamins in full. The high price of feed is not justified.

Kanide

The most expensive food on the market, designed for dogs with allergies. Made from high quality turkey, chicken and lamb meat. This is the main ingredient. Enriched with a complex of vitamins and minerals. The main source of carbohydrates is peas, white and brown rice, and oatmeal. The packaging notes that it contains potatoes in small quantities; they will not benefit the dog. Additionally, the composition contains a small amount of vegetables.

Brit

It belongs to the premium super class and is sold at a relatively low price. Perfect for dogs after sterilization and with obesity. The optimized composition of chicken meat and brown rice is supplemented with useful components that prevent concomitant diseases during castration.

Grandorf

Premium food, intended for purebred animals and dogs engaged in increased physical activity. Includes a complete diet for your pet. Burns fats in the dog’s body and improves the function of the genitourinary system.

Bosch

Premium line. The food is developed for animals with increased weight, allergies and digestive disorders. Made from chicken, fish and beef with the addition of vegetables, fruits and cereals.

Monge

Belongs to the middle price segment. Thanks to the 30% protein content in the composition, it quickly saturates and maintains a feeling of fullness between feedings. Ideal as a complete diet for dogs of medium breeds with high activity.

Purina

It satisfies hunger well and keeps you full for a long time with a minimum amount of fat, which contains 8%. Contains fibers that are good for stimulating intestinal function. Increased Omega-6 content, which supports the body of older animals in a healthy state.

Eunukaba

The granules contain lamb, turkey, salmon and chicken combined with rice and a full range of essential vitamins. It is produced for dogs of all breeds and has a separate line of specialized food for animals after castration and those prone to obesity.

Go

Belongs to the holistic class. It has a unique formula that provides a complete diet for the animal. Made without grain and using only meat ingredients. It has a rich composition of essential vitamins for a full life. Produced for all breeds of animals.

Abba

Belongs to the premium class. It consists of 40% lamb and turkey meat with the addition of a small amount of peas, rice and corn. Additionally enriched with iron, iodine, copper and zinc, which will have a great effect on the health of a dog of any breed and age. The composition contains natural fiber, salmon oil and fish meal.

Happy dog

Made with reduced protein and fat content from veal, turkey, liver and chicken eggs. Beets and apples will provide the necessary fiber, and flaxseed will improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and saturate the body with Omega 3 and Omega 6. The food contains brewer's yeast and seaweed, so you need to transfer your pet to the Happy Dog with caution and gradually.

Now

Made from turkey and salmon meat, without adding any by-products or bones. Contains a rich assortment of vegetables, fruits, cereals and peas. The potatoes stated on the package will not benefit the dog, and different combinations of ingredients can be dangerous for allergy sufferers.

Chappie

The food belongs to the economy class. Contains chicken and beef meat and a large number of herbs that are good for health. The carrots and potatoes contained in the product are not recommended for overweight dogs. A variety of herbs can cause allergies. There are no small granules suitable for puppies and small breeds.

A wide range of food for sterilized and neutered animals will allow you to choose the best option with a complete composition.

General recommendations

After the operation, the animal must be guaranteed a normal, healthy diet, tailored to the dog’s changing needs. In addition to high-quality food, your pet needs to be given vitamins every day and walked more often, since physical activity accelerates metabolism and prevents obesity.

Currently reading:

1. We understand the main issues of dog castration
2. Recovery and nutrition of a dog after sterilization
3. What do people think about the composition of the food Meal for dogs?
4. What is the composition and review of Farmina dog food?

How to choose the right food

If the dog has no health problems and is active, you can switch it to premium food, which is produced in a wide range of flavors and for different breeds. Dry or wet is up to the owner, but if the pet has intestinal problems, it is better to alternate food from the line of one manufacturer.

If you have weight problems or illnesses, you should consult a veterinarian before purchasing; he will tell you what composition is needed to normalize the condition.

When choosing, it is necessary to exclude from the food composition: starch, soy protein and palm oil. For sterilized dogs, it is better to have a minimum amount of by-products, and the main component should be meat. High-quality food contains preservatives and dyes only from natural raw materials.

How to avoid weight gain after sterilization

In order for your pet to maintain the slimness and vigor that it had before the operation, you need to carefully select products or ready-made food for the dog’s nutrition. It is very important not to overfeed the dog, monitor changes in weight and appearance, and, if necessary, adjust the portion size or composition of products.

With a properly selected balanced diet, the dog will need additional supplements and vitamins only as directed by a veterinarian - during periods of illness or weakened immunity.

Basic principles of feeding

The pet needs to be fed to its fullest, but not overfed. It is worth adhering to the main rule - this is 30 calories per kilogram of animal weight per day.

In foods for spayed and neutered dogs, the protein content is reduced and is often replaced with a plant-based ingredient, which allows for weight control.

Puppies up to one year old need a large amount of animal protein, so when purchasing in a store, you need to pay attention to what age the diet is intended for. It is better to buy food specifically for puppies, which contains everything necessary for a growing organism.

It is necessary to transfer the animal to a special diet gradually, replacing one type of food with another, daily and in small portions. Dry food will provide the dog with the necessary nutrients in full, and it will be easier for the owner to control the amount of calories to avoid obesity.

Prohibited Products

If you decide to castrate your dog, you need to make sure that the animal’s diet does not contain the following products:

• fat meat;
• potato;
• sweet products;
• pastries and bread;
• legumes;
• smoked products;
• fried foods;
• canned food intended for people.

Owner reviews

Tatiana S.

My bull terrier is allergic. It took me a long time to find out what foods caused the rash on my stomach. The veterinarian advised me to switch to premium food. I bought different ones, he didn’t eat some foods, and his allergies intensified to others. I stopped holistically and have not had any skin problems for more than a year.

Vitaly. U

At the family council they decided to sterilize our Jessica. The operation was almost painless. She lay down for a day, and the next she ate and went for a walk. The dog is one year old and we fed her regular food from the table, but the doctor advised us to change her diet. We chose premium food and did not regret it, Jessica is healthy.

General requirements for the diet of an operated animal

Before considering the approximate diets of an operated dog, you need to tell us what general requirements are placed on the pet’s food during this period:

• Food should be easy to digest. After abdominal surgery, the animal will in any case have problems with peristalsis and digestion, and therefore you should not once again overload the pet’s gastrointestinal tract.

• Food must be extremely balanced in micro- and macroelements, nutrients and vitamins. During the postoperative period, the animal’s body needs to quickly regenerate, and without all of the above, healing will take a long time.

• Since the dog will not be very willing to eat in the first couple of days (most likely), the food should be quite nutritious. Even if your pet eats a few small pieces, they should satisfy her and give her body everything it needs.

Briefly about the main thing

1. Sterilization and castration of a dog should be carried out by veterinarians in a clinic where emergency assistance can be provided in case of complications.
2. If your veterinarian advises you to change food to something more expensive and of higher quality, you should listen. It will be cheaper than treating your pet for concomitant diseases.
3. Buy food from trusted stores; there are a lot of fakes on the market, in the premium and holistic segments.
4. When choosing what to feed your dog, study information about the full composition on the Internet, read reviews on food forums. You can identify shortcomings from different manufacturers that will not be written about on official websites.
5. Before purchasing a large volume, take a sample and give it to your pet to try. If you like it, you can safely go to the store or order food delivered to your home.

The article is based on the expert opinion of the author; consult a specialist before use.

FAQ

When switching to holistic nutrition, owners have many questions and anxiety about how much the costs are really justified. We do not take into account economy class.

The difference between super premium and holistic food for dogs

Among high-quality diets there are: premium, super-premium, holistic. The table clearly shows the main characteristics.

Holistic nutrition excludes artificial additives. It can be called "organic", natural, akin to how a person would prepare high-quality food for himself.

Features of the transition to holistic

Having decided to use holistic food to feed your dog, you should not make sudden transitions. This is especially true if the diet included premium mixtures. The body will begin to experience stress, and eating disorders are possible. Veterinarians recommend gradually adding some holistic food to your usual food, first once a week, then every day. This lasts from a week to 10 days.

Attention! If you experience loose stools or constipation after changing your diet, administering probiotics can help. They help normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

When and what vitamins and minerals does a dog need?

Vitamin supplements are necessary for animals at all life stages. For example, they help puppies grow healthy and strong, support immunity and promote the proper formation of the bone skeleton.

Vitamins for pregnant and recently given birth dogs are prescribed by a veterinarian. But traditionally they are necessary for the rapid recovery of the body.

During the course of its life, an animal may become ill or injured. In such cases, your own complex is prescribed. For example, vitamins to boost a dog’s immunity or to quickly heal wounds during the postoperative period.

In old age, the animal rapidly loses calcium, becomes less active and eats poorly. Therefore, vitamins for old dogs are most often produced in injections. They maintain the pet’s general condition at a good level and provide all the substances necessary for life.

The best manufacturers

Let's consider the most popular types of food, which are included in the rating of the best and recommended by veterinarians for sterilized dogs.

Royal Canin

The food is characterized by a high level of protein and reduced fat content.

Thanks to this, it is possible to provide the pet with energy, take care of the health of its bones, muscles, coat, and reduce the likelihood of developing obesity.

The food contains meat (on store shelves you can find products based on chicken, turkey, rabbit, beef , as well as cold cuts), plant ingredients, oils and carotene. There is a vitamin and mineral complex.

Industrial feed for animals in the postoperative period

Experienced breeders and veterinary specialists advise using the following types of commercial diets:

• Hill's SP Canine Perfect Weight Medium
• Farmina Vet Life Neutered
• Royal Canin Sterilized Series
• Pro Plan All Sizes Adult Light/Sterilised
• As well as analogues from Purina and Eukanuba.

Ideally, all these diets should be used from the moment the pet is sterilized throughout its subsequent life. This will prevent many problems, including obesity. But due to the rarity of such food, as well as the cost of the latter, many owners prefer to feed their pet natural food. It also cannot be called cheap (such a diet is often more expensive than an industrial diet), but you can buy everything listed below everywhere.

Criterias of choice

When choosing food for a sterilized pet, you should focus on the composition of the product. Animal protein should come first among other ingredients. Moreover, the manufacturer must indicate exactly what type of meat is used - chicken, lamb, beef, etc. Chicken (it most often causes allergies) and pork (this is too fatty a type of meat) are undesirable for castrated and sterilized dogs.

Then the ingredients should mention carbohydrates and vegetables. Carbohydrates are usually represented by a plant component - ideally rice and buckwheat. Corn and wheat are not very useful. You should not purchase a product containing soy.

Not every manufacturer includes vegetables in their products, but you should strive to buy exactly such food. Dried vegetables are healthy fiber for the intestines and a source of vitamins.

The dog’s body, especially after surgery, needs high-quality vitamin and mineral support. Of course, you can give her complexes separately, but calculating the required amount of supplements is not easy. Moreover, you need to know how and with what to combine vitamins and minerals.

It is much easier and more effective to choose food that contains the necessary elements. First of all, these are magnesium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, biotin. They strengthen the animal’s bones, ensure growth and development, good eyesight, and high-quality wool. Vitamins A, E, C and group B are also needed. For animals with weak intestines, it is better to choose hypoallergenic types of food enriched with probiotics.

Fats are an essential element of food, because they provide energy and ensure the functioning of the heart and blood vessels.

For small breed dogs, you should choose special food. These animals are usually characterized by being easily excitable, energetic and prone to obesity. The food must, firstly, provide an active animal with energy, and secondly, not cause obesity. In addition, in special food the granules are usually smaller in size, which corresponds to the size of the jaws of decorative pets.

For large dogs, especially those kept in an apartment, you need to select lower-calorie food with the appropriate granule size. Otherwise, the pet is at risk of obesity, heart disease, and problems with gums and teeth.

In any case, food for sterilized dogs should be low in calories. This is due to the fact that their metabolism after surgery slows down by 10-15%, while their appetite almost doubles.

The packaging must have a feeding plan - the amount of daily food in accordance with the weight and age of the pet. This amount of food is divided by the number of feedings. For adult dogs this is 2-3 meals.

The packaging must include the brand name, legal address and company contacts, as well as the expiration date of the product. You should not purchase food from a manufacturer that produces products for people. There is a possibility that only scraps and leftover raw materials go into the product for dogs.

For advice from a veterinarian on which food is best to buy, see below.

Source

The Best Vitamins for Older Dogs

Older animals suffer from bone problems, poor gastrointestinal function and hair loss. Special vitamins help maintain their health.

Canina Canhydrox GAG Forte – protection of bones and joints

Vitamins are positioned as general strengtheners, but they have the greatest effect when there are problems with bones and joints. The complex is recommended for animals over seven years of age or during the recovery period after injury.

The drug contains calcium hydroxyapatite, extracts from shellfish, algae, protein, a set of amino acids and more.

The vitamins are available in capsules and have a pleasant taste for dogs. Therefore, they are often given between meals.

Pros:

• suitable for prevention;
• help restore joint mobility;
• improvement of metabolism;
• anti-inflammatory effect.

Minuses:

• often counterfeited;
• often cause indigestion;
• high cost - on average 3000 rubles.

In general, vitamins are rated positively. Dog breeders write in the comments that they are effective and the animals like them. But the high price does not allow them to be taken on an ongoing basis.

Viyo Reinforces Dog Senior – healthy drink

Not the most common remedy aimed at strengthening the immune system and normalizing digestion. The complex contains fatty acids, microelements, prebiotics and the necessary set of vitamins.

The drug increases the content of beneficial bacteria in the intestines, which simplifies the digestion of food and normalizes stool. In addition, vitamins boost immunity.

The composition is in liquid form. It can be diluted with water or given separately. Veterinarians recommend a vitamin complex in courses of 14 days, four times a year.

Pros:

• convenient packaging;
• real strengthening of the immune system;
• 100% natural composition;
• has a good effect on wool quality;
• low calorie content;
• pleasant taste.

Minuses:

• requires alternation with other complexes;
• high cost - 1500 rubles.

Dog breeders claim that the complex is good. But to see the effect of it, the courses must be extended and given at least six times a year.

Anivital CaniAge – multivitamin complex for aging dogs

This option is recommended for use on an ongoing basis. It should be started to be given to animals whose age exceeds six years with short breaks. The basis of the complex is fatty acids, natural antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins.

The drug has a preventive effect on the entire body, strengthens bones, blood vessels, and immunity. In addition, it normalizes digestion, eliminating constipation typical of older dogs.

Vitamins are available in tablet form. They have the flavor of fresh beef and can be enjoyed between meals. The tablets crumble easily, so capricious animals can crush them and add them to their food.

Pros:

• hypoallergenic;
• 100% natural composition;
• dogs like it;
• a large number of useful substances;
• are safe and have no side effects.

Minuses:

• high consumption;
• high cost - on average 2000 rubles.

The drug has established itself as a worthy and effective complex, but not everyone can afford it.

The best vitamins for pregnant and lactating dogs

Pregnant animals need increased amounts of vitamins and nutrients. It is impossible to provide all this with regular food.

Canvit Nutrimix Biocal – vitamins for bone health

This is an almost universal complex. It is intended for dogs expecting offspring and animals in a weakened state due to a lack of nutrients. The supplement contains calcium, phosphorus and sodium. Their concentration is three times higher than usual.

The drug provides support for the entire body, increases resistance to infections, prevents the development of rickets and more. It is used in courses on the recommendation of a specialist.

Vitamins come in powder form, so they are usually added to food. They do not have a pronounced odor and are normally perceived by animals.

Pros:

• 100% natural composition;
• high digestibility of components;
• Helps strengthen ear cartilage.

Minuses:

• narrow focus of the drug;
• requires supplementation in the form of other additives.

The average cost of a package is 450 rubles.

Users note that the supplement gives a good effect. But it is not suitable for all animals, so in the first days of admission you need to carefully monitor the dog.

Canina Caniletten – the best multi-complex

One of the most popular drugs in the segment. It is high in iron and contains more than a dozen vitamins and minerals.

The vitamin supplement prevents the development of anemia and increases resistance to infectious diseases. It strengthens the immune system and bone structure, covering the need for calcium. In addition, regular use of the product normalizes digestion and metabolic processes in the body.

The drug comes in tablet form and is added to food. It is best to mix vitamins with pelleted feed.

Pros:

• restoration of calcium levels in the body;
• 100% digestibility;
• positive effects on puppies in the womb;
• helps the coat grow healthy and shiny.

Minuses:

• uneconomical consumption;
• very high cost - in the regions packaging can cost 3,000 rubles.

Dog owners buy tablets very often. But owners of large breeds note that, taking into account the calculation of dosage by weight, the packaging ends in 2-3 days. Therefore, vitamins have to look for an alternative.

Vitamins in injections to boost immunity

Such complexes are less in demand than conventional ones.

Pros:

• high efficiency;
• fast action;
• short course of treatment.

Minuses:

• the need to hire a specialist to administer the drug;
• high price.

The effectiveness of injections in emergency situations is undeniable.

Imunofan is a hepatoprotector with immunoregulatory and detoxification effects

The drug is prescribed to boost immunity in severe diseases and in combination with antibiotics. It contains an aqueous solution of immunofan. Excipients are also added to the vitamins to facilitate rapid absorption of the active substance.

When administered, the drug increases cellular and humoral immunity, increases resistance to infection and relieves intoxication of the body, removing toxins.

Vitamins are administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly. The duration of the course is determined by the veterinarian depending on the type of disease. In this case, you cannot skip injections - this significantly reduces the effectiveness.

Pros:

• good results;
• wide spectrum of action;
• affordable price;
• short course of treatment.

Minuses:

• may cause intolerance;
• up to 5 injections are required per day.

The average price of a package is 600 rubles.

The remedy is considered one of the most effective and is prescribed quite often.

Ribotan is a powerful immune system stimulant

The solution, available in 1 ml ampoules, has a wide spectrum of action. It consists of polypeptides and RNA fragments.

When administered, the drug helps increase the body's defenses and neutralizes the effects of stress of varying severity.

The course of treatment is determined by the veterinarian. With moderate severity of the disease, it will last 3-5 days. The dog is given one injection every day.

Pros:

• affordable price;
• minimum duration of treatment;
• efficiency.

Minuses:

• combination with antibiotics is required;
• not always well tolerated by dogs.

The price of the package is about 150 rubles.

The drug is often recommended for purchase.

Gamavit – biotonic immunomodulator

This product has a wide spectrum of action. It contains placenta and sodium nucleinate. It increases performance, compensates for high physical activity, helps to intensify labor, relieves intoxication of the body and normalizes metabolic processes.

The drug is administered once. In some cases, the veterinarian prescribes a course of 2-3 injections.

Pros:

• high efficiency;
• short course of treatment;
• no side effects.

Minuses:

• rarely on sale;
• It is expensive - one bottle costs more than 1000 rubles.

Professional dog breeders praise this remedy, but warn against uncontrolled use.

Types and forms of vitamin complexes

Vitamins for dogs are quite varied. Therefore, in order not to make a mistake with your choice, you should carefully study their varieties and decide on the appropriate option for your pet.

Vitamin supplements are primarily divided according to the form of release.

Manufacturers offer pet owners:

• tablets are a convenient and common form, often chosen by owners of large animals;
• powders - such vitamins are usually added to food unnoticed, so owners of picky dogs buy them;
• liquid vitamins for dogs - most often they come in the form of drops and are added to water;
• injections – vitamins in ampoules are highly concentrated and are prescribed as part of complex treatment, the results from them are very fast;
• Treats – This form of vitamin supplementation is suitable for puppies and four-legged dogs who refuse tablets and other forms of vitamins.

According to their intended purpose, the complexes can be:

• universal (these multivitamin supplements are used in courses on an ongoing basis);
• for the formation of the skeleton and teeth (similar complexes are necessary for puppies and older dogs);
• for wool growth (help increase wool density and improve wool quality);
• for older animals;
• for puppies;
• for pregnant dogs.

Manufacturers also produce separate mineral supplements for large and small dogs. They take into account the needs of animals of different breeds and completely cover their deficiencies.