Vitamins

Vitamins are not essential for the production of energy. And although they are not considered to be building blocks they are still important to your  dog’s health in several other ways…

• Dogs need vitamin A for healthy skin and coat.
• Skin conditions and poor coats have been linked to a lack of vitamin A and vitamin B
• Vitamin B is responsible for a healthy immune system
• Studies have show that vitamin C prevents hip dysplasia in dogs
• Vitamin D is good for healthy teeth and bones.
• Deficiency in vitamin D leads to weak teeth and brittle bones
• Vitamin E is an excellent source of antioxidants
• Vitamin E deficiency can lead to heart problems and several types of cancer
• Vitamin K is good for blood clotting

Minerals

Minerals are used by your dog in a more comprehensive way. Here are some of the ways that minerals can be beneficial to your dog…

• Calcium and phosphorous are essential for strong bones and cartilage
• Minerals are needed for the nervous system to function properly
• Minerals help to promote good muscle metabolism
• They are used to produce hormones
• Minerals transport oxygen in the blood

You should note that either too much or two little of a certain mineral can have an adverse effect on how other minerals function in your dog’s body. There are also cases where how one mineral performs is dependent on the action of another mineral. For example, iron and copper must work together to make hemoglobin. One will not be able to function without the other one being present.

Read our article on Why Your Dog’s Diet Should Include Fats.

Carbohydrates

If your dog is not getting enough carbohydrates then the liver has to do extra work to make glucose from proteins. On the flip side, if your dog is getting enough carbohydrates in her diet then her body will not have to use protein to get her required amount of glucose.