A large overview of vitamins and minerals for dogs

Are you looking for ways to supplement your dog with vitamins and minerals? When feeding BARF food, it is important to have an overview of where to find what substances.

Look at the overview of basic vitamins and minerals that a dog needs.

If you don't have the time or desire to buy various supplements, types of meat, algae and the like, you can reach for a ready-made mix of all basic vitamins and minerals for dogs Vit&Min.
It contains all the important substances for dogs in the right proportions, and you can easily ensure the correct supply of substances either with BARF or as a supplement to granules.

Overview of minerals and vitamins that a dog needs

Iodine

In the BARF diet, iodine is usually deficient. Iodine is found in the thyroid gland of "prey", if therefore the dog's diet does not contain meat with the thyroid gland (which usually does not happen), then it is necessary to supply iodine with other feed supplements.
With a lack of iodine , the dog's thyroid gland cannot function properly. Symptoms include slow growth, loss of fur or changes in behavior (aggression).

Sources of iodine for dogs:

Although fish contain iodine, it is not abundant. Therefore, the best source of iodine for dogs is seaweed - for example Kelpa .

100 mg of kelp contains approx. 450 μg of iodine . This ratio may vary.

Recommended dose of iodine per 1000 kcal:
Adult dog: minimum 175 μg, recommended: 220 μg
Puppy: 220 μg recommended

Iron

Iron is found in body tissues such as hemoglobin and myoglobin. It plays an important role in the reactions of enzymes and proteins necessary for the transfer of oxygen. BARF diets are generally rich in iron in adult dogs.
However, puppies have greater requirements for iron intake and it is advisable to choose the right ingredients in their nutrition.

Sources of iron for dogs:

Iron is found in the spleen, animal organs and red meat. If the dog's diet includes organs such as the heart, liver and kidneys, iron intake is covered.
For puppies, it is recommended to include either spleen in the diet or iron supplementation.

◼️ Beef spleen (100 g) contains approx. 44 mg of iron.
◼️ Lamb spleen (100 g) contains approx. 42 mg of iron.
◼️ Pork spleen (100 g) contains approx. 22 mg of iron.

Recommended dose of iron per 1000 kcal:

Adult dog: 7.5 mg
Puppy: 22 mg

Manganese

Manganese supports healthy joints, ligaments and tendons of the dog. With its deficiency , injuries to the soft tissues of the dog appear.

Source of manganese for dogs:

◼️ Edible mussel (100 g) contains approx. 7 mg of manganese.
◼️ Unprocessed tripe (100 g) contains approx. 1.3 mg of manganese.

Recommended dose of manganese per 1000 kcal:

Adult dog: 1.2 mg
Puppy: 1.4 mg

Vitamin D

Unlike humans, dogs cannot produce vitamin D by being in the sun. This vitamin is usually deficient in the BARF diet. However, we have to dose it very carefully, because in larger quantities it can be toxic to the dog.

Source of vitamin D for dogs:

One of the best sources is fatty fish , such as herring, salmon, sardines or mackerel. Vitamin D can also be found in eggs or organs - liver, kidneys, but this is not enough to cover a dog's needs.

◼️ Mackerel (100 g) contains approx. 15.8 μg
◼️ Salmon (100 g) contains approx. 10.8 μg
◼️ Eggs (100 g) contain approx. 0.8 μg

Recommended dose of vitamin D per 1000 kcal:

Adult dog: 3.4 μg
Puppy: 3.4 μg

Vitamin E

A powerful antioxidant that plays a key role in the proper development and overall health of the dog. Prevents oxidation of fats in food. It is usually deficient in the BARF diet.

Source of vitamin E for dogs:

Sources of vitamin E include organs such as raw brain . Then eggs, nuts or seeds.
Supplementation is recommended for vitamin E.
It is for that reason. The first is that it takes a lot of nuts and seeds to get enough vitamin E, and that can be uncomfortable for a dog to eat.
The second reason is that nuts are only effective when combined with low-fat protein. In addition, if it is frozen, the vitamin E content decreases.

You can find vitamin E in the Vit&Min mix .

Recommended dose of vitamin E per 1000 kcal:

◼️ Adult dog: 7.5 mg
◼️ Puppy: 7.5 mg

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

B1 is soluble in water. Excess water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the tissues, but are filtered by the liver and kidneys and excreted in the urine. B is found in animal foods and the recommended dosage must be followed.

Sources of vitamin B1 for dogs:

Supplementing B1 is not a problem if ingredients such as pork, lamb or duck are included in the diet. Another good source of B1 is brewer's yeast for dogs .

◼️ Yeast (100 g) contains approx. 77.7 mg.
◼️ Pork heart (100 g) contains approx. 0.6 mg.
◼️ Lamb heart (100 g) contains approx. 0.35 mg.

Recommended dose of B1 per 1000 kcal:

Adult dog: 0.56 mg
Puppy: 0.34

Zinc

Zinc is involved in carbohydrate and protein metabolism, cell replication and wound healing. However, its excessive amount can reduce the absorbability of other minerals and vitamins, so the recommended dosage should not be exceeded.

Source of zinc for dogs:

If enough red meat is included in the diet, then zinc deficiency should not be a problem.
Oysters are one of the best sources of zinc.

◼️ Oysters (100 g) contain approx. 90 mg.
◼️ Lamb (100 g) contains approx. 5.2 mg.
◼️ Beef (100 g) contains approx. 3.6 mg.

Recommended dose of zinc per 1000 kcal:

Adult dog: 15 mg
Puppy: 25 mg

The best way to deliver vitamins?

If you are looking for a way to supply all the mentioned vitamins in an ideal ratio, try the Vit&Min mix of minerals and vitamins for dogs . This mix of minerals and vitamins is the basis for every breeder. In this way, you simply add everything the dog needs and you have a guarantee of the highest quality of raw materials and the correct proportions of the individual components.