PET42 guide
Does my dog need extra vitamins? Benefits and risks
Extra vitamins usually add no benefit to a balanced complete food. Unnecessary supplements can also upset the nutrient balance.
More vitamins does not automatically mean better health. With a complete food that meets your dog’s needs, additional preparations are usually unnecessary and sometimes even risky.
What a complete food should achieve
A complete food is composed in such a way that, when fed correctly, it provides the necessary vitamins, minerals, amino acids and fatty acids for the specified life stage. If a multivitamin preparation is also given, the carefully balanced nutrient levels can change.
Some vitamins are stored in the body. Too high a long-term intake can cause health problems. Minerals such as calcium and phosphorus must also be in the right ratio. Uncontrolled supplementation can be harmful, especially during growth.
When supplements can make sense
Additional nutrients may be necessary in the event of an identified deficiency, certain illnesses or an individually calculated, self-prepared ration. Then selection and dosage belong in expert hands.
When it comes to home-cooked food, it is usually not enough to mix meat, rice and vegetables according to personal preference. Such rations require precise calculation and often appropriate supplementation. A veterinary nutritionist can tailor the recipe, energy and nutrients to your dog.
Be careful with multiple products
Many chews, pastes, powders and oils also provide vitamins, minerals or calories. If several products are combined, ingredients can add up unnoticed. Therefore, make a note of all supplements and bring the packaging with you to the veterinary consultation.
Even natural products are not automatically harmless. Herbal preparations can contain active ingredients, influence medications or be unsuitable for certain diseases. Never use human preparations without having the ingredients and dosage checked by a vet. Sweeteners like xylitol can be acutely dangerous for dogs.
What questions you should ask before purchasing
First, check what problem you want to solve. Is there a diagnosis or just a guess? Does the main food already contain the nutrient? What is the total daily amount of all products? Is there reliable data on effectiveness, purity and safety?
A shiny coat, more energy or a strong immune system are common advertising promises. They do not replace an examination. Fatigue, skin problems or digestive problems can have very different causes.
Advice tailored to your dog
Only add supplements when they meet a need
The PET42 food check helps you to look at the main food, extras and your dog's individual situation together. This will help you see whether the basis is already correct and which questions to discuss with a vet or veterinary nutritionist.
Questionnaire, checkout and feeding advice are provided in German.
