Vitamins

[vandronova]

Do any of you give your yorkie any vitamins/supplements? please share! Thank you.

[Maximo]

I do not give my boys supplements. If a dog food is labeled "complete and balanced," according to AAFCO guidelines, it is supposed to contain all of the nutrients a dog needs:

Dog Food Standards by the AAFCO

I would consider giving supplements for bone and joint health, glucosamine and chondroitin, but I haven't done it yet. There are lots of supplement choices for skin and hair.

I am concerned about the number of pet specialty shops that are expanding their vitamin and supplement inventory because these items have a high profit margin. Pet owners should never give these things without consulting a vet or nutritionist first. It is too easy to make your pet sick.

[ArmaniMan]

Originally Posted by Maximo

I am concerned about the number of pet specialty shops that are expanding their vitamin and supplement inventory because these items have a high profit margin. Pet owners should never give these things without consulting a vet or nutritionist first. It is too easy to make your pet sick.

Agreed.

I do give supplements but they have all been at the direction of a vet/specialist.

Chloe has LP so she is on Dasaquin for joint health.

Both kiddos are also on a milk thistle supplement for liver health due to their MVD.

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by Maximo

I do not give my boys supplements. If a dog food is labeled "complete and balanced," according to AAFCO guidelines, it is supposed to contain all of the nutrients a dog needs:

Dog Food Standards by the AAFCO

I would consider giving supplements for bone and joint health, glucosamine and chondroitin, but I haven't done it yet. There are lots of supplement choices for skin and hair.

I am concerned about the number of pet specialty shops that are expanding their vitamin and supplement inventory because these items have a high profit margin. Pet owners should never give these things without consulting a vet or nutritionist first. It is too easy to make your pet sick.

Well said.

A healthy dog on a balanced dog food does not need any supplements. If there is a health problem, then a vet can guide you through picking the best ones to use. If supplements are being added "just in case - because something might go wrong", then I really hope the owner has 1) told their vet about it, and 2) is giving it based on true science and not internet opinions.