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Vitamins and minerals are necessary for proper absorption of fats and carbohydrates and for the chemical reactions in the body. Not only do organisms need these nutrients, but also they need them in proper amounts and ratios for optimum health. For example, unless calcium and phosphorus are in balance, neither will be properly absorbed or utilized, which can lead to bone or muscle problems. Some dogs may need vitamin or mineral supplements at some time during their lives. Some breeders give extra Vitamin C to dogs recovering from injury and boost bitches with Vitamins C and E during pregnancy. However, dogs manufacture their own Vitamin C, so this may be redundant. Dogs with dry skin may benefit from daily doses of Vitamin E, and dogs under stress or bothered by fleas or biting flies may improve if given Vitamin B complex. The operative word is "may"; brewer's yeast, that oft-touted, but essentially effective treatment for flea problems is high in B-complex vitamins.
Vitamins are divided into fat-soluble and water-soluble types. Water-soluble vitamins are excreted from the body if they are not used; fat-soluble vitamins are stored in fatty tissue.
Water-soluble vitamins are the B complex, including thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, niacin, pyridoxine, biotin, folic acid, choline, and B12, and C, ascorbic acid. B-vitamins help convert food to energy; C can be manufactured by the dog and supplementation is not necessary. However, some breeders insist that Vitamin C is helpful for dogs that are under stress.
Fat-soluble vitamins are A, D, E, and K. They are involved in several body functions, including eyesight, bone formation and strength (with calcium), cell stability, and blood coagulation. Vitamin K can be synthesized by bacteria in the dog's intestine and does not need to be added to the diet under ordinary circumstances. Deficiencies of Vitamin E can cause muscle tissue breakdown, reproductive failure, and impairment of immune response. Vitamin A deficiency can cause several eye problems, including dryness, corneal ulceration, and inflammation of the conjunctiva. Vitamin D deficiency causes rickets.
Fat-soluble vitamins can build up in tissues and become toxic. Excess Vitamin A can lead to bone disease; too much Vitamin D can cause calcification of soft tissue, lungs, and kidneys. Evidence of toxicity in Vitamin E overdose is sketchy; there may be some adverse effects on blood coagulation or thyroid function, but more study is needed to ascertain the extent of such effect.
2006-09-28 15:54:06
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answer #1
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answered by mallimalar_2000 7
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If the vet has seen your dog and declared it healthy...i wouldn't worry about it. We have gone thru this twice with dogs over the years. the first time we bought every supplement,expensive food etc. spent a lot of money only to find out that when the dog is around 5-7 years they naturally gain weight...kinda like people in their 40's ....it just happens. We now have a two y/o springer who is very thin...can feel ribs and spine but he checks out medically and is on good food at full feed(as much as he wants whenever he wants it).
2006-09-28 15:54:17
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answer #2
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answered by mups mom 5
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Vitamins won't do it. First have him checked by a vet to be sure it's not a health issue. Then, you can buy dog foods for active dogs which are higher in calories, and give him extra protien. Puppy food is also higher in calories than adult dog food but it's a good idea to mix a little into his regular food, rather than giving him a bowl full. A sudden change in diet can cause gastrointestinal issues, so kind of ease him into a new food.
2006-09-28 15:40:15
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answer #3
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answered by Lisa E 6
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You don't need vitamins, a good quality dog food, regular meals and exercise will do a better job putting weight on your boxer.
2006-09-28 15:45:35
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answer #4
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answered by trusport 4
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Go to a pet store. They have some products there that you can give to them if your dog needs to gain weight. Some of them are gels, and some are pills, and some have special instructions, so make sure to read the labels on how to give it to your dog. Even take your dog with you so they can see your dog and maybe help with the recommendation.
If your dog is seriously underweight, you should probably take him/her to the vet so they can put them on a special diet or something to help them get to their normal weight.
2006-09-28 15:44:50
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answer #5
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answered by Ashley C 2
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Feed a high quality dog food in correct amounts and your dog will be fine. It has all the vitamins and minerals your dog needs.
btw Has it been to the vet recently?
2006-09-28 15:41:04
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answer #6
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answered by say910 2
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Try a high fat food, like a puppy formula or a high-energy formula. Let him or her eat as much as they want. If that doesn't fix it I would go to the vet and check for a medical problem. And dewormer would be a good idea.
2006-09-28 15:48:54
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answer #7
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answered by hschiro 2
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Take him to the vet to make sure there arent any health issues, including a high worm count.
The vet will then give you ideas on the apropriate diet for him
2006-09-28 15:51:43
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answer #8
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answered by Feline Female 4
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I would just feed him more food...or add a high fat food to his diet. But if he doesn't gain weight with that then he might have an underlying medical issue. They do sell high fat foods at your local vet.
2006-09-28 16:15:05
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answer #9
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answered by cherrydevil119 3
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food, lots of it. vitamins will give it nutrition, not fat. Try giving it vitamins if you regularly do, just so it's healthy. Then feed it high fat dog food + tabel scraps (breads, meats, etc..)
2006-09-28 15:39:26
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answer #10
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answered by Sammy 5
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