Dogs are one of the few animal species, the size of whose representatives have such significant differences in height and weight: Yorkie babies can weigh less than 2 kilograms, English Mastiffs - more than 100. These differences must be taken into account not only when choosing a diet, but also when the choice of vitamin complexes.
Problems in large breed puppies
The development and formation of the skeleton in puppies of large breeds lasts a long time - up to two years, is accompanied by intensive growth, which causes significant problems with joints and ligaments. The most common orthopedic defects associated with large dog breeds are hip dysplasia (TPD) and elbow joint dysplasia (ELD). These growing pains are not only inconvenient, but also very painful for the animal, causing lameness. Excessive bone mineralization is undesirable for dogs of these breeds, it can even lead to stunted growth.
For puppies of large breeds, special food and vitamin complexes with a slightly reduced content of minerals, vitamins, proteins and calories are needed. Their reception contributes to the normal development of cartilage tissue and its transition to bone, normalizes the further transformation of the bone in the process of growth. Particular attention should be paid to the content of calcium and phosphorus, it should be optimal and not exceed the norm necessary for the body. In addition, the minerals must enter the dog's body in the form of complex salts that are easily absorbed. A large load on the musculoskeletal system involves additional supplements of chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, vitamins A and D, which stimulate the growth of the animal and enhance the body's immune defense mechanisms.
Vitamin complexes for dogs of large breeds
Popular vitamin complexes for large dogs that you can buy at veterinary pharmacies include Biorhythm, Vita-Bon and Unitabs Brever Complex. Naturally, you should consult your veterinarian before giving any of these to your dog. In addition, it should be borne in mind that the need for vitamins and mineral supplements is differentiated depending on the age of the dog and is not limited only to the period of its growth. Therefore, when choosing a vitamin complex, be sure to take this factor into account, and also adhere to the recommendations for admission and do not exceed the dosage indicated in the instructions.
Some vitamin complexes contain tablets, some of which should be given to the dog in the morning and some in the evening. The use of such complexes, in which the biorhythms of the animal are taken into account and the separate intake of some mineral components that affect the absorption of each other, for example, copper and zinc, can significantly increase the digestibility and effectiveness of such additives in the dog's diet.
