RDA of Vitamins for Pets

Question:

We are trying to find out the recommended daily intakes of all nutrients for dogs but can't find any conclusive figures.  Can you tell us the RDA of all vitamins and minerals - particularly A, D, B2, B5 and copper as we are concerned that these levels are too low for our dog.  Please note our pets are between 25 - 30kg.

Thank you very much.
B. H. and L. G.

Answer:

The book, “Home prepared Dog and Cat Diets - The Healthful Alternative” by Dr. Donald Strombeck, has ALL the vitamin, mineral, protein, fat and carbohydrate recommendations established by the National Research Council. It also contains information on balancing a diet, food quality, food safety and recommended home cooked diets for management of diseases. It is my number one diet and nutrition reference.

How are you determining these particular vitamin deficiencies? Vitamin A and D can easily be over dosed and therefore toxic to the animal if supplemented incorrectly. What are their signs of deficiency? I highly recommend you see a holistic veterinarian who specializes in nutrition.

You may want to try Thorne Canine Basic Nutrients, which are a well-balanced combination of nutrients that can supplement your dogs while also on a high quality, natural diet. It is much easier and less stressful for pets when you can limit the number pills and supplements given on a daily basis.

Sincerely,
Colleen Smith DVM, CVA

Another source for information on vitamin dosage amounts for animals is www.peteducation.com. Search on "Vitamins."