Vitamin K

Vitamins are organic compounds essential to sustain life and are naturally found in the foods we eat. All animals need vitamins for proper growth and function, but what if our pets aren’t getting enough of those vitamins in their diet?

Depending on the quality and type of dog food that dog owners feed their dog, most dogs get the vitamins they need from their food.  Many commercial dog foods we use are labeled “complete and balanced,” meaning they contain all essential vitamins and minerals your dog requires. Some dog foods cater to a particular stage of life like “puppy” or “senior” and contain different levels of certain nutrients to better benefit dogs with particular needs. In many cases, dogs do not require any additional vitamin supplements, but there are some circumstances where they may be beneficial; dogs with medical conditions, deficiencies, or who are fed a low quality or homemade diet may benefit from added vitamin supplements.

Vitamin K is responsible for producing the proteins that contribute to blood coagulation, vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin vital for blood’s ability to clot. This vitamin is tied to a reduced risk of bone fracture as well as a healthy liver.

Vitamin K is not a common supplement, as most dogs absorb enough of the essential nutrient from their food.

Vitamin K Deficiency

A vitamin K deficiency can cause brittle bones, muscle weakness, and blood disorders. Symptoms include excessive bleeding from a wound, easy bruising, nosebleeds or bleeding gums, blood in vomit, urine, or stool, and frequent bone injury.

Sources of Vitamin K For Your Dog

Vitamin K occurs in 3 forms: K-1, K-2, and K-3.

1. Vitamin K-1 is found in spinach, broccoli, cabbage, egg yolks, and some forms of kelp and algae.
2. K-2 is synthesized by bacteria found in the intestines
3. K-3 is a synthesized form added to manufactured dog food, treats, and toys.

Vitamins are some of the building blocks of your dog’s diet and overall health. Feeding a balanced, high-quality, dog food or home made fresh meals in conjunction with a nutrient balanced multi vitamin such as our MultiVitamin Food Topper is the best way to ensure your dog’s diet contains all the essential vitamins and minerals his or her body requires to maintain optimum health.

Will Corrente is a career entrepreneur and trusted authority and expert in the dog care industry. Will has over 15 years of experience as the owner and operator of Very Important Paws Dog Resort in West Palm Beach, FL. Copyright 2020 k9vitatherapy.com