The importance of vitamin E for dogs

In this post & video I am going to talk about the importance of vitamin E for your dog. I will also mention the deficiency symptoms, functions of the vitamin E and the sources.

Vitamin E is the term used to describe chemically related compounds called as tocopherols & tocotrienols. Alpha-tocopherol is the most active compound with the greatest biological activity.

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential to dogs & must be provided in their diet.

Vitamin E is present in small quantities in almost all the tissues as a part of the membranes of the cells. It protects the cells from the oxidative damage caused by free radicals.

Free radicals are formed as the dogs get exposed to pollution, sunlight, extreme physical & mental stress, exercise & even as byproducts of normal metabolism.

Vitamin E deficiency

Deficiency of vitamin E for an extended period of time may result in muscle weakness, retinal degeneration that leads to progressive loss of vision and reproductive failure in both male & female dogs.

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Vitamin E functions in dogs

Vitamin E also protects vitamin A & Sulphur containing amino acids from the damage caused by free radicals. It can also help your dog in delaying the ageing process.

Vitamin E also plays a vital role in developing & maintaining healthy skin & fur of dogs.

Vitamin E requirements

As per the Association of American Feed Control Officials dog food must contain at least 50 International Units (IU) of vitamin E per kg body weight on a dry matter basis.

Fortunately, when excess vitamin E is taken it can be stored in the liver of dogs. But at the same time too much vitamin E can cause blood clotting problems in dogs. Unless vitamin E supplements are used without the approval of a veterinarian it generally does not happen.

Vitamin E sources for dogs

If you are feeding commercial dog food that mentions terms such as “complete & balanced nutrition” or “essential vitamins & minerals” or “complete essentials” on the label then that dog food may already be containing vitamin E.

If you are feeding homemade dog food to your dog here are the good sources of vitamin E for dogs.

If we look at the vegetarian sources oils such as corn oil, soybean, sunflower & wheat germ oils contain vitamin E.

Spinach, avocados, sunflower seeds and almonds also contain good amount of vitamin E.

Animal based foods & fish such as eggs, Atlantic salmon, trout, and herring contain vitamin E.

I would suggest you to make sure that you dog gets the right amount of vitamin E on a daily basis for good health & longevity.