Vitamins, like minerals, are part of the group of micronutrients, which are those that both dogs and people need to consume, although in small quantities, to fulfill our essential vital functions, because our body cannot produce them.
The excess or lack of some vitamins can give rise to various he alth disorders. In this article on our site we will talk specifically about vitamin A for dogs, its dosage and other recommendations.
What is vitamin A?
Vitamin A, also known as retinol, belongs to the group. fat-soluble vitamins and is considered one of the best vitamins for dogs. Their name is due to the fact that they dissolve in fats, unlike what happens with the so-called water-soluble or water-soluble vitamins. Within the group of fat-soluble vitamins, in addition to vitamin A, there are others as well known and important as D, E or K.
These vitamins, which, let us remember, must be ingested in the diet, can be stored in the body, specifically in the liver, and are eliminated through the faeces. Storage implies that it could lead to taking an excess This is known as hypervitaminosis Al Otherwise, the deficiency is called hypovitaminosis
The main source of vitamin A is found in the pigment called carotene, which is found in vegetablesDogs can transform it into vitamin A in their gut. But there are many other commonly consumed foods that contain significant amounts of vitamin A, as we will see.
What is vitamin A for dogs for?
Vitamin A for dogs performs important functions in your body. Among them we highlight:
- Involved in growth and formation of teeth, nails, blood, membranes, bones, skin and the tissues.
- Participates in the cell differentiation and in the arrest of aging.
- Maintains the integrity of the skin, hair and mucous membranes, while repairs and protects.
- Is involved in keratinization.
- Is involved in a correct vision, maintaining the retina and favoring adaptation to changes in light intensity.
- Plays an important role in reproduction and the kidney system.
- Also functions as a antioxidant, scavenging free radicals and protecting DNA from possible mutations.
- In addition, it participates in the immune system, in the prevention of infections.
Therefore, a lack of vitamin A intake will affect all these functions.
Dose of vitamin A for dogs
Of course vitamins such as A for dogs are beneficial and essential for the proper functioning of your body,but in the right measure We must remember that both an excess and a deficiency can have consequences for the animal's he alth, hence the importance of offering the dog a balanced diet, adapted to its life stage and that covers all their nutritional needs.
Never give a dog vitamin A supplements if they have not been prescribed by the vet, as this could cause problems. Never supplement on your own, even if you think you need it because it is a puppy, a pregnant dog or a sick dog. We could harm the dog and, if applicable, the puppies in gestation.
We insist, therefore, that a balanced diet is the best way to offer the correct dose of vitamin A that our dog. But if the vet considers that he requires an extra contribution, he will prescribe a supplement and tell you how to administer it, since it will depend on the one chosen.
To help you choose the best type of food for your dog, we recommend you read this other article on our site about What is the best food for dogs?
How to give a dog vitamin A?
Currently, the spread of commercial foods, dry or wet, formulated specifically for dogs makes it difficult for us to find dogs with problems due to excess or lack of vitamin A, since, in general,, constitute a balanced menu Therefore, as we have mentioned, a diet appropriate to the dog's circumstanceswill allow you to have the amount you need of this vitamin.
Vitamin A dog food
If you opt for a homemade diet, you should always prepare the menu following the recommendations of a veterinarian who is an expert in canine nutrition to avoid nutritional imbalances. In this case, these are vitamin A dog foods:
- Dairy products.
- Meats.
- Yolk.
- Liver.
- Oily fish or fish oils.
- Fruits such as orange, melon or apricot.
- Vegetables such as spinach, bell pepper, broccoli, carrot, lettuce or tomato.
For example, a homemade diet that includes all these ingredients for dogs is the BARF Diet for dogs - Ingredients, quantities and 5 recipes.
Vitamin A Side Effects for Dogs
It's rare these days, but if we go too far on the dose of vitamin A for dogs or give them high doses for too long, for example by overusing supplements, we can provoke the dog a considerable itch, which will make him scratch continuously. It is also possible to detect other symptoms such as loss of weight or loss of appetite
If we think that this may be the case with our dog, we must immediately stop giving him excess vitamin A, but we must also go to the vetto treat symptoms. Of course, nothing better than prevention, not giving the dog nutritional supplements without the vet's prescription.
