Vitamin E is an antioxidant and an important vitamin that protects the body from free radicals in the skin that harm fat. Vitamin E is required for cell function and fat metabolism. It is fat-soluble and aids in the development of powerful muscles in dogs.
If your dog eats a well-balanced, nutrient-dense food, he or she is likely to have enough vitamin E levels. However, in rare cases, such as when a dog is suffering from a specific condition, a supplement may be useful. Vitamin E for dogs can be found in multivitamins and fish oil supplements such as salmon oil.
The benefits of vitamin E
Vitamin E for dogs’ benefits can be numerous. Vitamin E offers a number of advantages for both healthy and ailing pets. Among the advantages are:
Improved Immune system:
Vitamin E promotes the growth of circulating T cells, which aid in the fight against infection and the improvement of immunological function.
Healthy Fertility:
Vitamin E improves the quality of sperm in dogs.
Better vision:
Vitamin E may benefit dogs with cataracts; however, surgery is necessary to completely repair cataracts.
Helps in Coat shining:
Vitamin E promotes healthy skin and prevents flakiness or itching due to its contribution to cell health. Vitamin E for dogs with itchy skin is also recommended by vets. Some pet owners like adding vitamin-rich oils to their dog's bath.
When does your dog require vitamin E?
Vitamin E deficiency is not so common in dogs. If your dog does require a vitamin E supplement, it may exhibit any of the following symptoms:
· Muscle weakness
· Poor vision
· Neurological symptoms
· Trouble reproducing
· Impaired immune system
· Skin problem
· Weight loss
Sources of Vitamin E for Dogs
Cooked and prepared meals, particularly those heavy in protein, are high in vitamin E.
Vitamin E-rich foods include:
· Eggs
· Spinach
· Salmon
· Soyabean oil
· Sunflower oil
· Liver
· Turnip greens
· Cooked asparagus
How to administer Vitamin E in your Dog’s Food?
Because most commercial dog meals include the recommended daily amount of vitamin E, most dogs will not require extra vitamin E supplementation. Of course, there are exceptions, such as dogs that consume a diet strong in fish products and require more vitamin E, as well as homemade diets that lack the required daily quantity of vitamin E.
Synthetic forms of many vitamins are just as viable and helpful as natural sources, but vitamin E is an exception. Natural vitamin E absorbs and utilizes 36% better than synthetic sources, making it the preferred supplement for any pet. When shopping for a vitamin E supplement for your dog, seek natural sources rather than synthetic ones.
Bottom Line
If you are thinking of giving vitamin E supplements to your dog, evaluate first if they are already getting from their diet as well as why you believe your dog needs more of this vitamin. Most likely, your dog will not require any more sources of vitamin E in addition to their usual food but always consult with your veterinarian about your dog's individual needs before beginning to add additional vitamins and supplements.
