Vitamin A in Dogs

Vitamin A is an essential micronutrient, meaning the dog needs to include it in its diet, even in small amounts, since it's involved in important functions in its body.

If our dog doesn't get the amount it needs, the result will be health problems. But we should remember that excess can be problematic too. Hence the importance of always offering a healthy, balanced diet.

Vitamin A in Dogs

This vitamin is also known as retinol. It's a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning, as its name indicates, it dissolves in fats. Unlike what happens with water-soluble vitamins, which dissolve in water.

Along with vitamin A, in the fat-soluble vitamin group we find other well-known vitamins such as D or K. These can be stored in the liver, which is why excess can occur and become harmful. This situation is called hypervitaminosis.

On the other hand, a lack of vitamins is called hypovitaminosis. Dietary vitamin A is usually linked to the pigment known as carotene, present in vegetables. Dogs are able to convert carotene into vitamin A in their intestine.

The Function of Vitamin A for Dogs

This vitamin serves numerous functions for a dog's body to work properly. Seeing how important all of these are, we'll understand how essential it is to offer a diet with the right amount of this element. We'd highlight the following:

• Growth and formation of teeth, nails, blood, membranes, bones, skin, and tissues.
• Cell differentiation and anti-aging.
• Preservation, repair, and protection of the skin, coat, and mucous membranes.
• Keratinization.
• Retinal maintenance and its adaptation to changes in light intensity.
• Reproduction.
• Kidney and immune system function, playing a role in preventing infections.
• Antioxidant effect.
• Free radical elimination.
• Protecting DNA from mutations.

How to Give Vitamin A to Your Dog

The basis for proper vitamin A intake is offering the dog a quality diet. For this, it's essential that it's adapted to the animal's life stage. For example, a puppy won't have the same nutritional needs as an older dog, nor will a working dog have the same needs as one that barely gets off the couch.

Take your time researching and comparing different options. Remember that, as a carnivore, the basis of its diet needs to be animal protein. This is the best way to provide the right dose of vitamin A and avoid problems from excess as well as deficiency. It's true that vitamin A supplements are sold commercially.

This is one way to provide this vitamin when there are deficiencies, but we should never give it if it hasn't been prescribed by the vet. Remember that excess is equally harmful. Only this professional can determine whether this supplementation is needed and, if so, we'll need to follow their instructions to give it correctly.

Which Dog Foods Contain Vitamin A?

Nowadays, the commercial diets sold for dogs, such as kibble or wet food, generally contain the necessary amount of this vitamin. That's why it's uncommon to come across dogs with a deficiency or excess.

But if we feed our dog homemade food, which is always recommended to be done with the help of a nutrition expert to put together the menu, or we simply want to increase this vitamin's intake in the diet, it's good to know which foods contain the most vitamin A. We'd highlight:

• Milk and dairy products.
• Meats.
• Egg yolk.
• Organ meats such as liver.
• Oily fish and their oils.
• Fruits, notably orange and apricot.
• Vegetables such as carrot, spinach, or bell pepper.

Vitamin A Supplementation

There's a widespread idea that some dogs, such as puppies, older dogs, pregnant females, or sick dogs, need extra vitamin intake. That's why some owners give them supplements of this vitamin to complement their diet.

But, as we've explained, excess vitamin A builds up in the body, which is why it can cause unwanted effects. So, if we think our dog needs more vitamins, the first step is to see the vet and never medicate on our own.

Excess Vitamin A

If we insist on supplementing vitamin A and manage to greatly exceed the dose our dog needs, we'll likely cause hypervitaminosis. In this species, it tends to show up with itching. Its excess has also been linked to weight and appetite loss.

In this case, the supplement needs to be stopped and the vet seen to assess and treat the symptoms. On the other hand, a lack of vitamin A can affect the functions it's involved in, such as vision, reproduction, the immune system, or the skin.

Bibliography Villagrasa, María (2016). "Nutrientes para un pelaje perfecto". Revista Ateuves nº 36. pp. 10-15. Villagrasa, María (2018). "Cóctel de vitaminas". Revista Ateuves nº 46. pp. 14-19.