Senses

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4 min read

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Can Dogs Have Too Much Vitamin E?

Senses

|

4 min read

|

Can Dogs Have Too Much Vitamin E?

Introduction

If you're in tune with how to keep your own body healthy and happy, then you're probably aware of the significant health benefits that go hand-in-hand with certain vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin E. Vitamin E is an essential vitamin that acts as an antioxidant in the body. People use vitamin E to help manage their skin, eyes, immune system, weight, and more. 

But, does vitamin E count as a good natural vitamin for your dog? Will feeding your pup the vitamin E that you ingest every day make them sick, or rather, will it help them to be happier, healthier, and more energized than ever? 

The short answer: some vitamin E could potentially benefit your dog, but you'll need to get in touch with your vet, first. Just like with anything, too much of a certain thing can always be bad, so it's important to talk to your vet about how much vitamin E could benefit your dog, what sort of dosage they should be ingesting, and, further, if it's a good choice all around. Read on to get more details!

can-dogs-have-too-much-vitamin-e

Signs Your Dog Could Benefit from Vitamin E

When it comes to Vitamin E, the benefits for people are numerous. Vitamin E can help promote a healthy gut, healthy immune system, better skin, and healthier eyes, too. But what about for dogs? How do you know if your dog could benefit from ingesting a daily dose of vitamin E?

For starters, get the approval of your vet before you give your dog any new substance. However, if you notice that your dog is dealing with issues with their skin or fur, like patches, flakiness, or dry sections, vitamin E could help to promote a healthy, glossy coat and get rid of the flakiness.  

Additionally, if your dog is dealing with any system depression, lethargy, weakness, sleepiness, or inability to exercise due to his or her fatigue, vitamin E can sometimes do the trick. While it may be unlikely that your dog is dealing with a vitamin E deficiency, the possibility is there. If your dog doesn't have enough vitamin E in his or her diet, there can be cell damage issues, skeletal muscle problems, and issues with teh heart, liver, and nerves.

Body Language

Here are some body language cues your dog might be giving you if they could benefit from Vitamin E:

  • Panting
  • Pacing
  • Weakness
  • Lack Of Focus
  • Head Bobbing
  • Sleepiness

Other Signs

Here are a few other body language cues to watch out for:

  • Poor Immune System
  • Excessive Sleepiness
  • Struggling To Eat
  • Dull Coat
  • Dry Skin
  • Flaky Skin
  • Patchy Skin

The History of Vitamin E and Dogs

can-dogs-have-too-much-vitamin-e

Vitamin E is an important, even vital part of your dog's diet. Not only is it necessary to keep animals' immune systems strong, it takes care of dogs' eye issues, skin issues, and, sometimes, their stomach issues, too. A specific amount of vitamin E should be implemented into a dog's diet, and luckily, most commercial dog foods have a specific level of vitamin E inserted into their kibbles. 

Most pet foods will have added vitamin E because of the benefits it provides, one of the biggest benefits being that vitamin E protects the poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA's) in dog food - the more PUFAs present, the more vitamin E should be added to the dish.

The Science Behind Vitamin E

can-dogs-have-too-much-vitamin-e

Before you feed your dog copious amounts of vitamin E, it's probably helpful to know exactly what it is, what it's made of, and what kind of science is behind the vitamin E health claims. 

Vitamin E is an essential part of a canine diet. But why? First of all, vitamin E acts as an antioxidant that fights free radicals. Free radicals tend to steal electrons from nearby molecules when your dog is sick, due to the chemical makeup, and antioxidants, in contrast, give up electrons to free radicals without becoming free radicals themselves. Vitamin E also helps to form cell membranes, too.

Training Your Dog to Eat Vitamin E

can-dogs-have-too-much-vitamin-e

When it comes to Vitamin E, giving your dog a little extra of it can be tricky. Some dogs are pickier than others, so it can be tough to implement it into their diets. We suggest adding in a doggo-safe food that's rich in vitamin E, like egg, peanuts, spinach or sunflower seeds - however, we definitely don't suggest doing this if your dog-tor doesn't approve of these foods. 

Instead, it can be useful to train your pup to eat Vitamin E in supplement form or to train them to eat a specially designed vitamin E supplement food. If your pup has trouble swallowing or eating a pill, we suggest trying to hide the pill in his or her food. This way, your dog will gobble it up quickly in his or her food frenzy. 

If you have a dog that simply can't be tricked, we suggest training your pup to consider vitamin E supplements treats - so, give them one (according to their appropriate dosage) as a reward for sitting, staying, laying, or another obedience command. 

If this doesn't work, we suggest teaching your dog a fun throw-and-catch game. This will teach your pup to catch the pill and eat it, making it more fun, and less like a chore or a gross treat to swallow.

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Safety Tips for Giving Dogs Vitamin E:

  1. Monitor the amount of vitamin E in his or her dog food.
  2. Talk to your vet about appropriate vitamin E dosages and supplements.
  3. Hide your own vitamin E tablets away from your dog so they won't accidentally ingest too many.
  4. Know the amount of vitamin E your dog should be consuming.
  5. Work with your vet on a plan for vitamin E supplements.

Written by a Great Dane lover Hanna Marcus

Veterinary reviewed by:

Published: 05/18/2018, edited: 04/06/2020

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