Vitamin E for Dogs

Vitamin E is an essential nutrient that promotes a strong immune system, a healthy gut, and supports the eyes and skin. This fat-soluble vitamin naturally occurs in groups called tocopherols and tocotrienols, of which alpha tocopherol is the most common.

The correct amount of Vitamin E for dogs is usually supplied in the diet, but there are times when a Vitamin E supplement for dogs may be needed.

Read on to find out the main Vitamin E benefits for dogs, how to spot a deficiency and when you may need to give your dog additional vitamin E.

With this guide, you’ll learn:

• Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps a dog’s body deal with the impact of free radicals
• There are many Vitamin E benefits for dogs, including reducing inflammation, slowing the effects of aging and helping the body deal with exposure to toxins
• Most commercially prepared diets will contain the required Vitamin E dosage for dogs
• The vitamin can be found in lots of wholefoods, including organ meat, vegetables and oils
• A Vitamin E supplement for dogs might be necessary in certain situations — for example, if parents prepare their dog’s food at home
• This can come in the form of tablets, capsules, powder or Vitamin E oil for dogs
• Parents should be aware of the clinical signs of Vitamin E deficiency and overdose

The most important function of Vitamin E is its role as an antioxidant. Oxidation is a natural process that produces free radicals in a dog’s body — these are compounds that can cause damage to the reproductive, immune, cardiovascular, and neurological systems.

This can cause chronic disease and even cancer. Thankfully, free radicals can often be neutralized by antioxidants, such as Vitamin E.

This antioxidant role can help with various health conditions:

• Vitamin E for dogs can reduce the risk of inflammation, which plays a role in Cancer, Arthritis and Allergies
• It’s thought to slow the effects of aging, in particular with memory loss and cognitive dysfunction
• Antioxidants, like Vitamin E, can help the body deal with exposure to toxins, such as metals or pollution
• A study found that antioxidant supplements, including Vitamin E, could contribute to the healthy function of a dog’s eyes as they age

In addition, Vitamin E can help to build cell membranes, metabolize fat and synthesize other nutrients within the body, such as Vitamin C and Ubiquinone. Nutritionists will also recommend Vitamin E for dogs’ skin health, while some turn to Vitamin E for dog warts.

Most dogs receive a sufficient amount of vitamin E in commercially bought dog food, especially if the recipe in question meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials’ (AAFCO) nutrient standards. 

However, a dog eating a homemade diet may be getting varying amounts. According to the AAFCO, adult dogs should be consuming no less than 50 IU of vitamin E (33.5 mg d-alpha-tocopherol or 45 mg of dl-alpha-tocopherol) daily. 

However, this number does not take into consideration a dog’s size or any medical condition or deficiency, so always consult with your veterinarian to find the correct amount for your dog’s needs.

Not only is Vitamin E good for dogs, it’s easy to ensure your dog consumes enough of it. The antioxidant is found in commercially-manufactured dog food and can often be seen in the ingredient list as ‘mixed tocopherols’ — as well as doing a dog good, Vitamin E also acts as a natural preservative.

There are many wholefoods that contain this vital nutrient and are safe for dogs to eat. Organ meats and seed oils are naturally high in Vitamin E, but it can also be found in the following ingredients:

• Liver
• Spleen
• Eggs
• Soybean oil
• Safflower oil
• Sunflower oil
• Wheat germ oil
• Legumes
• Atlantic salmon
• Rainbow trout
• Mango
• Blackberries
• Red sweet pepper
• Butternut squash
• Turnip greens
• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Cooked asparagus

A deficiency of Vitamin E for dogs is rare, especially if they are eating a commercially-prepared diet formulated with vitamins. However, it can occur in certain circumstances — say if a dog’s diet is homemade or overly heavy on fish ingredients.

The main symptoms of Vitamin E deficiency are:

• Muscle weakness and degeneration
• Decreased vision
• Skin problems
• Weight loss
• Decreased fertility
• Changes in behavior or other neurological problems
• Impaired immunity
• Brown Bowel Syndrome

Treatment of Vitamin E Deficiency

If your dog is experiencing a deficiency of vitamin E, your vet may suggest adding a Vitamin E supplement for dogs to their daily routine. They may also discuss finding a dog food that's richer in Vitamin E.

A vitamin overdose most commonly occurs from over-supplementation and can be avoided by choosing dog food with regulated vitamin levels. Overall, Vitamin E for dogs is considered safe when used within determined limits, but always consult your veterinarian on what’s right for your dog.

Much is known about overdoses of Vitamin D, Vitamin A and Iron, but overdoses of vitamin E in dogs is rare. Vitamin E can interfere with vitamin K’s ability to clot blood, so too much can cause your dog to more easily bleed.

Other symptoms to look out for include:

• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Changes in behavior and habits
• Changes in appetite
• Changes in elimination (Constipation or Incontinence)

Since most commercially available foods contain the recommended daily intake of vitamin E for dogs, additional supplementation of this essential vitamin is often unnecessary. 

There are exceptions, of course. Diets high in fish, fish oils and fish meals quickly use up the body’s available vitamin E. Homemade diets might not contain the recommended levels, either. Always talk with your vet about your dog’s specific needs before you start adding additional vitamins and supplements. 

Aside from dietary recommendations, there are a few other cases where your veterinarian may recommend using a Vitamin E supplement for dogs. One study has suggested that Vitamin E may help to reduce the itching in a dog experiencing Atopic Dermatitis, while another study has shown that higher doses of the vitamin may contribute to a decrease in inflammation following knee surgery for Osteoarthritis.

Vitamin E may also help to reduce the toxic effects of heavy metal poisoning.

If you have spoken with your vet about a Vitamin E supplement for dogs and got the green light, you will have to choose between synthetic and natural supplements. For many vitamins, synthetic products are just as viable and beneficial as those natural sources, but Vitamin E is different.

Natural Vitamin E is absorbed and utilized much better than synthetic varieties, and is the recommended choice when it comes to a Vitamin E supplement for dogs.