Vitamins

The most important vitamins for dogs

There are two groups of vitamins: fat-soluble and water-soluble. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in fatty tissue and can be accessed by the body when needed. Water-soluble vitamins are not stored, but must be supplied regularly through food or drinking water.

The fat-soluble vitamins include

• Vitamin A: Vitamin A is important for the health of the skin, mucous membranes, eyes and reproduction. It promotes the growth and development of cells and tissues. A lack of vitamin A can lead to dry skin, hair loss, night blindness, susceptibility to infection and infertility. However, an overdose of vitamin A can lead to symptoms of poisoning such as loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, bone damage and deformities. Vitamin A is mainly found in animal products such as liver, eggs, dairy products and fish.
• Vitamin D: Vitamin D is important for regulating the calcium and phosphate balance in the body. It promotes the absorption of these minerals from the intestine and their incorporation into the bones and teeth. A lack of vitamin D can lead to rickets, a condition that results in soft and deformed bones, or osteomalacia, a softening of the bones in adulthood. However, an overdose of vitamin D can lead to hypercalcemia, an increased concentration of calcium in the blood. This can lead to kidney stones, kidney damage, cardiac arrhythmia and muscle weakness. Vitamin D is produced by the body itself when the skin is exposed to sunlight. It is also found in animal products such as liver, eggs, dairy products and fish.
• Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from free radicals. Free radicals are harmful molecules that are produced by metabolic processes or environmental influences such as UV radiation or pollutants. They can cause cell damage and contribute to ageing processes or diseases such as cancer or cardiovascular diseases. Vitamin E also strengthens the immune system and supports wound healing. A vitamin E deficiency can lead to muscle weakness, nerve damage, infertility or eye diseases. An overdose of vitamin E is rare and usually has no serious consequences. Vitamin E is mainly found in vegetable oils such as sunflower oil, wheat germ oil and olive oil. It is also found in nuts, seeds, cereal products and green leafy vegetables.
• Vitamin K: Vitamin K is important for blood clotting. It activates certain proteins that ensure that a blood clot is formed in the event of an injury and that the bleeding is stopped. A vitamin K deficiency can lead to increased bleeding or bruising. An overdose of vitamin K is unlikely and has no known side effects. Vitamin K is partly produced by the body itself when bacteria in the intestine synthesize it from precursors. It is also found in animal products such as liver, eggs, dairy products and fish. It is also found in green leafy vegetables, cabbage, broccoli, spinach and Brussels sprouts.

The water-soluble vitamins include

• Vitamin B1 (thiamine): Vitamin B1 is important for energy metabolism. It helps to convert carbohydrates from food into glucose, which the body uses as fuel. It also supports the function of the nervous system and the heart. A deficiency of vitamin B1 can lead to beriberi, a condition that causes muscle wasting, heart failure, nerve disorders and mental confusion. An overdose of vitamin B1 is not known. Vitamin B1 is mainly found in whole grain products, legumes, nuts, seeds and pork.
• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): Vitamin B2 is important for energy metabolism. It helps to convert fats, proteins and carbohydrates from food into energy. It also supports the health of the skin, mucous membranes, eyes and blood cells. A deficiency of vitamin B2 can lead to ariboflavinosis, a condition that causes inflammation of the oral mucosa, cracks in the corners of the mouth, skin rashes and sensitivity to light. An overdose of vitamin B2 is not known. Vitamin B2 is mainly found in dairy products, eggs, meat, fish and green leafy vegetables.
• Vitamin B3 (niacin): Vitamin B3 is important for energy metabolism. It helps to convert fats, proteins and carbohydrates from food into energy. It also supports the function of the nervous system and the digestive tract. It also lowers the cholesterol level in the blood and dilates the blood vessels. A deficiency of vitamin B3 can lead to pellagra, a condition that can cause skin inflammation, diarrhea, dementia and death. However, an overdose of vitamin B3 can lead to liver damage, stomach problems, reddening of the skin and itching. Vitamin B3 is mainly found in meat, fish, poultry, nuts, seeds and wholegrain products.
• Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid):Vitamin B5 is important for your dog's metabolism and for the health of their skin and coat. A lack of vitamin B5 can lead to skin problems.
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine):Vitamin B6 is important for your dog's metabolism and for the health of their skin and coat. A lack of vitamin B6 can lead to skin problems.
• Vitamin B7 (biotin): Vitamin B7 is important for the health of your dog's skin and coat as well as for the metabolism. A lack of vitamin B7 can lead to skin problems.
• Vitamin B9 (folic acid): Vitamin B9 is important for the formation of red blood cells and for your dog's immune system. A vitamin B9 deficiency can lead to anemia.
• Vitamin B12 (cobalamin): Vitamin B12 is important for the formation of red blood cells and for your dog's nervous system. A vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to anemia and neurological problems.