Vitamin E

What is vitamin E?

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that consists of various compounds called tocopherols. There are four different forms of tocopherols: Alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-tocopherol. The most important form for dogs is alpha-tocopherol, which has the highest biological activity.

Vitamin E is found in many foods, especially in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds and green leafy vegetables. Some animal products such as liver, eggs and milk also contain vitamin E, but in smaller quantities. Dogs cannot produce vitamin E themselves and must therefore obtain it from their diet.

Why is vitamin E important for dogs?

Vitamin E has many positive effects on the health of dogs. It is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are aggressive molecules that are produced during normal metabolic processes or by environmental influences such as UV radiation, smoke or pollutants. They can attack the DNA, proteins and membranes of cells and lead to inflammation, ageing and disease.

Vitamin E neutralizes free radicals and thus prevents their harmful effects. It also strengthens the immune system by promoting the formation of antibodies and the activity of immune cells. Vitamin E also supports dogs' skin and coat health by maintaining skin moisture, relieving itching and accelerating the healing of skin lesions.

How much vitamin E does your dog need?

The optimal amount of vitamin E for dogs depends on various factors, such as age, weight, health status and type of diet. As a general rule, young, active and healthy dogs need less vitamin E than older, sick or stressed dogs. Dogs that are fed dry food also need more vitamin E than those that are fed fresh or raw food.

There are no clear recommendations for the daily intake of vitamin E for dogs. The National Research Council (NRC) gives a guideline of 1 to 2 mg per kilogram of body weight. This means that a 10 kg dog needs about 10 to 20 mg of vitamin E per day. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommends at least 12 IU (International Units) per kilogram of food for adult dogs and at least 15 IU per kilogram of food for puppies.

How can you give your dog vitamin E?

There are several ways to give your dog vitamin E. The simplest is to give him a high-quality food that contains sufficient vitamin E. Pay attention to the expiry date of the food and store it in a cool, dry place to prevent vitamin E loss.

You can also provide your dog with additional vitamin E through supplements or natural sources. Supplements are available in the form of capsules or tablets, which you can either mix whole or cut up into the food. Make sure you choose a product that is specifically suitable for dogs and contains alpha-tocopherol.

Natural sources of vitamin E include wheat germ oil, sunflower oil, linseed oil, almond oil, walnut oil, fish oil, cod liver oil, egg yolk, liver or green leafy vegetables. You can mix small amounts of these foods into their food or give them as treats. Note, however, that some dogs can be sensitive to certain oils or foods and that too much fat can lead to diarrhea or abdominal pain.

Are there any risks when giving vitamin E?

Vitamin E is generally well tolerated by dogs and has no serious side effects. However, an overdose of vitamin E can lead to problems, especially if your dog is also taking other supplements or medication.

Too much vitamin E can inhibit blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. This can be particularly dangerous if your dog has a blood clotting disorder or is about to have surgery.