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Can dogs have Vitamin A Supplements?

can dogs have vitamin a supplementsCaution

Overview

dog-food-safety-information

Caution is advised when giving vitamin A supplements to dogs. Vitamin A is good for vision and immune function, but excessive intake can lead to vitamin A toxicity. Strictly following recommended dosage is crucial to avoid adverse health effects in dogs.

Benefits

health-benefits
  • Vitamin A is a nutrient essential for eye and skin health as well as brain development and skeletal growth, both in humans and dogs. It is a necessary nutrient for cellular differentiation.
  • Vitamin A also strengthens the immune system by producing protective mucus in the lungs. This serves as a barrier in the respiratory tract, trapping germs, viruses, pathogens, and other potentially harmful foreign particles. It prevents respiratory infections and protects against lung damage.

Risks

health-risks
  • It is not recommended to use human vitamin A supplements for dogs as they may have higher potency and may contain additives that can be harmful to dogs.
  • Excessive intake of vitamin A can cause toxicity in dogs. Vitamin A poisoning is more likely to occur when dogs are given large doses of vitamin A supplements over a long period of time.
  • Signs of vitamin A toxicity include weakness, nausea, and anorexia. Tremors, convulsions, paralysis, and death can occur in severe cases.
health-risks-dog

Servings

serving-suggestions
  • The vitamin A dietary requirement for dogs is 3,333 IU per kilogram of food. The safe upper limit is 333,300 IU/kg of diet fed.
  • It is recommended to use vitamin A supplements specifically formulated for canine use.

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