can dogs eat it
Use App

Can dogs have Vitamin D Supplements?

can dogs have vitamin d supplementsNo

Overview

dog-food-safety-information

No, any excess amount of vitamin D will be stored in the dog's body. Vitamin D supplements for humans have higher potency and dosage, so dogs are at risk of vitamin D toxicity as it can build up to dangerous levels, which can lead to digestive issues and kidney failure.

Benefits

health-benefits
  • Although vitamin D formulated for humans is not recommended for canine consumption, dogs still need vitamin D to regulate the calcium and phosphorous levels and maintain strong bones, muscles, and teeth. Dogs can get their vitamin D from food, by exposure to sunlight, or from vitamin D supplements specifically formulated for dogs.
  • Vitamin D helps achieve calcium and phosphorus balance, which is essential for immune functions and blood clotting.
  • Vitamin D is also important in creating and maintaining strong, healthy bones.
  • Vitamin D plays a role in boosting the canine immune system, which helps prevent infections and diseases.
  • Vitamin D also enhances cognitive function in senior dogs.

Risks

health-risks
  • Vitamin D supplement is a fat-soluble vitamin that is stored in the body's fat cells instead of being flushed out through urination. Any excess of vitamin D can build up to toxic levels. Dogs are more sensitive to the effects of vitamin D than humans, and consuming too much can cause serious health problems because it simply remains in the body instead of being excreted as waste.
  • Symptoms of vitamin D toxicity in dogs can include weakness, vomiting, loss of appetite, and increased thirst and urination. In severe cases, excessive vitamin D can cause kidney failure and even death.
health-risks-dog

Servings

serving-suggestions
  • Vitamin D supplements for dogs come in powder, liquid, tablet, and soft chews form. The recommended dosage of vitamin D supplements formulated for dogs should not exceed 100-120 mg/ml per day. However, cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) is reported to be toxic even at low doses. Clinical signs of vitamin D3 toxicity can be observed with doses as low as 0.1 mg/kg. Furthermore, doses exceeding 0.5 mg/kg can result in elevations in calcium and phosphorus concentrations, leading to metastatic soft tissue mineralization.
  • High-quality commercial dog food should contain a minimum of 500 IU (maximum of 3000 IU) of vitamin D per kilogram of dog food to ensure that dogs get sufficient vitamin D.

You may also like

Articles by food type

what fruits can dogs eat

Fruit & Veg

can dogs eat human food

Human Food

can dogs eat raw meat

Meat & Offal

Diet & Recipes

Diet & Recipes

Supplements

Supplements

herbs for dogs

Herbs & Spices

can dogs eat egg and dairy

Egg & Dairy

can dogs eat seafood

Seafood

can dogs eat pumpkin seeds

Nuts & Seeds

can dogs eat grains

Grains

Oils

Oils

Plants

Plants