Do Dogs Need Vitamin D?

If you're thinking of giving your dog supplements, you may be wondering, “Do dogs need vitamin D?”

Yes, dogs absolutely need vitamin D as part of a balanced diet. It can support bone and cartilage mineralisation, muscle contraction, and the transmission of neuronal signals. Without it, dogs may suffer from a range of medical issues that could affect their quality of life.

At Vitamart, we understand the importance of high-quality supplements free from unnecessary additives, designed to keep your pets in top condition.

In this guide, we'll walk you through whether your dog needs vitamin D supplements, the risks of deficiency, finding the right dosage, and how it can benefit your dog's overall health.

Let's dive into everything you need to know!

What this article covers:

• Do Dogs Need Vitamin D Supplements?
• Vitamin D Deficiency in Dogs
• What Is the Right Amount Of Vitamin D For Dogs?
• Best Forms of Vitamin D for Dogs
• Benefits of Vitamin D for Dogs
• Best Foods for Dogs That Contain Vitamin D
• Dogs Vitamin D FAQs

Do Dogs Need Vitamin D Supplements?

While dogs can obtain vitamin D from food, some may require additional supplements, especially if they aren't getting enough from their regular meals.

Certain dog breeds or those living in areas with little sunlight may struggle to synthesise enough vitamin D naturally.

In some cases, a vitamin D supplement may be necessary to avoid medical problems like weak bones, muscle issues, or immune deficiencies.

Based on our observations, dogs that don't receive adequate vitamin D from their diet might exhibit symptoms of deficiency over time - from muscle weakness to reduced mobility.

Consult with your vet to determine if your dog needs a supplement, and which one is the right fit for your pet.

Vitamin D Deficiency In Dogs

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to serious health complications for dogs (even as puppies), such as:

• rickets
• soft bones
• cardiovascular problems

Vitamin D is critical for calcium absorption and maintaining a robust immune system.

If your dog exhibits symptoms such as lethargy, allergies (respiratory or dietary), fur loss, muscle or joint weakness, or bone pain, it could be signs of a deficiency.

Early intervention with the right diet or supplements for your pet can make a huge difference in preventing long-term medical issues.

What Is the Right Amount of Vitamin D for Dogs?

Our research indicates that the right amount of vitamin D for dogs is roughly between 500-3,000 IU per kilogram of food.

Always consult your vet to determine the appropriate dosage based on your dog's:

• size
• age
• breed
• health needs

Determining the correct amount of vitamin D for your dog is crucial, as too little can cause deficiency, while too much can result in toxicity.

Best Forms of Vitamin D for Dogs

When it comes to supplementing vitamin D for your dog, there are different forms available.

Here, we break down the two most common ones:

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)

Vitamin D3 is considered the most effective form of vitamin D for dogs.

Our analysis of this product revealed that this animal-based supplement is easily absorbed and helps regulate calcium and phosphorus in the bloodstream, encouraging robust bone development in dogs.

Overall, vitamin D3 is the preferred choice for pet supplements.

Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol)

Vitamin D2 is derived from plant sources and is less commonly used in dog supplements.

While it can still be beneficial, D2 isn't as efficiently absorbed as D3. When it comes to increasing blood levels of vitamin D, vitamin D3 is almost 90% more effective than vitamin D2.

That's why we recommend sticking with D3 unless otherwise advised by your vet.

Benefits of Vitamin D for Dogs

Vitamin D plays a vital role in your dog's overall well being.

Here's how it can support their health.

Table: Benefits Of Vitamin D For Dogs

Benefit	Description
Immune Support	Strengthens the immune system Promotes production of antimicrobial peptides to fight off infections
Healthy Muscles	Aids in muscle function Regulates absorption of calcium and phosphorus critical for muscle contraction Supports mobility, coordination, and strength
Improved Cognitive Function	Contributes to brain health Protects neurons and aids neurotransmitter activity Prevents cognitive decline in ageing dogs
Cell Growth	Regulates cell growth and differentiation Essential for tissue repair, wound healing, and skin wellness Ensures proper functioning and maintenance of body tissues
Cardiovascular Health	Regulates and balances calcium levels in the bloodstream Prevents heart disease by ensuring optimal heart function

Immune Support

Our investigation demonstrated that vitamin D strengthens the immune system. It does this by promoting the production of antimicrobial peptides, which are essential in helping dogs fight off infections.

A well-functioning immune system means fewer illnesses and quicker recovery from infections, making vitamin D a key player in keeping dogs healthy and resilient.

Healthy Muscles

Vitamin D is critical for proper muscle function in dogs.

It helps regulate the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, minerals which are pivotal for muscle contraction. Healthy muscle contraction affects a dog's ability to move as well as their overall coordination and strength.

Without sufficient vitamin D, dogs may experience muscle weakness or lethargy, which can impede their ability to stay active and energetic.

Improved Cognitive Function

Just like in humans, vitamin D contributes to brain wellness in dogs.

As dogs age, they can experience cognitive decline, leading to memory loss, confusion, or disorientation. This can even result in what's referred to as Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) or ‘dog dementia' in layman's terms.

If you're considering K1 or K2 with vitamin D, a vitamin D3 and K2 supplement can bolster your pet's cognitive function by protecting their neurons and aiding activity in their neurotransmitters.

This can keep your dog mentally sharp and engaged, particularly in their senior years.

Cell Growth

Vitamin D is integral in regulating cell growth and differentiation.

This process is vital for tissue repair and regeneration, ensuring that your dog's body remains healthy and functional.

Proper cell growth is essential for healing wounds, maintaining healthy skin, and ensuring the overall integrity of tissues throughout your dog's body.

Cardiovascular Health

Vitamin D helps balance calcium intake in the bloodstream, which is crucial for cardiovascular health.

Proper calcium regulation ensures that heart function remains optimal, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease or similar medical issues.

Ensuring that your dog has adequate vitamin D vitamins can help protect them from heart-related concerns as well as cancer to support a long, healthy life.

Best Foods for Dogs That Contain Vitamin D

While supplements are helpful, many natural foods for dogs also contain vitamin D, including:

• Fatty Fish: Salmon and mackerel are fatty fish as well as excellent natural sources of vitamin D. They provide a healthy boost for your dog's immune system and bone resilience.
• Fish Liver Oils: Cod liver oil is a specialised fish liver oil that's rich in vitamin D. It's often included in pet supplements, ensuring your dog gets enough of this pivotal nutrient.
• Egg Yolks: Another phenomenal natural source of vitamin D, egg yolks can be easily added to your dog's diet in moderation. The only time you shouldn't add eggs to your dog's meals is when they have existing medical conditions like diabetes or pancreatitis.
• Beef Liver: As a nutrient-dense dish, beef liver provides a vital amount of vitamin D, along with other essential multivitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A and B12.
• Fortified Dog Foods: There are many commercial dog foods, which are fortified with vitamin D to meet your pet's daily nutritional requirements. A popular dog food brand here in Canada is Acana. Their products are made with natural vitamin D sources such as raw wild-caught salmon, whole raw mackerel, kale and spinach.

After putting it to the test, we've found that a combination of these dishes can help meet your dog's vitamin D needs.

However, if your dog is a picky eater or has specific dietary restrictions, a vitamin D supplement may be a more reliable option overall.

Dogs Vitamin D FAQs

Are There Risks Associated With Dog Vitamins?

Yes, just like with any supplement, there are risks if not used correctly. Too much vitamin D can be toxic and lead to health issues such as vomiting, muscle tremors, or even kidney failure and death in some cases.

Based on our first-hand experience, it's best to administer supplements under veterinary guidance, much like when considering vitamin D for cats.

What Happens If Your Dog Accidentally Ingests Products Containing Vitamin D?

If your dog accidentally consumes a product containing a high dose of vitamin D, it's crucial to seek veterinary help immediately. Excessive amounts can cause vitamin D toxicity, which can be life-threatening for your furry friend.

Do Dogs Need To Be Outdoors More Often To Get Vitamin D?

Dogs don't synthesise vitamin D from sunlight the way humans do, so getting outdoors doesn't significantly impact their levels. However, regular exercise and exposure to natural light can still contribute to their overall well being.

If you're wondering, “Can you get vitamin D on a cloudy day?” In reference to your dog, this concern is mostly applicable for humans in relation to our skin pigmentation. This is due to the fact that dogs predominantly absorb vitamin D from their meals in comparison.

The same applies to the question, “Should you take vitamin D in the summer?” Dogs do absorb and synthesise small amounts of vitamin D through their coats in a similar fashion as humans do with our skin. With that said, dogs primarily get all the nutrients they need from their meals.

Conclusion

In this guide, we revealed that dogs need vitamin D to maintain their bone vitality, muscle function, and overall immune system.

We also covered other key benefits of vitamin D for dogs, such as improving cognitive function and promoting their cardiovascular well being.

If you're ready to support your dog's wellness with the best vitamin D Canada supplements, be sure to check out our range at Vitamart.

Your furry friend deserves the best care possible!

If you want to learn more, why not check out these articles below:

• Newborn Vitamin D
• Vitamin D From the Sun
• Best Time to Take Vitamin D
• Can You Get Vitamin D Through Window?
• How Long Does Vitamin D Take to Work?
• Best Way to Take Vitamin D
• Vitamin D Testosterone
• Does Vitamin D Help with Sleep?
• Does Vitamin D Give You Energy?
• Does Vitamin D Increase Estrogen?
• Does Vitamin D Make You Happy?
• How to Take Vitamin D Correctly
• How Long Does Vitamin D Stay in the Body?
• How Quickly Does Vitamin D Work for Fatigue?
• Is Vitamin D Water or Fat Soluble?