Dog Diet Series: Episode 3 - Vitamin A for Dogs, Benefits, Deficiency and Overdose Symptoms, Food Sources

Behind every shiny coat, there is Vitamin A - 'Paw'verb.

Find, 'proverb' apart, Vitamin A plays a key role in dog's health. From shiny coat to healthy immune system, the role of Vitamin A is vital.

In this post, let's explore:

• Why dogs need Vitamin A
• Vitamin A rich foods
• How to add Vitamin A safely for dogs
• Recommended dosages and vet advice

Why is Vitamin A Important for Dogs?

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that gets stored in your dog's body fat. 

Let's see how Vitamin A helps your dog:

• Promotes skin and coat health
• Improves vision, especially night vision
• Boosts immunity
• Supports growth and cell regeneration 
• Helps with reproduction

Deficiency of Vitamin A may lead to:

• Dry, flaky skin
• Dull coat
• Poor night vision
• Low immunity levels
• Stunted growth in puppies

Kindly check the video on YouTube.

Best Sources of Vitamin A for Dogs

• Carrots
• Pumpkin
• Sweet potatoes
• Spinach
• Boiled egg
• Liver (Beef, chicken)
• Cod liver oil
• Dairy (Yogurt, paneer)

All foods should be cooked well before serving dogs. Dairy should be served in small quantities and also only if the dog is lactose-tolerant. 

Carrots and pumpkin can be part of daily meals as safe, natural beta-carotene sources.

Being a rich source, liver can be given only once a week to prevent overdosing of Vitamin A.

Eggs can be fed in moderation.

Always check the label if you are feeding commercial dog food to your pet to avoid over-supplementing.

Safe Ways to Add Vitamin A to Home-Cooked Diet

Some of the safe ways to add Vitamin A to home-cooked food for dogs:

• Mix cooked carrots with rice or oats
• Add a teaspoon of plain pumpkin puree to dog meals.
• Feed boiled eggs.
• Feed a small piece of liver once a week.
• Include cooked spinach in your dog's diet twice a week.

Never overfeed any single ingredient.

Moderation is key. Too much of Vitamin A can be harmful. Opting for natural food sources in moderate amounts will help to strike a perfect balance. 

Before serving any new food to your pet, kindly consult with your veterinarian and follow their instructions.