Dog Diet Series: Episode 6 - Vitamin D for Dogs, Benefits, Deficiency and Overdose Symptoms, Food Sources

Despite looking perfectly healthy, a dog may still suffer from a dangerous vitamin deficiency. A vitamin that is essential for dog's bones, heart and immune system - yes, it is vitamin D.

How Vitamin D Works?

Vitamin D helps to regulate calcium and phosphorus levels, keeping bones and internal organs healthy. Without this essential vitamin, a dog cannot absorb all the nutrients she gets from foods even if she is a great eater.

Dogs need vitamin D just like we humans do. Unlike humans, they cannot synthesize vitamin D from sunlight. Hence, the source of vitamin D for dogs is food.

Health Risks of Vitamin D Deficiency in Dogs

Most of the commercial dog foods are fortified with vitamin D but most of the homecooked diets for dogs tend to lack in vitamin D, particularly the vegetarian dog diets. 

Low levels of vitamin D in dogs can lead to:

• Joint pain
• Weak bones
• Heart trouble
• A weakened immune system

Signs of Vitamin D Deficiency in Dogs

Given below are some of the most common vitamin D deficiency symptoms in dogs:

• Fatigue
• Joint stiffness
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle weakness
• Bone pain or limping
• Growth issues in puppies

Watch our video from Pet's Diary Pages:

Vitamin D Foods for Dogs

Here are some foods naturally rich in vitamin D:

• Egg yolks
• Sardine and salmon
• Beef liver
• Fortified dog foods
• Cod liver oil (only with veterinarian's approval)
• Spirulina
• Hemp seeds

Dogs on vegetarian diet tend to have low levels of vitamin D. Hence, it is highly recommended to consult with your veterinarian and give supplements to your dog based on doctor's prescription. 

Too Much of Vitamin D Can Be Dangerous

Being a fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin D cannot be flushed out like water-soluble vitamins. Overdose of vitamin D can lead to toxicity, which can get very serious.

Signs of Vitamin D Toxicity in Dogs

Some of the symptoms of overdose of vitamin D in dogs include:

• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Excessive thirst and urination
• Weakness
• Weight loss
• In severe cases, it may lead to kidney failure

Kindly avoid giving human vitamin D supplements to dogs - the dosage can be fatal to dogs.

Always consult with your veterinarian before feeding any new foods to dogs or giving supplements to dogs.