The amount depends on body weight, please follow our dosage recommendation, which you will find on the product and on the packaging.
Vitamin A for dogs
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble, essential vitamin for dogs – best known for its role in normal vision. As a component (including beta-carotene) with antioxidant properties, it also supports the skin, mucous membranes and the normal function of the immune system. An adequate supply is a valuable addition to daily feeding.
Vitamin A " not just an eye vitamin
Vitamin A is one of the fat-soluble vitamins. Its precursors, including provitamin A (β-carotene), belong to the carotenoids (β-carotene is also considered an antioxidant), as well as the retinyl ester. They can be converted into vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is an essential micronutrient for the health of dogs. It plays an important role in the maintenance of vision, the growth and maintenance of epithelial tissue and the regulation of the immune system.
A lack of vitamin A can lead to various health problems, including eye problems, poor wound healing and increased susceptibility to infection. It is therefore important to ensure that dogs get enough vitamin A.
What are the consequences of a vitamin A deficiency?
It is interesting to know that vitamin A deficiency is the most common vitamin deficiency in dogs worldwide. Feeding with industrially manufactured ready-made food appears to be one of the main causes of a deficiency. With a species-appropriate, fresh and healthy diet, a deficiency only occurs very rarely and is usually associated with an increased need, for example in old age or with illness.
Dogs can usually compensate for a short-term vitamin A deficiency through liver storage reserves.
A longer-lasting vitamin A deficiency, e.g. due to inappropriate feeding, stress (e.g. pregnancy) or illness, can cause the following symptoms:
- Visual problems, such as night blindness
- Thickened, dry conjunctiva
- Corneal ulcers
- Damage to the skin and mucous membranes (epithelial protective vitamin)< /li>
- Disorders of bone metabolism
- Growth disorders
- Fertility disorders
- Thyroid disorders
- Susceptibility to infections
- Weakening of the Immune system
- Impaired blood formation and wound healing
If the deficiency remains untreated over a longer period of time, the consequences can be even more serious, because an extreme vitamin A deficiency can even lead to blindness.
Vitamin A in the organism
Vitamin A is a group name for different micronutrients, such as retinol, retinyl ester and retinoic acid. They have the same biological activity. Retinol is responsible for transport. If the feed has a sufficient fat content, a large proportion of vitamin A can be absorbed by the body. Vitamin A is not excreted as quickly as water-soluble vitamins (e.g. the B vitamins), but is stored in the liver. Therefore, you should only pay attention to a deficiency, but also to a too high proportion.
The positive effect on health
Vitamin A is a so-called antioxidant and can effectively counteract damage to cells caused by free radicals. First and foremost, vitamin A (retinol – retina) benefits vision. Vitamin A is necessary for the formation and maintenance of rhodopsin, a light-sensitive pigment contained in the rods of the retina that helps see in low light conditions. A deficiency of vitamin A can lead to night blindness and impair overall vision.
Vitamin A is also involved in many other metabolic processes. In pregnant bitches it supports the healthy development of the embryo, it promotes the function of the thyroid gland, blood formation, wound healing, fertility and the immune system. It is also required for the formation of skin cells and, together with vitamin D, supports bone metabolism.
Frequently asked questions about Vitamin A
As a nutrient, Vitamin A works through the continuous supply, not acutely.
As needed, complementary to daily feeding.
As a fat-soluble vitamin, Vitamin A should not be overdosed, please follow the dosage recommendation.
For dogs with an increased need, for example to support eyesight and skin.
Feel free to take a look at our large FAQ overview or write to us at service@dog-fit.com. You can reach us by phone on the Germany hotline 0800 790 790 9 or from abroad on +49 3221 322 210 0.
Our recommendation
DOG FIT by PreThis® CARE senior
Vitamin A has been used in products for humans for years and it can also be of great benefit to the health of our dogs as it can prevent the deficiency symptoms mentioned above and counteract them in acute cases. In our preparation DOG FIT by PreThis® CARE senior very high quality vitamin A with high bioavailability is used. The preparation also contains vitamins E and D, the valuable micronutrients glucosamine and MSM, collagen as well as hyaluronic acid, calcium, zinc and iron. It is a unique all-in-one product and supports an all-round healthy (not just old) dog.
Use the 5% new customer voucher for your first order: DOGFIT
Veterinary Expertise at the Heart of Our Team
Dr. Sibylle Ott, MD, veterinarian, plays a central role in our team at DOG FIT by PreThis®. As an experienced veterinarian with naturopathic expertise, she contributes significantly to the development of our products. Her experience and deep understanding of dogs' needs flow into many of the formulas we create. She is a valuable asset to our team and to the well-being of many dogs.
