Vitamin D is one of the seven most essential nutrients every dog needs to consume daily. But dosing is important and your dog can consume too much of the sunshine vitamin if you’re not monitoring his vitamin and mineral intake each day. This post is all about Vitamin D for dogs and what you should keep in mind before adding a vitamin D supplement to your pet’s diet.

Why Is Vitamin D For Dogs Essential?

Vitamin D is essential—which means Fido needs the nutrient to keep his body functioning at its best. Your pup’s body produces Vitamin D when he lounges in the sun and is exposed to those warm, sunny rays. This is why Vitamin D is often referred to as ‘the sunshine vitamin!’ But unless you live somewhere that’s sunny almost all the time, your dog will also need to consume some Vitamin D through his diet in order to make sure he’s supporting his body with plenty of this essential nutrient each and every day. 

But, why is Vitamin D so essential for dogs? 

• Vitamin D helps your pet absorb other essential nutrients: His body uses Vitamin D to help him absorb phosphorus and calcium from the food he eats so that his bones and teeth are strong.
• It’s essential for heart health: Studies show that Vitamin D plays a key role in cardiovascular health and it’s essential when it comes to heart function. 
• Vitamin D supports your dog’s immune system: It’s important for Fido to consume plenty of Vitamin D to support a robust and high-functioning immune system.
• It’s a natural mood booster: Vitamin D also plays a role in your dog’s mental health and affects his mood. He needs to eat plenty of the sunshine vitamin to help keep him in a sunny, happy mood! 
• Vitamin D can help your dog maintain a healthy weight: It’s been shown to help pups looking to lose a few pounds and to support your dog if he’s trying to maintain his healthy weight because it may help your dog feel fuller, longer! 

How Much Vitamin D Does Your Dog Need?

Every dog is different, so it’s important to discuss your individual dog’s needs with your Vet. Your dog might need more or less Vitamin D on a daily basis than his friends at the dog park or the pup down the street. Your Vet can run blood tests that dictate how much Vitamin D should be added to your dog’s diet. 

This is especially key to bring up to your Vet if you’re considering feeding your dog a food that contains added Vitamin D or you’re hoping to add it to his diet as a multivitamin or targeted topper. While Vitamin D is an essential nutrient your dog needs to consume, there is a limit to the amount of Vitamin D that is safe for your dog to consume. 

There have been some recent scares with pet food recalls involving dog food that contained too much Vitamin D then is recognized as safe for dogs. 

What To Know About Vitamin D Poisoning In Dogs

When dogs consume too much Vitamin D, they’re at risk of Vitamin D poisoning. While this is a rarity, it can occur if you’re feeding Fido too much of the essential nutrient. Vitamin D poisoning can occur if your dog ingests too much Vitamin D in his diet or he eats something that is rich in the nutrient—as many poisonous substances are (like rodenticides, fungi, and more). If your dog is experiencing Vitamin D poisoning, he’ll likely show signs within 12-36 hours of ingesting the potent dose. You should seek immediate medical attention for your dog if you suspect he has consumed too much Vitamin D and is at risk of Vitamin D poisoning.

While the signs vary depending on how much Vitamin D a dog has consumed and how long he was exposed to the nutrient, these are some things to watch out for that signal you should seek Vet support: 

• Increased Thirst
• Loss Of Appetite
• Excessive Drooling
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Difficulty breathing
• Increase In Urine
• Seizures
• Abdominal Pain

How To Make Sure Your Dog Consumes The Correct Amount Of Vitamin D Each Day

It’s important to keep tabs on everything your dog is eating or consuming to ensure his body is supported by the foods he eats and that your pup doesn’t consume too much of any single ingredient. How do you keep tabs on your dog’s daily Vitamin D intake? Keep these things in mind:

• Keep skincare products well out of reach: Many topical creams contain Vitamin D and your dog might be tempted to chomp on a squishy tube or bust into a jar of cream. If he ingests these products, it can cause his Vitamin D levels to spike and be harmful to your pup. It’s best to keep products that contain Vitamin D up high and in areas you know your dog can’t reach. 
• Don’t keep poison in your home (or outside of it): If you have a rodent problem, look for alternatives other than poison because it’s not ever safe to have rodicides in or around your home. Dogs are curious creatures that love to sniff things out and a hidden bag of rodenticide can be fatal if your dog takes an interest in it. 
• Discuss any diet changes with your Vet: If you’re considering new food for your dog, discuss it with your Vet before making the switch. Your Vet can tell you how much Vitamin D is safe for your pet and whether or not that food is a good option.
• Discuss supplements with your Vet, as well: Not all dogs need supplemental support in the form of a multivitamin. Your dog might be eating a diet that’s rich in Vitamin D and adding more to his daily meal is not in his best interest. This is why it’s key to talk about supplements with your Vet to make sure they are appropriate for your dog and his lifestyle. 
• Choose respected manufacturers: Make sure you’re purchasing products from pet product manufacturers you trust. They should offer transparency into their quality and safety protocol and undergo third-party testing to ensure your dog is consuming food and treats that are safe and correctly labelled. 

PetHonesty Products That Contain Vitamin D For Dogs

PetHonesty products are formulated with safety in mind. Our 10-for-1 Multivitamin and Advanced Multivitamins Chews contain Vitamin D in a quantity that’s safe for your pet to consume. They also make it so simple to ensure your dog is getting all the nutrients he needs to support his body. Both products combine the most essential daily nutrients with additional support from probiotics and other immune system support to help your pet feel his best each and every day! Talk to your Vet about adding these multivitamins to your dog’s diet to ensure he’s consuming plenty of Vitamin D to support strong bones, immune system health and more! 

Sources:

https://dogtime.com/dog-health/dog-food-dog-nutrition/90904-can-dogs-take-vitamin-d-safe

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/vitamin-d-poisoning-in-dogs

https://www.dvm360.com/view/the-importance-of-vitamin-d-in-canine-health

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/vitamin-d-poisoning-in-dogs

https://www.thesprucepets.com/vitamin-d-poisoning-in-dogs-4771518