Also known as the “sunshine vitamin”, vitamin D is a nutrient that plays a key role in the body. It is a fat-soluble vitamin that can help regulate the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, ensuring that the bones and teeth stay in a good condition.
While humans might easily get vitamin D through sun exposure, dogs cannot synthesise it effectively from sunlight, so they have to rely on dietary sources for their vitamin D.
Do dogs need vitamin D?
Yes, dogs need vitamin D because it’s vital for their skeletal health. It’s also known to boost their immunity, protecting against certain diseases. Even though they might get some vitamin D from sunlight exposure, the main source of vitamin D for dogs is their food. You will find this in all our main meal dog foods which provide complete nutrition for dogs to stay fit and healthy. However, too much vitamin D can be harmful, so if you think your dog might benefit from vitamin D supplements, it’s crucial that you consult with a vet before changing their diet.
Benefits of vitamin D for dogs
The main function of vitamin D is to regulate your dog’s calcium levels so that they can develop and maintain healthy bones. But that’s not all it does, so here are some more valuable benefits that vitamin D may have:
Immune support
Vitamin D can help with the proper functioning of the immune system, boosting your dog’s ability to fight off infections and diseases.
Healthy muscles
Vitamin D is essential to maintain the right levels of calcium and phosphorus in the body, which helps with muscle growth and proper function.
Improved cognitive function
This important nutrient may also have a role in helping prevent cognitive decline in older dogs.
Cell growth
Vitamin D can help regulate cell growth, a process necessary for the development and maintenance of healthy tissues and organs.
Cardiovascular health
Low levels of vitamin D may be linked to heart disease in dogs; however, excessive supplementation may also increase their risk of heart issues.
Foods that contain vitamin D
All complete dog foods should contain enough vitamin D for your dog. If you want to add in some extra from natural foods, here are some you can use:
- Egg yolks
- Cheese
- Fatty fish (tuna, salmon, mackerel)
- Squash
- Beef
- Liver
- Yogurt
- Mushrooms (shiitake and portobello)
- Oats