Vitamin E for Dogs
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What Is Vitamin E?
Vitamin E is an important nutrient for dogs. It is an essential vitamin, which means that a dog has to get it in their diet because their body can’t make it on its own.
The major forms of vitamin E are called tocopherols. Foods that typically contain high quantities of tocopherols include:
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Seeds
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Vegetable oils including sunflower, safflower, soybean, and wheat germ oil
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Leafy green vegetables
Vitamin E supplements are also routinely added to nutritionally complete and balanced dog foods, both to protect the food from spoiling and as a source of tocopherols for dogs.
Benefits of Vitamin E for Dogs
Vitamin E plays several roles in a dog’s body. Most importantly, it:
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is a major antioxidant that can reduce inflammation throughout the body
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maintains the stability of cell membranes
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is involved in immune function
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is necessary for normal metabolism
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helps regulate blood clotting
Vitamin E is important for your dog’s health—but do not give your dog any supplements, including vitamin E, without consulting your veterinarian. Vitamin E is fat-soluble, which means it can build up within a dog’s body. Adding vitamins or minerals to your dog's diet when they’re not needed can lead to nutritional excesses or imbalances.
Vitamin E Deficiency in Dogs
Vitamin E deficiency isn’t common in dogs who eat a nutritionally complete and balanced dog food. When it does develop, it can result in clinical signs like:
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Inflammation and breakdown of muscle, fat, and other tissues, which can lead to pain and the formation of abnormal lumps
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Muscle weakness
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Difficulty reproducing
Talk to your veterinarian if your dog is eating a home-prepared or unusual diet, or has any of the symptoms associated with a vitamin E deficiency.
Vitamin E Dosage for Dogs
If your veterinarian suspects that a dog is deficient in vitamin E, they can run blood work to check their levels.
If they’re low, the vet may prescribe a supplement, then recommend the appropriate dose based on the results of the test and the specifics of the dog’s case.
Veterinarians also frequently recommend vitamin E for dogs who are diagnosed with health problems like:
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Coat and skin problems like allergic dermatitis, dermatomyositis, and discoid lupus erythematosus
The correct dose of vitamin E depends on the condition being treated and the specifics of the dog’s case. Always follow your veterinarian’s instructions or the directions printed on the vitamin label.
Best Vitamin E Supplements
In some cases, a veterinarian may recommend over-the-counter vitamin E capsules meant for human use, but products designed specifically for dogs that combine several types of supplements can be especially beneficial.
Your veterinarian will recommend the best product for your dog, but good options include:
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Vitamin E for arthritis: Vetoquinol Flexadin Advanced with UCII Collagen Soft Chews Joint Supplement for Dogs & Cats
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Vitamin E for allergic skin disease: Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Skin Care Soft Chew Supplement for Dogs
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A multivitamin that is a good source of vitamin E: Pet-Tabs Plus Vitamin-Mineral Dog Supplement
Vitamin E Food for Dogs
Dog foods that comply with Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) regulations contain more than enough vitamin E to meet the needs of healthy dogs and puppies.
Dog foods that are intended to help manage conditions that benefit from extra vitamin E often contain more, as well as other beneficial vitamins and supplements for dogs. For example:
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Dog food for dry, itchy skin: Purina ONE +Plus Adult Skin & Coat Formula Dry Dog Food
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Dog food to support joints: Blue Buffalo True Solutions Mobility Care Formula Dry Dog Food
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Dog food to promote brain function: Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Neurocare Dry Dog Food
FAQs About Vitamin E and Dogs
Does vitamin E help with dog warts?
There is no evidence that vitamin E helps with dog warts (papillomas). Some types of dog warts go away on their own, so applying vitamin E may look effective even though it played no role in the dog’s healing.
Does vitamin E stop itching in dogs?
Vitamin E can help improve itching in dogs, usually in combination with other appropriate treatments. Allergies, infections, contact with irritants, and parasites (fleas or mange mites, for example) are common causes of itching that require direct treatment.
Does coconut oil contain vitamin E?
Coconut oil contains a small amount of vitamin E, but other types of oils, including sunflower, safflower, soybean, and wheat germ oil, are better sources.