Vitamin E for Dogs

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: 

• Nuts 

• Seeds 

• Vegetable oils including sunflower, safflower, soybean, and wheat germ oil 

• Leafy green vegetables  

• Eggs 

• Fish, such as salmon or trout 

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: 

• is a major antioxidant that can reduce inflammation throughout the body 

• maintains the stability of cell membranes 

• is involved in immune function 

• is necessary for normal metabolism 

• 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: 

• Inflammation and breakdown of muscle, fat, and other tissues, which can lead to pain and the formation of abnormal lumps 

• Muscle weakness 

• Lethargy 

• Neurologic dysfunction 

• Poor vision 

• 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:   

• Osteoarthritis  

• Coat and skin problems like allergic dermatitis, dermatomyositis, and discoid lupus erythematosus 

• Canine cognitive dysfunction 

• Liver disease 

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: 

• Vitamin E for arthritis: Vetoquinol Flexadin Advanced with UCII Collagen Soft Chews Joint Supplement for Dogs & Cats 

• Vitamin E for allergic skin disease: Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Skin Care Soft Chew Supplement for Dogs 

• 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: 

• Dog food for dry, itchy skin: Purina ONE +Plus Adult Skin & Coat Formula Dry Dog Food 

• Dog food to support joints: Blue Buffalo True Solutions Mobility Care Formula Dry Dog Food 

• Dog food to promote brain function: Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Neurocare Dry Dog Food