How do dogs and cats obtain vitamin D?

How do dogs and cats obtain vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a very important nutrient for the health of dogs and cats, as it allows the correct mineralisation and maintenance of bones, teeth and cartilage by acting on the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus through its action on the kidneys, bones and intestine. It is also involved in growth, the functioning of the nervous system and the strengthening of the immune system.

The main types of vitamin D are:

* Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol), this type is usually produced by plants, fungi exposed to the sun and some invertebrates.

* Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), this type of vitamin D is produced in the skin of mammals (including humans) when exposed to the sun.

Although dogs and cats are mammals, a key aspect of vitamin D production is that as carnivores, they have a very low cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D, almost insignificant to meet their daily vitamin D requirements. The reason for this is that their skin has a low concentration of 7-dehydrocholesterol which is the precursor of vitamin D.

For the reason mentioned above, carnivores obtain vitamin D (specifically D3) through their diet, from vitamin D3 pre-formed in the tissues of their prey. However, our pets do not only feed on their prey as their ancestors did but also on the food we provide them with. That is why it is essential to know the sources of vitamin D in the food of our beloved furry friends.

Natural foods that contain high levels of vitamin D are fatty fish such as tuna, horse mackerel, salmon and sardines, as well as liver and offal from other animals and eggs. On the other hand, commercial pet foods contain a supply of vitamin D, so with a complete and balanced food your pet will not need additional supplementation. If you are feeding your pet a BARF diet, the professional who prepares it should indicate the foods used and the appropriate proportions to meet the daily vitamin D requirements.

When deciding which food to feed your beloved dog or cat, take into account the nutritional information provided by the manufacturer, whether you give him natural food prepared by you, commercial pet food or a BARF diet (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diet is an alternative raw diet type for adult dogs that consists of raw meat, bones, vegetables, & fruits (prepared by a professional, make sure you are offering a quality balanced diet that provides enough nutrients, protein, vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus to meet the daily requirements for the healthy development of your puppy and that can provide a long life of well-being.

Because dogs and cats obtain vitamin D from their diet, it is not necessary for them to be exposed to the sun to maintain adequate levels. However, if your pet enjoys sunbathing, consider applying sunscreen to the most exposed areas such as the nose and ears to avoid possible dermatological damage caused by UV radiation.

It is important to note that vitamin D deficiency has been linked to various health problems such as alterations in calcium metabolism, congestive heart failure, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), allergies, obesity, hypertension, autoimmune diseases and diabetes. On the other hand, excessive consumption can cause hypercalcaemia and other ailments such as vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, loss of appetite, weakness, lethargy, polydipsia, depression and polyuria and even acute renal failure and soft tissue mineralisation in very severe cases, resulting in various musculoskeletal alterations and jaw and teeth deformities in growing animals.

Due to the high impact of vitamin D on the health of dogs and cats, it is essential to take care of their diet so as not to cause hypovitaminosis (deficiency) as in the case of some vegetarian feeding regimes for animals or the opposite case, which would be hypervitaminosis (excess) for example diets rich in fish and fish oils.

This is why it is essential to always consult your veterinarian before giving your pet any dietary supplement. Your vet will check the vitamin D levels in the blood through a Vitamin D test for dogs and will determine if any deficiency is necessary and indicate the correct dosage. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and avoid the risk of nutritional excesses or deficiencies that can affect your puppy’s health.

In addition to good nutrition to ensure your pet is getting all the nutrients for complete health and well-being, daily exercise is very important and will stimulate bone and muscle development, reduce stress, help maintain a healthy weight and raise your furry friend’s happiness levels!