Intro to Vitamin A Deficiency in Dogs
Vitamin A is an essential vitamin for dogs, which means it must be part of their diet in order for your dog to maintain optimal health. Skin, coat, muscles and nerves all require vitamin A for proper function. If a dog does not get enough Vitamin A in their diet, you will first notice that their skin and coat do not look healthy or they may suffer from night blindness. Muscles will deteriorate and your dog will feel weak. Vitamin A is especially important for pregnant females and puppies because growing puppies require it for growth, muscle and neurological development.
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommends that adult dog food provide 5000 IU of Vitamin A per kilogram of food. The most common sources of Vitamin A are liver, fish liver oil and egg yolks, but it can be found in vegetable such as sweet potato, carrots and kale too. Be careful to not give too much Vitamin A because it is a fat-soluble vitamin that can lead to toxicity if you over dose. Providing your dog with a healthy multi-vitamin is a great way to ensure that your dog is receiving all of the vitamins they need in appropriately balanced levels.
Studies
Vitamin A deficiency and alterations in the extracellular matrix.
Effect of maternal vitamin A supplementation on retinol concentration in colostrum.
