Vitamins

A, B, C, D, E and yet it's not the alphabet!

Index

You can select the Vitamin you are interested in below or you can simply read them all! I have listed what the body needs the various vitamins for, how much a body needs, what food contains the various vitamins and also what happens in cases of overdose or deficiency of the given substance.


Vitamin A

What is it for?

  1. vision and eyes - general vision and night vision in particular
  2. health of the skin - helps to keep the skin smooth and retain moisture
  3. the healthy development of catilage (joints)
  4. immune system
How much is enough - how much is too much? [according to AAFCO and EU]
  1. the recommended dose is 75 I.E. - that is 22.5µg - per kilo (kg) of body weight, that is 10µg per pound (lb)
  2. Vitamin A is not a water soluable Vitamin, therefore it should be consumed together with some form of fat
  3. toxicity leading to severe health problems can be observed with doses of 175µg per kg body weight - that is 80µg per pound (lb)
  4. toxicity is certain with doses of 1100µg per kg body weight - 500µg per pound (lb)
What happens in cases of a deficiency?
  1. due to the fact that Vitamin A can be stored in the liver and dogs (not cats!) as well as people can synthesize it from beta-carotene and other substances
  2. diminished night vision is an early indication of a Vitamin A deficiency
  3. a drying of the skin, especially the mucous membranes which include the cornea of the eye show a serious Vitamin A sufficiency - due to the drying of skin and membranes the cornea of the eye will also dry out and with time "plaque-like" particles will built up within the eye and lead to significant loss of vision and in extreme cases blindness, while other membranes other than the cornea are effected the damged there is the most severe
  4. weakening of the immune system
  5. skin changes at the base of hair follicles (->hypokeratosis)
  6. build-up of residue in the upper respiratory system and the bladder
  7. Vitamin A deficiency during pregnancy and lactation/breast feeding can have severe effects on the puppies and fetuses
What happens in cases of overdose?
  1. beta-carotene is usually believed to be non-toxic, but neither is it terribly healthy in doses significantly larger than the recommended dose
  2. acute Vitamin A poisoning (see above) can lead to liver failure
  3. chronic overdosing may have the following symptoms:
    • hair loss
    • drying of the mucous membranes
    • fever
    • insommnia
    • fatigue
    • weight loss
    • bone fractures
    • Anemia
    • diarrhoea
    • a connection between low mineral content in the bones and chronic Vitamin A overdoses are suspected
Which foods contain Vitamin A? (this is not an exclusive list, only a few examples of common products)
  1. only meat or other animal products contain "pure" Vitamin A, all vegetables and fruit contain beta-carotene or similar which can be synthesized by the body into Vitamin A
  2. Vegetables:
    • carrots
    • brokkoli
    • sweet potatoes
    • kale/cabbage
    • vegetables with green leaves (e.g. dandelion, nettles, rose hips, water cress, spinach, salat, algae, etc)
    • pumpkin
    • peas
    • beet root
    • winter squash/butternuts
  3. Fruits:
    • apricots
    • papaya
    • mango
    • cantaloupe melon
    • elder berries
  4. Animal and Dairy Products:
    • liver (no matter what animal they originate from)
    • butter
    • cheese (all varieties)
    • milk (cows milk, goat milk, etc)

Vitamin B

There are eight different types of Vitamin B. At one point there were believed to be a lot more B-Vitamins. Those have all been dismissed for one reason or other. So the one's that remain aren't really in sequence.
These are the ones that are left and currently believed to fulfill one function or other
  • B1, also known as thiamine
  • B2, also known as riboflavin
  • B3, also known as niacin, nicotinic acid, nicotinamide
  • B5, also known as pantothenic acid
  • B6, also known as pyridoxine
  • B7, also known as biotin, Vitamin H
  • B9, also known as folic acid
  • B12, also known as cobalamin


Vitamin B1

What is it for?
  1. important in fat and Carbohydrate metabolism; important for efficient neuron function
  2. due to it's metabolism supporting properties it is essential for healthy growth and neural and muscle development
  3. stored and used primarily in muscle tissue
How much is enough - how much is too much? [according to AAFCO and EU]
  1. the recommended dose is 20 µg per kg body weight - that translates into 9 µg per pound (lb) of body weight
  2. due to the fact that thiamine cannot be stored in the body and the body stops absorbing significantly more than is requires overdosing is almost impossible
  3. intake of significantly less of the recommended dose or slightly less over a prolonged period of time will lead to deficiency symptoms
What happens in cases of a deficiency?
  1. neurodegeneration and damage to the central nervous system in cases of chronic deficiency manifesting itself in:
    • fatigue
    • lack of energy
    • digestive problems
    • muscle degeneration/muscles weakness
  2. acute deficiency manifests itself in:
    • seizures
    • paralysis
    • too acidy blood leading to heart problem
  3. in dogs eating of feces can be a sign of Vitamin B deficiency
Which foods contain Vitamin B1? (this is not an exclusive list, only a few examples of common products)
  1. plant sources
    • algae
    • nettles
    • dandelion
    • soy
    • buckwheat
    • oat/oat meal
    • green peas
    • spinach
    • bananas
  2. animal sources
    • pork muscle meat
    • pork heart
    • beef heart
    • liver
  3. miscellaneous sources
    • yeast/brewers yeast
    • egg

Vitamin B2

What is it for?
  1. important in fat and Carbohydrate metabolism; important for efficient neuron function
  2. influences the cell regeneration
  3. has an influence on vision
How much is enough - how much is too much? [according to AAFCO and EU]
  1. the recommended dose is 50 µg per kg body weight - that translates into 22 µg per pound (lb) of body weight
  2. due to the fact that riboflavin cannot be stored in the body and the body stops absorbing significantly more than is requires overdosing is almost impossible
  3. intake of significantly less of the recommended dose or slightly less over a prolonged period of time will lead to deficiency symptoms
What happens in cases of a deficiency?
  1. effects the mucous membranes
    • cracked lips, inflammed lips
    • ulcers in the mouth
    • inflammed or dry tongue
    • dry, cracked mucous membranes throughout the body
    • infections of the genitalia
  2. iron-deficiency Anemia
  3. effect on the eys (the cornea is a type of mucous membrane), dry eyes, watery eyes, red and possibly inflammed eyes
  4. in chronic cases:
    • growth abnormalities
    • weakness
    • loss of coordination
  5. in especially severe cases:
    • opaque cornea
    • cataracts
    • hair-loss
    • liver and kidney failure
Which foods contain Vitamin B2? (this is not an exclusive list, only a few examples of common products)
  1. fruit
    • bananas
    • okra
    • elderberry
  2. vegetables
    • asperagus
    • chard
    • dandelion
    • nettle
  3. animal products
    • cottage cheese
    • milk
    • yoghurt
    • eggs
    • fish
    • liver
    • kidney
    • heart
    • meat (all animals)
    • lung
  4. miscellaneous
    • yeast
    • algae
    • mushrooms

Vitamin B3

What is it for?
  1. important in fat, protein and Carbohydrate metabolism; important for efficient neuron function
  2. skin regeneration
  3. DNA degeneration/formation
  4. muscle and neuron functioning
  5. cellular respiration
  6. necessary for oxygen transport in the body
How much is enough - how much is too much? [according to AAFCO and EU]
  1. the recommended dose is 200 µg per kg body weight - that translates into 90 µg per pound (lb) of body weight
  2. depends to some extend on the amount of protein intake
  3. due to the fact that niacin cannot be stored in the body and the body stops absorbing significantly more than is requires overdosing is almost impossible
  4. intake of significantly less of the recommended dose or slightly less over a prolonged period of time will lead to deficiency symptoms
What happens in cases of a deficiency?
  1. skin problems
    • redening of the skin
    • itching
    • rashes
  2. digestion problems (insufficient digestion -> nutritional deficiency)
  3. liver failure or less serious liver problems
  4. heart problems
  5. problems with the nervous system
  6. mouth ulcers
  7. first signs of deficiency are usually:
    • lack of appetite
    • skin rashes
    • diarrhoea
Which foods contain Vitamin B3? (this is not an exclusive list, only a few examples of common products)
  1. dogs can better synthezise and thereby use Vitamin B3 from animal sources
  2. animal products
    • liver
    • heart
    • kidney
    • chicken
    • beef
    • fish
  3. fruits
  4. elderberries
    • dates
  5. vegetables
    • leaf vegetables
    • broccoli
    • carrots
    • sweet potatoes
    • asparagus
  6. miscellaneous
    • nuts
    • whole grain products
    • mushrooms
    • (brewer's) yeast
    • milk
    • eggs
    • algae

Vitamin B5

What is it for?
  1. important in fat, protein and Carbohydrate metabolism; important for efficient neuron function
  2. cellular respiration
  3. "detoxifying" of the body is supported by this Vitamin
  4. synthesis of fatty acids like cholesterol and acetylcholine
How much is enough - how much is too much? [according to AAFCO and EU]
  1. the recommended dose is 200 µg per kg body weight - that translates into 90 µg per pound (lb) of body weight
  2. due to the fact that pantothenic acid is believed to be rarely stored in the body overdosing is unusual
  3. intake of significantly less of the recommended dose or slightly less over a prolonged period of time will lead to deficiency symptoms
What happens in cases of a deficiency?
  1. deficiency is believed to be extremely rare and all symptoms are believed to be reveresable by supplying the body with Vitamin B5
  2. other symptoms are similar to those for other Vitamin B deficiencies
    • fatigue
    • allergies
    • nausea
    • abdominal cramps
    • blunt hair/coat
  3. Anemia has been reported as a possible result of deficiency
What happens in cases of a overdose?
  1. possibly digestive problems - though this is extremely rare and not well documented
Which foods contain Vitamin B5? (this is not an exclusive list, only a few examples of common products)
  1. fruit
    • melon
  2. vegetables
    • nettles
    • dandelion
  3. animal sources
    • liver
    • kidney
    • eggs
    • chicken
    • heart
    • brain
    • fish
    • meat
    • tripe/green tripe (humans would most likely refuse to eat green tripe but dogs seem to have different preferences in that regard)
  4. miscellaneous
    • yeast (all types including Brewer's Yeast)
    • algae
    • mushrooms
    • rye
    • wholemeal flour/produce
    • oatmeal

Vitamin B6

What is it for?
  1. assists the sodium and potassium balance in the body
  2. promotes the production of red blood cells
  3. will lessen the occurance of skin problems such as dandruft and rashes
  4. required for the production of various neurotransmitters (chemicals in the brain)
  5. supports the immune system
  6. assists protein metabolism
How much is enough - how much is too much? [according to AAFCO and EU]
  1. the recommended dose is 20 µg per kg body weight - that translates into 9 µg per pound (lb) of body weight
  2. overdose and deficiency are very rare; no specific values are known to the best of my knowledge
What happens in cases of a deficiency?
  1. deficiency is extremely rare as small amounts can be stored in the body when needed but not usually to an extend that might have possible harmful effects on the body
  2. if it does occur the symptoms are ambigous, they can be:
    • fatigue
    • inflammations on mucous membranes, especially in the mouth
  3. in extreme cases the following symtoms can be observed:
    • Anemia
    • problems that can be attributed to neural deficencies in the brain
    • inadequate absorption of minerals by the body
What happens in cases of overdose?
  1. in rare cases serious and lasting problems with the central nervous system have been absorbed
  2. paralysis has also been suggested as a possible symptom
Which foods contain Vitamin B6? (this is not an exclusive list, only a few examples of common products)
  1. plant sources
    • dendelion
    • elderberry
    • garlic (to be used with caution in dog food!)
    • millet
    • nettle
    • buck wheat
    • soy
  2. animal sources
    • shellfish
    • fish
    • liver
    • chicken
  3. miscellaneous
    • yeast
    • algae


Vitamin B7 also known as Vitamin H

What is it for?

  1. cell growth
  2. metabolism of fats and amino acids
  3. cell respiration
  4. assists the carbon dioxide elimination
  5. regulate blood sugar levels
  6. assists the production of carbohydrates from fats and proteins
  7. assists the growth and conditioning of hair/coat
  8. biotin is a substance that is fairly unknown in terms of uptake, use and other factors
How much is enough - how much is too much? [according to AAFCO and EU]
  1. the recommended dose is 2 µg per kg body weight - that translates into 4 µg per pound (lb) of body weight
  2. the body can also synthesize its own biotin
  3. deficiency and overdose levels are unknown or at least uncertain
What happens in cases of a deficiency?
  1. deficiency is very rare
  2. it is suspected that the con sumption of large amounts of raw egg white may lead to biotin deficiency
What happens in cases of overdose?
  1. lack of appetite
  2. fatigue
  3. skin problems
  4. hair loss
Which foods contain Vitamin B7? (this is not an exclusive list, only a few examples of common products)
  1. plant sources
    • chard
    • green, leafy vegetables
    • carrots
    • cucumber
    • cauliflower
    • strawberries
    • raspberries
    • oatmeal
    • soy
  2. animal sources
    • eggs
    • milk
    • fish
    • liver
    • kidney
  3. miscellaneous
    • algae
    • yeast
    • mushrooms
    • mussels


Vitamin B9

What is it for?

  1. production and maintenance of cells (especially important during infancy, early childhood and pregnancy)
  2. helps replicating DNA correctly
  3. ensures the healthy development of a foetus
  4. its cell regeneration abilities help to maintain a healthy heart and circulation
How much is enough - how much is too much? [according to AAFCO and EU]
  1. the recommended dose is 4 µg per kg body weight - that translates into 9 µg per pound (lb) of body weight
  2. folic acid can be synthesized by the body
  3. to my knowledge there is no specific data of overdose and deficiency
What happens in cases of a deficiency?
  1. symptoms usually only appear when problems with wound healing, growth or cell construction has already occured
  2. various cases of coronary heart disease ("heart attack") is suspected to be related to Vitamin B9 deficiency
What happens in cases of overdose?
  1. no symptoms are known
Which foods contain Vitamin B9? (this is not an exclusive list, only a few examples of common products)
  1. plant sources
    • soy
    • dandelion
    • nettle
    • beet root
    • elderberry
    • barley
    • spinach
    • broccoli
    • asperagus
  2. animal sources
    • liver
    • kidney
    • egg
    • tripe
    • heart
  3. miscellaneous
    • yeast
    • algae


Vitamin B12

What is it for?

  1. energy managment within the body
  2. the construction of DNA within newly formed cells
  3. creation of new cells
  4. essential for proper functioning of the brain and central nervous system
  5. essential for the bodys ability to built enzymes
How much is enough - how much is too much? [according to AAFCO and EU]
  1. the recommended dose is 0.5 µg per kg body weight - that translates into 0.2 µg per pound (lb) of body weight
  2. amounts that are supposed to be overdose or deficiency are unknown to me
What happens in cases of a deficiency?
  1. due to the ability of the body to store Vitamin B12 symptoms are ambigous and show only a good while after the deficiency took place; these symptoms are usually severe and irreversible
  2. problems with the neurons within the brain are believed to be a sign of deficiency
  3. myelin decay
What happens in cases of overdose?
  1. no symptoms known
Which foods contain Vitamin B12? (this is not an exclusive list, only a few examples of common products)
  1. animal sources
    • liver
    • kidney
    • heart
    • fish
    • egg
  2. miscellaneous
    • algae
    • yeast
    • mussels


Vitamin C

What is it for?

  1. antioxidant
  2. strengthens and supports the immune system
  3. supports the production of cells and hormones and protects them against "free radicals"
  4. supports the healing process of tissues (not the ones you use to blow your nose)
  5. supports the elimination of toxic substances from the body
How much is enough - how much is too much? [according to AAFCO and EU]
  1. it is almost impossible to make any recommendations for daily intake for dogs. Dogs are able to synthesize Vitamin C themselves which would suggest no Vitamin C supplements are needed. However, Vitamin C also acts as an Antioxidant and as such it makes a lot of sense to supplement some Vitamin C within food. There appears to be a lot of controversy in this regard. I have looked up this issue in severeal (academic) sources and recommendations reach from supplementing no Vitamin C in the form of food at all to supplementing as much Vitamin C as possible. There is also a strong tendency towards recommending something in between. In the end everyone needs to make up his or her own mind about this issue in dog food
What happens in cases of a deficiency?
  1. fatigue
  2. slow healing of wounds
  3. suceptibility for illnesses
  4. mouth ulcers
  5. rheumatoid arthritis
  6. amyotrophia
What happens in cases of overdose?
  1. overdoses are very rare because the body will eliminate excess Vitamin C but that - unfortunately - may also lead to the body loosing minerals it does need
  2. in cases of suplementing large amounts of artifical Vitamin C the antioxidant effect of Vitamin C is believed to be reversed
Which foods contain Vitamin C? (this is not an exclusive list, only a few examples of common products)
  1. plant sources
    • rosehip
    • nettles
    • buckthorn
    • black currants
    • parsley
    • broccoli
    • elderberry
    • dandelion
    • strawberry
    • cauliflower
    • spinach
  2. animal sources
    • spleen
    • lung
    • liver


Vitamin D

What is it for?

  1. essential for bone formation, it works as a hormone regulating the phosphorus-calcium balance
  2. is useful for some aspects of the immune system (anti-cancer activities) and harmful to others (leads to secretion of immunosuppressing hormones)
  3. works as an antioxidant and can preserve fat within the body as well at in food (e.g. oils)
How much is enough - how much is too much? [according to AAFCO and EU]
  1. the recommended dose is 0.25 µg per kg body weight - that translates into 0.1 µg per pound (lb) of body weight
  2. the daily doses should never exceed 1.25 µg per kg body weight - that translates into 0.5 µg per pound (lb) of body weight
  3. daily intake should not be below the recommended dose to avoid deficiency
What happens in cases of a deficiency?
  1. damage to the bones (getting brittle) as phosphorus and calcium within the blood stream are not regulated and hence these minerals are taken from the bones
  2. damage to the nervous system
  3. thyroid deficiency
  4. rickets
What happens in cases of overdose?
  1. too much calcium in the body which, too, leads to brittle bones
  2. calcium residues in the intestines (e.g. "bladder stones")
  3. vomiting
  4. loss of appetite
  5. coronary heart disease
Which foods contain Vitamin D? (this is not an exclusive list, only a few examples of common products)
  1. animal sources>
    • pork
    • fish
    • shellfish
    • egg
    • heart
    • liver
    • butter
    • kidney
  2. plant sources
    • palm oil
  3. miscellaneous
    • mussels
    • mushrooms


Vitamin E

What is it for?

  1. antioxidant - helps to prevent damage of cells by "free radicals"
  2. antioxidant - works to preserve fats within the body and also of other fats (e.g. oils, butter)
  3. supports detoxifying of the body
How much is enough - how much is too much? [according to AAFCO and EU]
  1. the recommended dose is 0.5 mg per kg body weight; in another source I found a recommendation of 1mg per kg of body weight - that translates into 0.2 mg per pound (lb) of body weight; according to another source 0.45mg per pound of body weight
  2. no specific amounts are given that would constitute an overdose or too little
What happens in cases of a deficiency?
  1. disintegration of cells within the body
    • general heart problems
    • coronary heart disease
    • weakness in muscles
    • neural degeneration
  2. problems with the reproductive system
What happens in cases of overdose?
  1. it appears that only extremely large doses can lead to symptoms of overdose - should this occur the symptoms are problems in blood coagulation (blood clotting)
Which foods contain Vitamin E? (this is not an exclusive list, only a few examples of common products)
  1. plant sources
    • wheatgerm oil
    • sunflowerseed oil
    • safflower oil
    • almond oil
    • rapeseed oil/canola oil
    • dandelion
    • nettle
    • elderberry
  2. animal sources
    • fish oil
    • fish
    • egg yolk
  3. miscellaneous
    • yeast


Vitamin K

What is it for?

  1. essetial for synthesis of blood coagulating substances in the liver
  2. essential for healthy bones and teeth by regulating the calcium metabolism
  3. helpful in metabolism in case of a problem with colon bacteria (e.g. through taking antibiotics)
  4. helpful in cases of gall-bladder problems
How much is enough - how much is too much? [according to AAFCO and EU]
  1. the recommended dose is 10 µg per kg body weight; in another source I found a recommendation of 1mg per kg of body weight - that translates into 4.5 µg per pound (lb) of body weight
  2. another source claims there to be no recommended daily allowance of Vitamin
  3. amounts for deficiency or overdose are not known
  4. it is assumed the body has a sufficient supply of Vitamin K more or less "automatically".
What happens in cases of a deficiency?
  1. blood coagulation is reduced
  2. can cause damage to the liver
What happens in cases of overdose?
  1. no symptoms known
Which foods contain Vitamin K? (this is not an exclusive list, only a few examples of common products)
  1. plant sources
    • dandelion
    • nettle
    • garlic (to be used with caution in dogs!)
    • parsley
    • cress
    • elderberry
    • spinach
    • salat
  2. animal sources
    • egg
  3. miscellaneous
    • algae

 

Sources:
  • European Union Directorate-General for Health and Consumer Protection
    • subsection "Animal nutrition and feed safety"
    • subsection "Labeling and Nutrition"
    • subsection "Food safety"
  • the German Federal Ministry of Health
  • the German Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection
  • U.S. Department of Health and Human services
    • subsection "Food and Drug Administration"
  • Association of American Feed Control Officials
  • The Finnish National Public Health Institute - "Fineli"
  • the UK Department of Health
  • the UK Department for Enviornment, Food and Rural Affairs - "defra"

NB: the author does not guarantee the accuracy of this information or accept responsibility for harm caused through it

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