Understanding Your Pet’s Vitamins (Part 2)
As promised last week, here is the second part of the discussion about your pet’s vitamins. Refer to last week’s column if you missed it for the full discussion on vitamins and your pets. So, the fat soluble vitamins include A, D, E, and K. And the water soluble vitamins include B-complex, C, biotin and folic acid, niacin, and pantothenic acid and choline. Let’s review their functions:
Vitamin A – This fat soluble nutrient helps with bone development. It also maintains a pet’s night vision. It is found in many foods including eggs, fish, and green vegetables. A lack of vitamin A can cause growth retardation, bone and skin disorders, and vision problems.
Vitamin D – Your pet’s body uses sunlight to produce its own vitamin D, a fat soluble vitamin found naturally in egg yolks and fish oils. D promotes healthy bones and teeth while helping the pet absorb calcium and phosphorus. Bone disorders and dental problems plague pets lacking this vitamin.
Vitamin E – Without this fat soluble vitamin, a pet may become depressed, develop bone and muscle weakness, and lose its appetite. Vitamin E, found in cereal grains, egg yolks, and milk is known for its ability to keep body cells from degenerating.