6 Nutrient & Vitamin Deficiencies in Dogs + Symptoms to Look For | Pupford

Nutrition is a cornerstone for our four-legged companions' well-being and vitality. Like humans, a balanced diet is pivotal for dogs to thrive. Despite our best intentions, nutrient and vitamin deficiencies can still arise, impacting the health of our beloved pets.

In this blog post, we unravel the most prevalent nutrient and vitamin deficiencies in dogs, focusing on protein, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron, and calcium. Understanding these deficiencies and their symptoms is paramount to ensuring the optimal health and longevity of our canine companions.

Table of Contents:

1. Protein
2. Vitamin A
3. Vitamin D
4. Vitamin B12
5. Iron
6. Calcium

Protein

Proteins serves as the fundamental building blocks of life, essential for muscle development, tissue repair, and overall growth in dogs. A protein deficiency can lead to a plethora of health issues, including muscle wasting, weakness, compromised immune function, and poor coat quality.

While most commercial dog foods contain adequate levels of protein, factors such as low-quality ingredients or improperly balanced diets can contribute to protein deficiency in dogs. It is imperative to ensure that your dog's diet is rich in high-quality protein sources such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy. Moreover, consulting with a veterinarian or canine nutritionist can provide invaluable guidance in addressing and preventing protein deficiency in dogs.

Our Freeze Dried Training Treats are the perfect way to make sure your pup is getting protein in during your training sessions. Compared to other treats on the market, our treats have 3x more protein, whereas others have 3x more moisture - making them messy and not as long-lasting. 

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is pivotal in maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs. A deficiency in this essential vitamin can manifest as night blindness, dry and flaky skin, a compromised immune response, and other symptoms.

While dogs can obtain vitamin A from various food sources such as liver, eggs, and certain fruits and vegetables, inadequate intake or poor absorption can lead to deficiency.

Incorporating vitamin A-rich foods into your dog's diet and ensuring proper absorption through balanced nutrition is crucial for preventing vitamin A deficiency. Additionally, regular veterinary check-ups can help monitor your dog's vitamin A levels and address any deficiencies promptly.

Looking for ways to add vitamin A to your dog’s diet? Here are three Pupford products we would recommend!

Sweet Potato Jerky

Freeze Dried Beef Liver Training Treats

Salmon Jerky Treats

Learn the basics of dog nutrition from Dr. Greg Sunvold Ph.D in Nutritional Science with our free video course. Sign up here!

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is vital for calcium absorption, bone health, and immune function in dogs. A deficiency in vitamin D can result in weakened bones, skeletal deformities, and impaired immune response. Unlike humans who can synthesize vitamin D through sun exposure, dogs primarily rely on dietary sources for their vitamin D needs.

Factors such as limited sunlight exposure, dietary inadequacy, or certain medical conditions can contribute to vitamin D deficiency in dogs. Ensuring that your dog receives adequate exposure to sunlight and providing vitamin D-rich foods such as fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified dog foods can help prevent deficiency. Regular monitoring of vitamin D levels through blood tests can also aid in the early detection and management of deficiency in dogs.

The Pupford Freeze Dried Training Treats in Salmon and Beef Liver are an excellent source of Vitamin D for your pups!

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is crucial for energy metabolism, nervous system function, and red blood cell production in dogs. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to fatigue, weakness, neurological abnormalities, and anemia. While dogs can synthesize some B vitamins in their gut, vitamin B12 must be obtained from dietary sources.

Factors such as malabsorption disorders, gastrointestinal diseases, or a diet lacking in vitamin B12 can contribute to deficiency. Including sources of vitamin B12 in your dog's diet, such as meat, liver, fish, and fortified foods, is essential for preventing deficiency and promoting overall health. Regular veterinary assessments can help identify underlying causes of B12 deficiency and tailor treatment strategies accordingly.

Did you know chicken and turkey are both rich in vitamin B12? Shop our favorite poultry products here!

Chicken Jerky

Turkey Tendon Chews

Freeze Dried Turkey & Veggies Training Treats

Iron

Iron is essential for the formation of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to tissues and organs in the body. An iron deficiency can result in anemia, lethargy, weakness, and pale gums in dogs.

While dogs typically require less dietary iron than humans, certain factors such as blood loss, poor absorption, or inadequate intake can lead to deficiency. Including iron-rich foods such as lean meats, organ meats, eggs, and dark leafy greens in your dog's diet can help prevent iron deficiency and support optimal health.

Additionally, addressing underlying health conditions such as gastrointestinal disorders or parasitic infections is crucial for preventing and managing iron deficiency in dogs. Regular veterinary consultations and blood tests can aid in monitoring your dog's iron levels and adjusting their diet or treatment plan as needed.

Shop our favorite products packed with iron and other essential nutrients:

Chicken Hearts

Steak Strips

Calcium

Calcium plays a vital role in maintaining healthy bones, teeth, and muscle function in dogs. A calcium deficiency can lead to skeletal abnormalities, poor bone development, and muscle tremors.

While calcium is abundant in many dog foods, factors such as improper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, excessive supplementation, or certain medical conditions can disrupt calcium balance in dogs.

Providing a balanced diet that meets your dog's calcium needs and consulting with a veterinarian for guidance on supplementation is essential for preventing calcium deficiency and supporting bone health. Regular veterinary assessments can help monitor your dog's calcium levels and ensure that their dietary needs are adequately met to prevent deficiency and promote overall well-being.

Looking for the perfect healthy snack that provides your dog with calcium, protein, AND vitamins A & B12? Shop our cheddar and gouda crunchies!

Nutrient & Vitamin Deficiencies in Dogs Recap

Nutrient and vitamin deficiencies can significantly impact the health and quality of life of our canine companions. By recognizing the importance of key nutrients such as protein, vitamins A, D, and B12, iron, and calcium, we can take proactive measures to ensure that our dogs receive a balanced and nutritious diet.

Whether through high-quality commercial dog foods or homemade meals, prioritizing nutrient-rich ingredients and seeking guidance from veterinary professionals can help address and prevent nutrient deficiencies, allowing our furry friends to thrive and live their best lives for years to come.

We strive to ensure all of our products are not only loved by pups, but also loved by pup parents knowing they are giving their beloved companion something they can feel good about. Shop our full line of products today at Pupford.com!

Learn the basics of dog nutrition from Dr. Greg Sunvold Ph.D in Nutritional Science with our free video course. Sign up here!