Dogs need vitamin E, among other things, to maintain normal metabolism, hormonal function, nervous system function, and immune defenses, and also for growth and development. It is important for skin wellbeing as well. A dog cannot produce vitamin E on its own, so it must be obtained through the diet.
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and a powerful antioxidant in the body, helping to protect cell membranes from damage. Many skin problems may be linked to low-grade inflammation in the body, and antioxidant vitamin E helps fight against that. Antioxidants help the body neutralize oxygen compounds that are harmful to cells. Many factors can influence the formation of these harmful oxygen compounds—for example heavy exercise, an unsuitable diet, environmental toxins, heavy metals, or stress. When the body is exposed to these burdens, proper functioning of antioxidant defenses is especially important.
Vitamin E tackles inflammation
Vitamin E’s effectiveness has been shown in many inflammatory diseases, including skin, eye, joint, and neurological conditions. Many inflammatory conditions are associated with low-grade inflammation in the body. These include, for example, various problems caused by excessive skin dryness, as well as joint issues and heavy physical strain. The need for antioxidants and vitamin E increases with an active metabolism and therefore, for example, with intense physical exertion. Thus, the diets of sporting dogs under heavy strain, as well as hunting and working dogs, should contain sufficient vitamin E to ensure performance and recovery. In addition, pregnant and lactating dogs have an increased need for vitamin E.
The role of vitamin E in skin problems
Vitamin E supports the wellbeing of skin and coat. Vitamin E nourishes the skin and coat. On the other hand, a deficiency of this same vitamin can lead to dry skin, dandruff formation, dermatitis, and even skin lesions. Vitamin E has been scientifically shown to improve the clinical condition of dermatology patients: skin changes such as skin lesions, redness, skin thickening, and hair loss decreased in dogs that received vitamin E in studies.
Especially in winter, dogs’ skin and paws are under heavy stress. Dry indoor air dries the skin, and in freezing temperatures paws suffer from cold snow and ice. Dogs that swim a lot may also experience skin issues.
Atopic dermatitis is a typical example of a skin problem caused by oxidative stress, and as many as one in ten dogs suffer from it. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. The development of dermatitis is influenced by hereditary factors, weaknesses in the skin’s defense system, structural damage to the skin, bacterial flora, and the extent of cell membrane damage. Vitamin E is an effective antioxidant for dogs, meaning it protects cells from oxidation, strengthens the immune system, and thereby increases resistance against infections. Vitamin E soothes atopic skin.
Skin under oxidative stress
Skin is the body’s largest organ: the skin, coat, and dermis make up 24% of a newborn puppy’s weight and 12% of an adult dog’s body weight. Skin is continuously exposed to an oxidizing environment, including air pollutants, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, oxidizing substances released as a result of normal metabolism, parasites, and aerobic microorganisms.
Oxidative stress, or an imbalance between free radicals and natural antioxidant defense systems, can lead to damage in skin cells. Vitamin E protects the outer layers of the skin, among other things, from UV radiation–induced photodamage by combining antioxidant properties with UV-absorbing properties.
Nutritional antioxidants such as vitamins E and C, carotenoids such as beta-carotene, and the mineral selenium are essential antioxidants that prevent the progression of free radical reactions. In addition, vitamin E is a significant component of sebum, which is continuously secreted and transported to the upper layers of the skin.
Vitamin E and atopic skin
In a study on canine atopic skin* (Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent), the aim was to determine the effect of eight weeks of vitamin E supplementation on clinical response in dogs with atopic dermatitis. The study included 29 dogs with atopic dermatitis. Fourteen dogs received vitamin E (8.1 IU/kg once daily orally) and 15 received mineral oil as a placebo (orally). All dogs were also treated with an antihistamine. In the group that received vitamin E, significant changes affecting skin condition and healing were observed compared with the control group.
The results of this study support supplementing vitamin E for dogs with atopic dermatitis.
The result** also suggests that oxidative stress and increased rancidity (oxidation) of body fats together may be involved in the development of atopic dermatitis in dogs.
According to another study,*** oxidative stress, or an imbalance between the body’s antioxidant defense system, likely influences the development of skin diseases.
According to this study, adding vitamin E to the diets of dogs and cats increases serum and skin vitamin E levels and thus improved skin condition and protective capacity. Studies indicate that adding vitamin E to the diet of a dog suffering from atopic skin reduces symptoms within just a few weeks.
New CDGE natural vitamin E for dogs, 27,90 €
Nutritional effects
Omega fatty acids are known for their inflammation-modulating properties and for nourishing the skin from within. However, as fat intake increases, the need for vitamin E also increases, because vitamin E as an antioxidant prevents fats from oxidizing, i.e., becoming “rancid.” That is why dosing fatty acids and vitamin E goes hand in hand.
It is important to ensure sufficient vitamin E intake, whether a dog is fed home-cooked food, a raw diet, or commercially produced food. The vitamin E in commercial dog food often does not absorb efficiently enough. The more animal-based ingredients a food contains, the less natural vitamin E it typically contains. For this reason, dogs on a raw diet generally do not get enough vitamin E from their food, because vitamin E is formed only in plant- and grain-based nutritional sources. Especially active dogs on a raw diet are a risk group for vitamin E deficiency. In nature, vitamin E is highest in plant oils such as sunflower and wheat germ oil, in whole grains, and in nuts.
Sources:
Oxidative stress markers in canine atopic dermatitis **
Effects of Serum Vitamin E Levels on Skin Vitamin E Levels in Dogs and Cats ***
