The name vitamin E stands for a group of fat-soluble vitamins (tocotrienols and tocopherols), the best-known form of which is called alpha-tocopherol. An appropriate supply of vitamin E is very important for dogs, just as it is for humans.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant, meaning that it protects the cells in the dog's body from free radicals. Apart from that, it is assumed that vitamin E can contribute to a normal memory function and a reduction in inflammatory reactions, as well as counteracting calcification of the arteries. Last but not least, vitamin E is also important for the skin and is therefore very often added in cosmetic products. Furthermore, it can be used to naturally preserve dog food.
Vitamin E is found primarily in plant-based foods. Nuts and various vegetable oils such as sunflower, rapeseed and wheat germ oil have a high content of the antioxidant. Animal products are generally very low in vitamin E.
However, the fact that many vegetable oils contain a lot of vitamin E should not lead you to pour them over the dog's food in the bowl. This has no benefit for your four-legged friend and at most leads to your dog getting diarrhea or mushy excrements.
A vitamin E deficiency usually only becomes apparent after a prolonged time. The consequences of an inadequate supply of vitamin E include circulatory disorders and a weakened immune system. In the long run, problems such as dry skin and a reduction of muscle and nerve functions can also occur.
An oversupply of vitamin E can certainly have side effects which manifest themselves in digestive problems such as diarrhoea and impaired blood clotting. However, you usually don't have to worry about that, because an oversupply only occurs if you give your dog vitamin E as a nutritional supplement in very high doses.
The vitamin E which is contained in the animal's food does not lead to problems and is important to meet the daily requirement of the dog so that there are no deficiency symptoms.
As you can see, even little thought of nutrients such as vitamin E are vital to your dog's health and well-being. A lack of vitamin E can have various consequences, such as weakening of the animal's immune system and skin problems.
Since an oversupply can also trigger undesirable side effects, you should refrain from giving your dog additional vitamin E in high doses in the hope of potential health benefits.
If you feed your dog a high-quality dog food like the varieties in the Bellfor range, you can be sure that it contains sufficient vitamin E as well as all the other essential nutrients to meet its daily needs.
In addition, you will find a large selection of natural food supplements with which you can provide your dog with additional vitamins and minerals if necessary. The preparations were developed by us in close cooperation with veterinarians, so that you can rely on a high level of effectiveness and good digestibility.