Vitamin D Toxicity

Excess Vitamin D

There have been a few recalls of dry kibble foods due high levels of Vitamin D in dog food making dogs very sick or even causing death. It’s a big deal and it keeps happening.

What you need to know

Vitamin D is an important nutrient for dogs, but too much of it can lead to toxicity. This can happen when dry kibble dog food is made with high levels of synthetic Vitamin D, which can accumulate in your dog's system over time. In extreme cases, Vitamin D toxicity can lead to serious health problems such as kidney failure, digestive issues, and even death.

If you are caught up in one of the Recalls or believe your dog may be suffering from Vitamin D Toxicity, stop feeding the food your dog is on. Consult your vet and find a new recipe for fresh foods.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. This means that it dissolves in fats and oils, and can be stored in the body's fatty tissues. Unlike water-soluble vitamins, which are not stored in the body and need to be replenished regularly, fat-soluble vitamins can accumulate in the body over time and reach toxic levels if consumed in excessive amounts. This is why it's important to be mindful of your dog's Vitamin D intake.

Symptoms of Vitamin D toxicity can include vomiting, loss of appetite, excessive thirst and urination, weight loss, and muscle weakness. In severe cases, Vitamin D toxicity can lead to life-threatening complications, such as kidney failure.

Natural Sources of Vitamin D

There are a number of natural foods that can provide Vitamin D to your dog, including fatty fish, fish oils, liver, eggs, and dairy products. When making homemade foods we need to monitor the sources of our vitamins and minerals and keep portions in check. But you need to also really think about how much of each vitamin does a particular food provide.

Example: Liver is a rich source of Vitamin D, along with other essential vitamins and minerals. The exact amount of Vitamin D in liver can vary depending on the type of liver, the species of animal it comes from, and other factors.

In general, beef liver is generally considered to be a good source of Vitamin D, with a 3-ounce serving providing around 12.5 micrograms of Vitamin D, which is over half of the recommended daily intake for adult dogs. Chicken liver, on the other hand, is a less rich source of Vitamin D, with a 3-ounce serving providing around 4 micrograms. That’s a significant variance! It’s why we recommend rotating your food selections and monitoring your liver intake to around 5% of your total diet (including liver treats)

However, it's worth noting that Vitamin D toxicity is much more likely to occur with synthetic Vitamin D supplements or with dog food that is fortified with high levels of synthetic Vitamin D. When feeding a fresh food diet, you can avoid this risk by using natural sources of Vitamin D and by consulting with a veterinarian to determine the right balance of nutrients for your dog.

The amount of Vitamin D that a dog needs in their diet depends on several factors, including their age, size, and overall health. Generally, the recommended daily intake of Vitamin D for dogs is around 5 to 10 international units (IU) per kilogram of body weight, and it gets a little complicated to figure out how much is in an ounce of food. However, this is just a general guideline and your dog's individual needs may vary.

It's always best to consult with a veterinarian or nutritionist to determine the right amount of Vitamin D for your dog, as they can take into account any health conditions, dietary restrictions, and other factors that may affect your dog's Vitamin D needs. They can also recommend a balanced diet that provides the right amount of Vitamin D, along with other essential nutrients, to support your dog's overall health and well-being.

When making homemade foods, you’ll need to do a little math & research to make sure you are in the right range of vitamins and minerals based on the food ingredients you choose to feed.

In general, a good fresh, balanced diet that follows the suggested ratios of fresh protein, bone, calcium/phos, Omegas, antioxidants / veg and fruit, an appropriate vitamin mineral supplement, with regular rotations of food in the right amounts to maintain a healthy weight you should be ok! Have your dog’s blood work done and keep watch on lab results & your dog’s well being.