The Effects of Vitamin A on Pets

Vitamin A is an important nutrient that plays a vital role in pet feeding. It has an important influence on the health and development of pets. Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin, stable to heat, acid and base, easy to be oxidized, and ultraviolet light can promote its oxidative destruction. Vitamin A includes A1 and A2. A1 is retinol. Vitamin A2 is 3-dehydroretinol.

Physical and chemical properties:

Vitamin A1 is a fat-soluble pale yellow flake crystal and its melting point is 64 °C, vitamin A2’s melting point range is 17-19 °C, usually appearing golden oil. Vitamin A is a polyenol containing the β-angelone ring. The chemical structure of vitamin A2 differs from A1 only by one more double bond at position 3 and 4 of the β-angelone ring. Vitamin A molecules have unsaturated bonds, active chemical properties, easy to be oxidized in the air, or destroyed by ultraviolet radiation, thus losing its physiological role.

Functional roles:

1. Visual protection: Vitamin A is a necessary substance for the production of the retina, which can provide the chemicals required for normal vision, so that pets have good vision.

2. Immune support: Vitamin A is essential for the proper function of the immune system. It can enhance the immunity of pets, help pets resist the invasion of bacteria and viruses, and reduce the risk of disease.

3. Skin and hair health: Vitamin A plays a key role in pet skin and hair health. It can promote the normal renewal of skin cells and reduce skin inflammation and itching. At the same time, vitamin A also helps hair growth and maintains the luster of hair.

4. Reproduction and growth: Vitamin A plays an important role in the reproduction and growth of pets. It can promote the normal development of the embryo and ensure the healthy growth of the young.

Vitamin A Accesses:

To make sure pet gets enough vitamin A, here are some common ways to get it:

1. Eat healthily: Choose foods rich in vitamin A, such as animal liver, cod liver oil, carrots, spinach, etc. Also, make sure your pet eats a balanced diet, including providing an adequate source of vitamin A.

2. Vitamin A supplements: In some special cases, such as pets with inadequate diet or absorption disorders, you can consider using vitamin A supplements. 

3. Regular physical examination: take your pet for regular physical examination to ensure that your pet is healthy. The veterinarian will determine the need for additional vitamin A supplementation based on the individual condition of the pet.

Matters that need attention:

1.  Please use under the guidance of a veterinarian and do not overdose.

2. Vitamin A should be kept in a dry and sealed place.