Vitamin E for DogsVitamin E for Dogs is generally accepted to be a good idea, but that marks the extent of the uncontroversial part of the online commenatry about this vitamin. It is generally agreed that the term "Vitamin E" is an umbrealla category which consists of two sub-groupings called Tocepherols and Tocotrienols. In turn, the two sub-groupings are divided into four classifications each, the are called: alpha,beta,gamma and delta. The main controversy concerning Vitamin E for dogs has to do with the Tocopherols. The FDA only recognises alpha-Tocepherols as Vitamin E, so if you are buying your feed or supplements, snacks or whatever, in the States and the product only lists "Vitamin E" you can be sure that it contains only alpha tocopherols. Therein lies the controversy, because the relationship between Aplpha and the other three Tocopherols seems to vary depeding upon which expert you are reading: 1) Some experts claim the alpha Tocopherol is the 'natural' one and the only to offer any vitamin effect. Meanwhile in Europe, where much more gamma tocopherol is more common it is called the "natural". We write more on the "natural" subject below. One group of commentators believe only alpha tocepherols are necessary. 2) Another says alpha tocepherols need the other three to act as catalysts for it to work properly. 3) And yet another group (and this is the one we find most alarming)suggests that alpha-Tocopherol's beneficial effects is limited to the anti-coagulant nature of the vitamin. This, in and of itself is a benefit healthwise, as it prevents clots forming in the blood stream, thus reducing the chance of strokes and other nasties, while stimulating better blood flow which allows for better oxygen dissemination and more efficient heart pumping. However, the same people write that the anti-oxident nature of Vitamin E for Dogs is mostly to be found in the gamma-Tocopherol, and to a lesser extent, the beta and delta varieties. In their opinion, the rise in cancer cases amongst dogs may be partially attributable to the lack of gamma-Tocopherols in most commercially available dog foods (although the best foods include all tocopherols). There is no way that that we, here at BPFS will ever have the technical expertise to be able to scientifically weigh in for one of these schools of thought with any credibility. Yet we are going to throw our hat in the ring for the third point of view above. It advocates a mix of Tocepherols is needed for our pets to enjoy both key "life lengthening" benefits from Vitamin E: better, safer cardiovascular sytems and a stronger anti-oxident and auto-immuno network within the body. Do we think they are right? Not necessarily. We just think they can't be wrong. Here's why: while uncovering this debate we read hundreds of sources and studies, and every source we have come across states that there are no known side-effects from Vitamin E ( at least up to levels where you would have to be intentionally overdosing the animal with injections and IVs). So whether the tocopherols are beneficial or not, there certainly not dangerous, so why not include them in you Boxer's diet, just to be sure? Here's another "why not": the real "natural" Vitamin E is easy and cheap to provide. We aren't talking supplements, we are talking foods. A teaspoon of sunflower oil a day does the trick- or even some crushed sunflower seeds...One expert recommends an anchovy every three days or so (could be used as part of your training program). Not only is this easy, but it tastes good. If you check, some of the better commercial foods use gamma and/ or alpha tocepherols as natural preservatives. Here is a list of foodstuffs that provides lots of complete Vitamin E for Dogs. (Wheat germ is very high on the list, but we exclude it because many dogs are allergic to it)the nuts can be crushed and added to food: 
1) Sunflower Oil2) Almond Oil 3) Sunflower Seeds 4) Almonds 5) Hazlenut 6) Walnut Oil 7) Peanut Oil 8) Olive Oil 9) Poppy Seed Oil 10)Peanuts Also, be sure to check the Garaunteed Analysis on your feed's package, most quality feeds are including Vitamin E for Dogs packages via the food ingredients NOT supplements. If your food is using supplements, it may be time to find another. It is really worth ensuring your Boxer's Vitamin E levels are up to snuff. Besides the bennies we talk to abocve, research also indicates that mixed Tocopherols: - contain anti-viral propreties and "cell membrane stabilization". - acts as a general nerevous system maintenance contributor - helps alleviate arthritis pain - can aid in the healing of minor cuts and abrasions. Vitamin E cream can be applied topically to the latter category to provide a natural healing agent. Here's a final note on the Tocepherol part of Vitamin E for Dogs: NEVER buy foods that list "Tocopheryls" as opposed to Tocopherols as an ingredient. Tocopheryls are synthetics made from a petroleum base and have no business being injested by a living creature. As far as Tocotrienols are concerned, they are the relatively new kid on the block in the Vitamin E family, thougfh they are fast gaining in popularity amongst dog-handlers worldwide. What little literature is available on them, says that they are mostly beneficial in the prevention of blocked arteries. If you go the diet, rather than supplement route of providing Vitamin E, the discussion on Tocotrienols is moot anyways, since they are included naturally in the foods listed above, as well.
|
