Vegetable feed and vitamin D3. Can it cause deficiency?

Before we dive into the relationship between vitamin D3 and plant-based feeds, let's explain what vitamin D3 is and its importance.

What is vitamin D3?

Vitamin D3 is a fat-soluble vitamin. A type of vitamin that is soluble in fat, so its excess is not easily eliminated as it happens in water-soluble vitamins, and for this reason its intake must be optimal.

It is a vitamin involved in the development of the immune system, so having adequate levels of this vitamin is essential for the correct functioning of the organism.

The mechanisms in which vitamin D3 participates are numerous and this makes it an essential vitamin. Here are some of them:

1. It favours correct metabolism.
2. It delays ageing.
3. It helps the nervous system and neurological functioning.
4. Contributes to bone formation, reducing the risk of fractures.
5. Supports the growth and development of young animals.

Therefore, a deficiency of this vitamin can have a very negative effect on the health of our companions.

Where do we get vitamin D3?

Vitamin D3 is a hormone produced from cholesterol. Thanks to sunlight, the skin is able to generate it, depending on various factors such as the amount the body produces, exposure time, latitude, coat type, skin type, etc.

There are foods that contain vitamin D3 but these are of animal origin. In plant foods we have vitamin D2 which is a less useful form for animals. 

Fortunately, vitamin D3 of synthetic origin is available and we supplement VEGGIEANIMALS and many other products with it. Vitamin D3 of synthetic origin is as easily assimilated as vitamin D3 of animal origin.

It is mainly found in animal foods, but these animals either obtain it from the environment by eating contaminated food containing B12-producing bacteria, in the case of ruminants it is generated by bacteria in their digestive system using other nutrients, or it is administered to them on farms in the form of a supplement of bacterial origin.

Isn't it unnatural to add this vitamin to the feed of our companions?

Many feeds on the market are supplemented with vitamin D3. We just need to make sure that it is of vegetable origin.

Concern about vitamin D3 deficiency is growing and so nowadays it is very common for human food to be supplemented with this vitamin, so we have to understand that we all supplement with D3 either through vitamin complexes or through fortified food as we do with our companion's feed. 

In the case of vitamin D3 we must control the dose we add as a supplement, as an excess can be harmful to the body.

The dose administered is carefully calculated according to the indications given by the FEDIAF (European Federation of Pet Food Manufacturers) so that each animal, depending on its weight and with the consumption of its ration, obtains the necessary amount.

We guarantee that VeggieAnimals feed has adequate amounts of vitamin D3. Your furry friends will be well fed and nourished.