Dog Vitamin Deficiencies: Signs, Symptoms, and Food-Based Fixes

You feed your dog every day, but are they actually getting what they need? It’s a question that haunts many pet parents. Even with a full belly, a dog can suffer from "hidden hunger"—a lack of essential vitamins that fuels everything from their shiny coat to their strong bones.

When vitamin gaps appear, they often show up as confusing symptoms. You might notice your dog bumping into furniture at night, or perhaps their normally playful energy has vanished. Before you panic and assume the worst, consider this: the solution might just be in their bowl.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most common vitamin deficiencies, help you spot the warning signs, and show you how to fix them using fresh, natural food sources. No complex chemistry necessary—just simple, actionable advice.

1. Night Blindness and Eye Health: The Vitamin A Connection

Have you noticed your dog hesitating to go outside after dark, or bumping into doorways in dim light? Night blindness is often one of the first red flags for Vitamin A deficiency.

Vitamin A (Retinol) is crucial for maintaining the retina and overall vision health. Without enough of it, your dog’s ability to see in low light deteriorates, and their eyes may start to look dry or cloudy.

How to Fix It Naturally

Luckily, Vitamin A is abundant in many foods. Start incorporating small amounts of these into their diet:

Fish Liver Oils: A powerhouse for Vitamin A.
Liver: Beef or chicken liver is excellent (but moderation is key).
Egg Yolks: A tasty topper most dogs love.
Beta-Carotene Sources: Dogs can convert beta-carotene from vegetables like carrots into Vitamin A.

Pro Tip: Try adding a spoonful of cooked, chopped liver to their dinner once or twice a week. You might see a difference in their coat and eyes sooner than you think.

Warning: Vitamin A is fat-soluble, meaning it can build up in the body. Stick to food sources rather than synthetic supplements to avoid toxicity.

2. Weak Bones and Rickets: The Vital Role of Vitamin D

We often hear about rickets in history books, but it’s a very real threat for puppies today. If a growing puppy has a Vitamin D deficiency, you might see them limping, their legs bowing outwards, or hearing them whimper from bone pain. In older dogs, this manifests as osteomalacia (softening of the bones), leading to fractures from minor bumps.

Here’s the kicker: Unlike humans, dogs cannot synthesize Vitamin D from sunlight. They rely 100% on their diet to get it.[5]

The Food Fix

To build sturdy bones and help them absorb calcium, look to the sea:

Fish Liver Oils: Cod liver oil is a classic remedy.
Fatty Fish: Salmon, mackerel, and sardines.
Egg Yolks: Another reason to love eggs!

3. Unexplained Bleeding: Vitamin K and Gut Health

It’s terrifying to see a cut that won’t stop bleeding or spontaneous bruising on your dog’s skin. These can be signs that your dog’s blood isn’t clotting properly, pointing to a Vitamin K deficiency.

Under normal circumstances, healthy bacteria in your dog's gut produce enough Vitamin K. However, if your dog has recently been on antibiotics, those helpful bacteria might be wiped out, leaving them vulnerable.[1]

Rebuilding the Supply

If your pup is recovering from illness or antibiotic use, boost their intake with:

Leafy Greens: Spinach and kale are fantastic (steam them lightly for better digestion).
Liver & Fish: Once again, these nutrient-dense foods save the day.

4. The Energy Crash: Anemia and B Vitamins

Is your usually high-energy dog acting lethargic? Are their gums looking pale instead of a healthy pink? These are classic signs of anemia, often caused by a lack of essential B vitamins—specifically Folic Acid (B9), B12 (Cobalamin), and B6 (Pyridoxine).[1][3]

B vitamins are the spark plugs of the body. Without them, your dog runs out of gas.

B-Boosting Foods

Vitamin B12: Found only in animal products like meat, poultry, and fish.
Folic Acid: Leafy greens, liver, and kidney.
Vitamin B6: Whole grains (like wheat germ) and organ meats.

Did You Know? Certain breeds, like Beagles, sometimes have a genetic trouble absorbing Vitamin B12. If you have a Beagle who seems perpetually tired, this is a prime suspect![1]

5. Nervous System Issues: The Thiamin (B1) Red Flag

Thiamin (Vitamin B1) is critical for nerve function. A severe deficiency can look scary: loss of coordination (ataxia), walking in circles, or even seizures.[2]

What causes it? Often, it’s overly processed foods. Sulphites used as preservatives in some cheap meats can actually destroy Thiamin.

The Fresh Fix

Get away from highly processed "meat products" and stick to whole foods:

Lean Pork & Beef: Excellent natural sources.
Organ Meats: Liver is nature's multivitamin.
Whole Grains: Wheat germ is packed with B1.

6. The Beauty Vitamin: Biotin and Skin Health

If your dog’s coat is dull, dry, or brittle, or if they are constantly scratching at flaky skin, don't just reach for a specialized shampoo. Look at their diet. Biotin, Riboflavin (B2), and Vitamin A are the "beauty" nutrients.[3][6]

Simple Skin Solution

Cooked Eggs: One of the best sources of Biotin. (Make sure they are cooked; raw egg whites can actually block Biotin absorption over time).
Liver & Kidneys: Rich in iron and B vitamins for skin support.

7. The Vitamin C Myth

You might hear advice (especially in large breed circles) to give puppies Vitamin C to prevent hip dysplasia. The truth? The research just doesn't support it. In fact, excess Vitamin C can cause calcium deposits and bone issues.[5][8]

Dogs naturally produce their own Vitamin C in their liver. Unless a vet specifically prescribes it for a specific condition, you can skip the C supplements and focus on a balanced diet with proper calcium ratios instead.

A Quick Checklist: When to Pay Attention

Keep an eye out for these changes. If you see them, check their bowl first:

Eyes: Cloudiness, bumping into things at night (Vit A).
Coat: Dullness, hair loss, dandruff (Biotin, B2).
Energy: Lethargy, pale gums (B12, Iron, Folic Acid).
Bones: Limping, bowed legs, stiff movement (Vit D).
Bleeding: Slow clotting, easy bruising (Vit K).

Wrapping Up: Feed the Dog, Not the Deficiency

The best way to avoid these scary symptoms is prevention. You don't need a degree in chemistry; you just need to offer a variety of fresh, nutrient-dense foods. A little bit of liver, an occasional egg, and some leafy greens can do wonders for a kibble-fed dog.

Feeling overwhelmed by the math? We get it. Balancing a diet is hard work. That's why we built Doggo Eats—to do the heavy lifting for you. Our system calculates your dog's exact nutritional needs and tells you exactly what fresh foods to add to their bowl. No guesswork, just a healthier, happier pup.

Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes. If your dog is showing severe symptoms like seizures or extreme lethargy, please see your veterinarian immediately.