VITAMIN AND ASCORBIC-ACID REQUIREMENTS OF DOGS

The provision of 8000-12000 IU vitamin A/kg food, dry matter(dm), is r ecommended to ensure an appropriate activity of the immune system of r ite dog. The absence of 7-dehydrocholesterol in the cells of the epide rmis of dogs and cats means that vitamin D-3 is nor produced by the in fluence of UV-light. This demand is provided by 800-1200 IU/kg dm. An adequate supply of vitamin E (40-70 mg/kg) and with Se (0.1 mg/kg) inh ibits ageing, notably the development of arteriosclerosis, Preparation of B-vitamins should be provided after periods of anorexia for 10 to 14 days. In many diseases the utilisation of ascorbic acid increases, but the biosynthesis is not increased. Preparations containing vitamin A, D-3 and E together with ascorbic acid are indicated for the stimul ation of the immune system.