Choline Vitamin Supplements for Dogs

According to Petfoodindustry.com, dogs require choline. In the 1930s, researchers identified choline as a necessary nutrient for dogs.

  1. Function

    • Choline is a vitamin supplement that is essential to the liver and brain. The chemical detoxifies the liver and is used to make dopamine and acetylcholine, which are two nerve chemicals needed for brain function.

    Sources

    • Choline can come from a variety of sources including eggs, meats, liver, fish and soybeans. These foods contain rich sources of the supplement and have from 1,500 to 3,000 milligrams of choline. Grains, vegetables and fruits also contain marginal levels of choline.

    Pet Food

    • Many commercial pet foods contain supplemental choline. Some pet food manufacturers will even include supplements such as choline chloride, choline bitartrate and choline xanthate in pet food to ensure pets are receiving adequate amounts of the vitamin.

    Seizures

    • According to FetchDog, choline is often used as therapy for dogs and cats that suffer from seizures. The supplement is also moderately effective in treating cognitive disorders like "doggy Alzheimer's". When used in older pets, choline may prevent the clinical signs of cognitive disorders.

    Safety

    • Choline vitamin supplements are safe. Side effects are rare and may include hyperactivity and agitation. However, these side effects should disappear once the dog stops choline supplementation.