Lutein for Dogs: Why Your Pet Needs It
Lutein for dogs is a carotenoid, a kind of vitamin supplement. It has a connection to beta-carotene, and vitamin A. Lutein may be obtained naturally from foods such as egg yolks, broccoli, spinach, kale and others.
You may have heard lutein referred to as an “eye vitamin.” This is because it may aid in treating certain eye conditions such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Lutein for dogs also has antioxidant properties.
It is worth noting that lutein is naturally present in our pets’ and our own eyes. It is located in the retina’s macula lutea area.
Lutein serves to repair the damage done to the eyes by oxidative stress. Cataracts and other eye diseases are caused precisely by oxidative damage.
Below we will examine the latest research into lutein’s properties and the best practices for its supplemental use.
Table of Contents
- Why Should You Pay Attention to Your Dog’s Vision?
- Is Lutein Essential for Our Dogs?
- Eye Health Problems Lutein for Dogs Can Help With
- Other Eye Supporting Nutrients and Foods for Dogs
- What Can You Do to Keep Your Dog’s Eyes Healthy?
- The Takeaway
- Nutrition Strength Eye Care for Dogs
Check out our Nutrition Strength Eye Care for Dogs here.
Why Should You Pay Attention to Your Dog’s Vision?
While dogs are most recognized for their keen sense of smell, monitoring your dog’s visual health is crucial. Blindness, cataracts and glaucoma may all negatively influence your dog’s quality of life.
This is another critical reason for keeping up with your dog’s health checks. This allows your veterinarian to do a full nose-to-tail review and verify that your pet is enjoying the happiest and healthiest life possible.
Suppose your dog does have eye problems, whether inherited or environmental. In that case, your doctor can identify it before it becomes a more significant problem.
Conjunctivitis, dry eye, cherry eye, and corneal injury are all typical eye problems that your veterinarian will look for.
While most of these illnesses are very simple to cure, they may lead to more significant health issues if left untreated.
Your veterinarian may also check your dog for more severe diseases like infections or cancer. If you suspect your dog is suffering eye problems, take them to the doctor as soon as possible.
Is Lutein Essential for Our Dogs?
When we talk about lutein for dogs, vision is one of the things that has many benefits from the intake of this substance.
First, this is a carotenoid, which is a sort of vitamin essential for dog eye health. (Just to know: beta-carotene and vitamin A are two more carotenoids.)
Lutein is found in the lens and retina of dogs. Its primary function is to absorb blue light that enters the eye. Too much unabsorbed blue light may cause light-related lens and retinal damage.
Lutein is also an antioxidant, which may help prevent or delay free radical cellular damage. (Free radicals are naturally occurring yet damaging chemicals in the body.)
Lutein-rich dog diets include broccoli, carrots, eggs and pumpkin. Alternatively, you may keep things simple by giving your dog a lutein supplement for dogs to help prevent eye illness.
It may also reduce the likelihood of your aged dog acquiring cataracts. The regular lutein dosage for dogs is:
- 0 – 10 lbs – 15 mg.
- 11 – 30 lbs – 30 mg.
- 31 – 65 lbs – 45 mg.
- 65+ lbs – 60 mg.
If you want to give your pet lutein for dogs, dosage and form are those two things that should be carefully considered. Your dogs will be the healthiest if you choose the most appropriate ones.
Eye Health Problems Lutein for Dogs Can Help With
Refractive Errors
Refractive errors are a type of vision problem that causes your dog to have difficulty seeing clearly. Some of them will be recognized by their more known names.
Nearsightedness and farsightedness, for example, are two of the most well-known refractive defects. These problems may affect dogs at any age. However, older dogs are more prone to myopia (nearsightedness).
In a 2016 research, several dogs were given a daily antioxidant supplement containing 20 milligrams of lutein (zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, astaxanthin, vitamin C and vitamin E were also part of this supplement.) Compared to the control group, dogs given the supplement had “much less reduction in refractive error.”
Lutein supplementation for dogs may be helpful and efficient in the long-term maintenance and enhancement of several functions of the canine eye. That is one of the most important takeaways that the researchers found during this investigation.
Cataracts
Cataracts are yet another major eye health issue in dogs. Cataracts may develop in dogs at any age and worsen over time if left untreated.
No study has been done on the advantages of lutein for dogs’ eyes in cataract growth or therapy. However, human investigations have indicated that persons with cataracts had reduced lutein levels.
Furthermore, one research discovered that consuming more lutein decreases the chance of getting cataracts that need surgery. Many vets suggest taking lutein for dogs if your canine is prone to that condition.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
This canine eye condition, like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in dogs, is inherited. It mainly affects certain dog breeds, such as tiny and toy Poodles, Cocker Spaniels and Labrador Retrievers.
However, a 2004 research on Rhesus monkeys discovered that feeding their food with lutein and zeaxanthin (essentially similar carotenoid) raised their macular pigment levels. That may protect against age-related macular degeneration in all pets.
Other Eye Supporting Nutrients and Foods for Dogs
Carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene), anthocyanins, lycopene, glutathione, vitamins C and E and the minerals selenium and zinc are among the nutrients that promote eye health.
It has also been shown that Omega-3 fatty acids, due to their anti-inflammatory effects, may reduce age-related eye damage.
Let’s look at these nutrients that are important for eye health.
Anthocyanins
Anthocyanins are pigments in fruits and vegetables that give them their rich red and purple shades.
They are potent antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and essential nutrients for supporting and sustaining healthy eye health and vision.
They may help prevent and decrease the course of macular degeneration and relieve eye strain. That effect is even more potent if they are taken in the company of lutein.
Berries (blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, etc.) and sweet potatoes are high in anthocyanins, making them healthy for dogs.
Beta-carotene
Beta-carotene is a kind of carotenoid. It’s an orange pigment that may be found in various fruits and vegetables.
Beta-carotene lowers the risk of macular degeneration and promotes overall eye health. Beta-carotene-rich dog meals are carrots, pumpkin, broccoli, kale, spinach, cantaloupe and sweet potatoes.
Glutathione
Glutathione is a naturally occurring antioxidant found in all living cells. It is in high quantities in the lens and is responsible for lens transparency. The bad news is that glutathione levels in the lens drop as canines age.
Glutathione is necessary for preventing and reducing cataract development. It may also aid glaucoma sufferers by maintaining adequate fluid outflow and detoxifying the aqueous humor of the inner eye.
Glutathione-rich meals for dogs include eggs, apples, bananas, melons, broccoli and garlic. While large quantities of garlic are not suggested for dogs regularly, small amounts may be provided.
Lycopene
Lycopene is a plant pigment that gives red and pink fruits their hues. It is an antioxidant that provides sun protection while lowering the risk of free radical damage, macular degeneration and cataracts.
Tomatoes (ripe ones), watermelon, papaya, and carrots are lycopene-rich foods suitable for dogs.
Zinc
Zinc is an antioxidant that aids in supporting and maintaining retinal health. It may slow the course of macular degeneration and improve overall eyesight.
Zinc-rich foods for dogs include beef, turkey, chicken (dark meat), cheddar cheese and yogurt.
Selenium
Selenium is an antioxidant in and of itself. Still, it also can increase the efficiency of vitamin E, another antioxidant vital for eye health.
More crucially, it stimulates the synthesis of glutathione and lutein, the aforementioned all-important antioxidants for the eye.
Selenium-rich foods for dogs include oats, meat, chicken, eggs and cheese.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatories essential for retinal function. They are beneficial in the prevention of macular degeneration.
Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, and sardines, may be given to dogs. Omega-3 fatty acids may also be found in flaxseed and flaxseed oil.
Vitamins C and E
Vitamins C and E are also potent antioxidants beneficial to the eyes. Carrots, broccoli, apples, tomatoes, watermelon, spinach and peanut butter are examples of vitamin C and / or E-rich dog foods.
What Can You Do to Keep Your Dog’s Eyes Healthy?
The most crucial steps in care for your dog’s magnificent peepers are close monitoring for anomalies and frequent medical therapy.
While certain eye disorders are more evident to dog owners, a veterinarian may detect numerous warning signs before they become a significant issue.
Here are some pointers for giving dog eye care at home:
- Make sure your dog’s eye whites aren’t red. This might indicate several issues, including dry eyes, corneal scraping, etc.
- In a well-lit area, examine your dog’s pupils. Is their appearance clear or cloudy? If they are occluded, this might be a sign of cataracts (and vision loss).
- Keep an eye on your pet to observe if he or she is constantly blinking or pawing at his or her eyes.
Whether you notice anything unusual about your dog’s eyes, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to see if the eyes need treatment.
The Takeaway
Lutein is a carotenoid, which is a form of a natural pigment. It has a connection to beta-carotene and vitamin A. Many individuals consider lutein to be “the eye vitamin.”
One of the two primary carotenoids in the human eye is lutein (macula and retina). It is supposed to act as a light filter, shielding the eye tissues from damage caused by sunlight.
Egg yolks, spinach, kale, maize, orange pepper, kiwi fruit, grapes, zucchini and squash are all high in lutein.
Lutein for dogs is widely used orally to prevent eye illnesses such as cataracts. It is a condition that causes vision loss in older adults (age-related macular degeneration or AMD).
Many additional ailments are treated with lutein. So we can assume that there are many lutein benefits for dogs that we can take advantage of while being pet owners.
Nutrition Strength Eye Care for Dogs
Check out our Nutrition Strength Eye Care for Dogs here.
Nutrition Strength’s Eye Care for Dogs, Daily Vision Supplement with Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Bilberry Antioxidants, Vitamin C and Vitamin E for Healthy Dog Eyes are premium chewable tablets, which are specifically formulated with ingredients that support the nutritional needs of your dogs and their eyes.
A complete formula for dogs of all ages, shapes and sizes, our tasty eye supplements for dogs contain vitamins and minerals to help dogs enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle by:
- Using specially chosen ingredients which support your dog’s eyesight.
- Supplying optimal nutrition, which is needed to help sustain the eye structure, particularly in dogs with ocular conditions.
- Providing highest-quality ingredients, including lutein and zeaxanthin, which promote healthy dog eyes.
- Featuring vitamin C, vitamin E and bilberry, which support the eye tissue.
- Delivering antioxidants for dogs, which support eye health.
Our eye supplements for dogs are delivered directly to your pet’s stomach for absorption straight into the bloodstream. Suitable for all tastes, Nutrition Strength’s premium supplements promote pure and effective eye care, just for dogs.
Used daily, our carefully designed eye vitamins for dogs support overall health in dogs and are formulated to promote your pet’s long-term active and healthy lifestyle.
Image source: Wikimedia / mikapon.
