Many Readers visit my Nutrition page of my Ballyhara website and review my Natural Rearing methods. The diet information I share is provided as a summary of my practices and this includes Vitamin supplements. Several vitamins that I discuss on my Nutrition page are Vitamins C, A & E and Readers should note that all Vitamins are NOT the same.

VITAMIN E

To begin, Vitamin E, can cause much consternation. I caution Readers to use only Natural Vitamin E written as d-alpha tocopherol and NOT the synthetic chemical version deceptively written as dl--alpha tocopherol. These two similar acetates are very confusing and even I sometimes have to catch myself and remember which is the natural and what is synthetic. It does matter because there are studies which show that, in the case of Vitamin E, the natural state is much more effective than the synthetic acetate for absorption. As an alternative, you can use unrefined Wheat Germ oil for your dog purchased at a natural foods purveyor. Buy it as capsules so that it does not go rancid in the liquid form. Note: Wheat Germ oil is excellent for Stud dogs.

When checking vitamin labels, The Life Extension Magazine states "that natural vitamin E is usually stated as the “d” form or RRR- [for example d-alpha tocopheryl acetate or RRR-alpha-tocopheryl acetate, d-alpha tocopherol, and d-alpha tocopheryl succinate]. Synthetic vitamin E will have an “l” after the “d” or all-rac- [for example, dl-alpha tocopheryl acetate or all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate, dl-alpha tocopheryl succinate, and dl-alpha tocopherol]. Remember – “dl” or “all rac-” signifies synthetic vitamin E, whereas “d” or “RRR-” signifies natural vitamin E. If you are getting 400 IU of natural d-alpha tocopherol (d-alpha tocopheryl succinate or acetate), it is equal to about 800 IU of synthetic dl-tocopherol (dl-alpha tocopheryl succinate or acetate)."

VITAMIN A

As for another important variation in Vitamins we look to Vitamin A. Here is a significant and very concerning contrast between sources. The refined or synthetic version of Vitamin A is written as Vitamin A (as retinyl palmitate). It is particularly valuable to know of the Environmental Working Group, a very well-known watchdog group, who provides a searchable chemical and ingredient database. In fact, they state that RETINYL PALMITATE (VITAMIN A PALMITATE) scored a 9 on the High Hazard Level with an Overall Hazard of nearly 10 for health concerns of this synthetic ingredient. One or more animal studies show tumor formation at very low doses and one or more In vitro tests on mammalian cells showed positive mutation results.

Instead, look on the labels for Vitamin A (from Fish Liver Oil) to give to your dog and yourself.

Read more about the Retinyl Palmitate (synthetic version) ingredient's other HIGH concerns: EWG.org states that "Biochemical or cellular level changes; Other LOW concerns: Data gaps, Ecotoxicology, Organ system toxicity (non reproductive). About RETINYL PALMITATE (VITAMIN A PALMITATE): Retinyl palmitate is an ingredient composed of palmitic acid and retinol (Vitamin A). Data from an FDA study indicate that retinyl palmitate, when applied to the skin in the presence of sunlight, may speed the development of skin tumors and lesions."

VITAMIN C

One last but important consideration is Vitamin C. There are several varieties of Vitamin C that you need to know about, such as Calcium Ascorbate, Ascorbic Acid, Ester-C, and Sodium Ascorbate.

But,most importantly,you should be aware that according to numerous investigative resources, 90% of the world's Vitamin C supply is made in China.

I prefer Vitamin C that is not processed or manufactured in China. For this reason, I highly recommend The Wholistic Pet Organics, who offers not just Ester-C but also MSM, Kelp, Green Lipped Mussels and many other supplemental additives for your hounds, horses, felines and dogs.

Why Ester-C? Many veteran breeders use Ester C as the most favored form of vitamin C as it is non-acidic and is gentle on the stomach. Many health practitioners believe that Calcium Ascorbate (Ester-C) provides the best results relieving arthritic symptoms and for stress reduction.

ESTER C's absorption rate and effectiveness information is provided by The Wholistic Pet Organics Company that states, "Ester-C® patented form of Vitamin C is “body-ready” and found to be four times more readily available to body tissue than basic Vitamin C." Another source, Scientific Bio-Logics, reveals also that Ester-C has four times the bioavailability of regular vitamin C.

Ester-C is costly though and great for singleton or just a few dog households but for those supplementing numerous hounds you can consider an additional dual "best" option being Sodium Ascorbate. When given in low doses it is easily absorbed, pH-neutral and stays in the system twice as long as Ascorbic Acid. Sodium Ascorbate is a non-bitter, non-acidic, buffered form of Vitamin C in a highly soluble form and is sold as a powdered form or as a tablet.

Last but not least, the most common source of Vitamin C is Ascorbic Acid, the only naturally occurring vitamin C. Note, however, that in high doses it can cause diarrhea, and, some experts believe it is not efficiently absorbed. However, when given in smaller doses over the course of a day, I have not experienced the typical effects of overdosing which is diarrhea. I supplement 140 through 178 pound wolfhounds, especially the veteran wolfhounds, all each with 3000 mgs daily. Of course, I feed multiple times daily and therefore, I break up the dosage, e.g. 1000 mg in AM and 2000 mg at dinner. Do not give 3000 mgs all at once.

All in all, as I stated health practitioners favor the Calcium Ascorbate (Ester-C) as the most preferable, however, I have a concern with the addition of calcium into a dog's diet who is already being supplemented with bone meal. Calcium Ascorbate in the 1000mg version (one that I favor for convenience) would add 330 mg of calcium to the dog's daily diet if you are supplementing 3,000 mg of Vitamin C daily but without phosphorus. Additional calcium supplementation is not recommended for Irish Wolfhounds and giant breeds consuming commercial foods or Natural Rearing diets supplemented with Bone Meal. Notably, my hounds already derive their calcium needs from raw chicken on the bone as well as calcium carbonate from eggs shells.

I have done further research into alternative options for Chinese-free vitamin c, especially lower cost alternatives. I am using an Ascorbic Acid product that is manufactured in the United Kingdom. It is a GMO-free ultra-fine powder with no other ingredients nor Sorbitol. I'll keep you posted as to the trial results.

Originally, I concluded that in my opinion the Sodium Ascorbate was most likely the best option for our sighthounds if we are concerned about the additional calcium being introduced into the diet. However, I have been unable to find any Chinese-free Sodium Ascorbate. As a result, The Wholistic Pet Organics Ester-C currently is the best option for those individuals who neither have the time or inclination to verify sources of origins of the supplements they purchase. As well as those who are currently feeding a commercial dry dog food as the quality and origins of the supposed calcium found in the manufactured and processed dog food is questionable. Frankly, I would prefer feeding a non-GMO vitamin supplement NOT MADE in CHINA than worry about a small amount of calcium being introduced into my hounds's diet.