Vitamin D Deficiency (Rickets)

descriptionOverview

Unlike humans, dogs and cats cannot synthesize vitamin D from sunlight — studies confirm that puppies develop rickets even with UV exposure if their diet lacks vitamin D. This means every microgram must come from food. Vitamin D controls calcium and phosphorus absorption; without it, bones become soft and bendable. Rickets is most common in growing pets fed unbalanced homemade diets or all-meat diets without organ meats.

searchSymptoms to Watch For

• warningBowed or bent legs in puppies/kittens
• warningReluctance to move or play
• warningBone pain when touched
• warningStiff, abnormal gait
• warningStunted growth and enlarged joints

restaurantHow Nutrition Helps

Prevention is simple: feed a complete, balanced commercial diet that meets AAFCO standards. For those feeding homemade diets, vitamin D supplementation under veterinary guidance is essential. The richest natural sources are fatty fish, liver, and egg yolks. But be careful — vitamin D toxicity is dangerous and can cause kidney failure, so never supplement without veterinary supervision.

directions_runHow Activity Helps

Gentle activity promotes bone development, but puppies with rickets should avoid high-impact exercise until bones strengthen with dietary correction.

verifiedPrevention Tips

• check_circleFeed AAFCO-compliant commercial diets
• check_circleNever feed all-meat diets without supplementation
• check_circleConsult a veterinary nutritionist for homemade diets
• check_circleNever supplement vitamin D without vet guidance — toxicity is dangerous
• check_circleInclude organ meats if feeding raw or homemade