Also called · tocopherol · antioxidant
What it is
Vitamin E (tocopherol) is a fat-soluble vitamin and a headline antioxidant nutrient.
Its job is preventing the unsaturated fatty acids in cell membranes from oxidising.
What it does
It moves in lockstep with omega-3
Fish oil is high in polyunsaturated fat, so it oxidises into lipid peroxides easily and consumes vitamin E in quantity. Every extra 1 g of fish oil per kg of food requires roughly 10 IU more vitamin E.
Raising omega-3 alone is a net loss
Adding an omega-3 supplement by itself pushes antioxidant defence in the wrong direction. Check whether the product includes vitamin E.
How to feed it
Same as dogs.
Fat-soluble, so feed it with a meal.
What to watch for
Unlike water-soluble vitamins, the excess is not excreted — it builds up in the body. Do not stack multiple products containing it.
Concerns this ingredient relates to
General nutrition information. It does not replace a diagnosis or a prescription. If your animal has a medical condition or is on medication, talk to your veterinarian first.