Vitamin E helps to retard the aging process, and is critical for the correct functioning of the reproductive organs.

Used in the treatment of heart disease and arthritis in older dogs, it also promotes testicle growth in young dogs and aids in the production of sperm.

Vitamin E is essential for the nuclei of cells and the utilization of sex hormones, cholesterol and vitamin D. it is fragile and is destroyed by rancid fats or sunlight.

Vitamin E comes in several forms-alpha, beta, gamma and delta tocopherols. D-Alpha is the natural form. A fat-soluble vitamin, which means it is stored by the body, vitamin E provides a way for oxygen to reach the tissues of the body, dilates blood vessels and improves circulation. It helps to protect the lungs and other tissues from air pollution.

The synthetic version of vitamin E is labeled d-alpha tocopherol. In the breakfast meal it is supplied by the cold-pressed safflower oil, which is high in vitamin E, together with the yogurt and kefir, honey and some vegetables. In the evening meal vitamin E is abundant in liver as well as raw wheat germ and therefore is not supplemented. Even these ingredients, however, do not meet all of a dog’s needs, so it is supplemented in capsule or pill form.