My Dog Ate Lutein What Should I Do?

Has your dog eaten some lutein? Are you worried the lutein may make your dog sick? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog eats something that may not be appropriate for him.

In this article, we’ve put together some information on lutein and whether or not this may make your dog sick. Let’s get started!

What is Lutein?

Lutein is a vitamin supplement that’s called a carotenoid. It’s related to beta-carotene and vitamin A. It’s possible to get lutein naturally, as it’s found in foods such as egg yolks, broccoli, spinach, kale, and more.

You may have heard lutein called an “eye vitamin.” That’s because it can help with certain eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Lutein acts as an antioxidant.

It’s interesting to note that lutein is found naturally in our dogs’ eyes and in our own eyes. It’s in the macula lutea region of the retina. Lutein works to correct the damage caused by oxidative damage in the eyes. Oxidative damage is what leads to cataracts and other eye problems.

So, can lutein make your dog sick?

Lutein & Dogs

The good news is that lutein is not toxic for dogs. In fact, this supplement is found in many OTC products that are meant to help dogs’ eyes.

If eaten in large amounts, it’s possible lutein could make your dog sick. If he ate one pill, then he should be just fine. However, if he ate all the pills in the bottle, he could end up with diarrhea and vomiting. If the vomiting and diarrhea last longer than 24 hours, then it’s best to call the vet. You want to prevent your fur baby from becoming dehydrated.

Another symptom you might notice is your dog’s skin becoming yellow. This happens when a dog eats too much lutein. The supplement usually has a reddish to orange color; so, if your dog eats a lot of lutein pills, his skin could turn yellow. It will look as if he has jaundice. This is usually just a temporary problem and should clear up on its own.

However, it’s still a good idea to have your dog checked by the vet. You want to make sure the skin coloration is not jaundice, which is a very serious disease of the liver.

Otherwise, your dog should be just fine! But do call the vet if you’re worried and/or if your dog develops any concerning symptoms.