My Dog Ate Zeaxanthin What Should I Do?

Sometimes our dogs eat things they shouldn’t, or they eat more of a certain thing than they should. This can lead to digestive and other health problems. But what about zeaxanthin?

Has your dog eaten zeaxanthin? Are you worried zeaxanthin will make your dog sick? If so, then you’ve come to the right place.

We’ve put together some information about zeaxanthin and what it is, as well as whether or not it can harm your dog. Let’s get started!

What is Zeaxanthin?

Zeaxanthin also referred to as lutein, is a carotenoid that works to protect the eyes from the dangerous effects of oxidation and damage to the eyes induced by light. Zeaxanthin is a yellow-colored substance that’s found naturally in dark, leafy vegetables, orange and yellow fruits, and in the yolk of eggs. This substance is the same that offers color to saffron, paprika, and even corn.

Lutein is often used in humans and in dogs! It’s been found that lutein can protect dog’s eyes and even improve their eyesight. Zeaxanthin (lutein) keeps the eyes from absorbing blue light, which can lead to damage to the lens and the retina. This means that lutein can help keep dogs from developing cataracts.

But can zeaxanthin make your dog sick?

Zeaxanthin & Dogs

It’s possible, as with any supplement, that if a dog has too much, they could develop vomiting and diarrhea. Zeaxanthin is otherwise not toxic to dogs.

There’s another issue you may notice if your dog eats too much zeaxanthin. It’s possible your fur baby could develop yellow skin. This will resemble jaundice and should be checked by the vet. However, in most cases, this is a temporary coloration caused by the buildup of the substance in the body. It will slowly clear away. Having said that, it’s always best to have your dog checked to make sure this is not jaundice. This is a medical condition that indicates there’s a problem with the dog’s liver, bile duct obstruction, or red blood cells are being destroyed. This is a very serious health issue. So, be sure to have your dog checked.

As always, if your dog has eaten too much zeaxanthin, then be sure to watch his symptoms. If diarrhea and vomiting persist longer than 24 hours, then it’s time to call the vet. One concern here is that your dog could become very dehydrated, which can be dangerous. This is when a vet needs to be consulted.

Otherwise, if your dog has eaten some supplements containing zeaxanthin, he should be OK! Always call your vet if you’re worried. The vet will have the best information and advice in response to your concerns.