What Is Choline Chloride in Dog Food? Is It Healthy?

Next time you feed Fido, take a look at the ingredients on the back of the bag. Does choline chloride ring a bell? Dog food contains the proteins, fats, and nutrients your pup needs to grow. However, many dog foods also contain filler ingredients and preservatives. 

Wondering whether the contents of your dog’s food are healthy or harmful? We’re here to define and explain ingredients like choline chloride, so you know exactly what you’re feeding your furry friends.

What is Choline Chloride?

Choline chloride is an essential nutrient for humans and many animals, including your pup. Choline, formerly known as vitamin B4, increases electrolyte levels and promotes growth. It’s a type of salt that is present in many common foods, including animal meats and vegetables like cauliflower and spinach. It is popular as an essential additive to human prenatal vitamins and promotes proper liver function and brain development. 

Is It Healthy for Dogs?

Choline chloride is a vital nutrient for many reasons, but what does it do for dogs? It supports a healthy liver and cellular growth. It benefits the nervous system by regulating your dog’s heart rate and improves muscle function. In short, it has a big role in ensuring your pup looks and feels themselves.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommends 1200mg of choline chloride per kilogram of dry-matter food for dogs. If you aren’t a mathematician, don’t worry. Commercial dog foods are made by scientists who have calculated to ensure your pup is getting the proper amount in every bite.

Too Much or Too Little?

Similarly to human bodies, dogs produce choline chloride naturally — but what happens if they get too little or too much? A lack of vitamin-like nutrients can easily become a cause for concern, leading to high cholesterol, vomiting, and a condition known as fatty liver disease. Fatty liver disease is defined by excess fat cells in the liver, decreasing liver function, and abnormal bile flow. It can become a serious condition quickly, so getting enough choline chloride is crucial for a healthy pet.

In recent years, feeding pups a raw food diet has become a trend, with some owners replacing kibble with raw meat and supplements. While a deficiency is rare in dogs that eat kibble, dogs that only eat a raw diet may have a higher chance of developing this condition. 

Can Your Dog Overdose?

Similar to other B vitamins, choline chloride is water-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins and nutrients are expelled through urine, unlike fat-soluble vitamins, which remain in tissue for longer. This means they need regularly replenished to meet daily needs. It also means that it can be used almost immediately after eating because the body quickly filters it for use or excretion.

Due to its water-soluble nature, it is very hard to overdose on choline chloride. However, in the limited research which has been done, consuming more than three times the daily recommended level can lead to anemia in dogs. Excessive amounts can also cause stomach upset and liver problems. Don’t let this be a cause for concern, as overdoses are very rare and usually related to over-supplementation by owners. If your dog is eating normal kibble and not taking extra supplements, you should have no reason to worry.

Can Dogs Take Choline Chloride as a Supplement?

While usually unnecessary for dogs who eat kibble, choline chloride is sometimes used as a supplement for dogs. Veterinarians prescribe choline chloride for a few reasons, most commonly as a way to detoxify the liver. It treats epilepsy and cognitive dysfunction and can sometimes be given to dogs with liver or kidney disease. 

If your dog is prescribed choline chloride, be aware that it may cause side effects. Common side effects are upset stomach, nervousness, vomiting, and lethargy. Choline chloride supplements come in pill and powder form and can be given with or without food. However, giving choline chloride with food is best if your dog experiences side effects like upset stomach or vomiting. 

Veterinarians analyze your dog’s needs and supplement exactly the right amount of nutrients. Never give your dog a supplement unless a veterinarian prescribes it. 

Choline Chloride: The Bottom Line

When it comes to choline chloride, as long as your canine friend has a traditional kibble diet, you should have nothing to worry about. Choline chloride is perfectly safe and necessary in dog food and is a healthy compound that aids in health. However, if you feed your dog a raw food diet, it is crucial to ensure they receive enough choline chloride. If you have concerns about any vitamin deficiencies, be sure to bring them up at your next visit to the veterinarian. 

Want to serve your pup the best dog food with plenty of vitamins and nutrients (including choline chloride)? Of course, you do! Choosing the perfect kibble for your dog can be difficult, but don’t worry. We’ve researched for you and compiled a list of the best dog foods for your furry friend!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Africa Studio/Shutterstock.com