Primary Hair Growth in Dogs Depends on Dietary Selenium Concentrations

The study investigated the impact of dietary selenium on hair growth in dogs, using 36 beagles divided into six groups with varying selenium concentrations in their diet. Over 24 weeks, it was found that both low (0.04 and 0.09 mg/kg) and high (5.04 mg/kg) selenium diets significantly reduced hair growth compared to moderate selenium levels (0.12, 0.54, and 1.03 mg/kg). Body weight and food intake were unaffected by selenium levels, and while serum selenium concentrations varied by the end of the study, thyroid hormone levels remained unchanged. The findings indicated that selenium levels below 0.12 mg/kg might be insufficient for optimal hair growth in adult dogs.