Vitamin B for Dogs ~ Pet Health Center

The vitamin and supplement market for our pets can be confusing. What do they need? How do we know they need it? How do we know which ones are safe and beneficial?
Lets review vitamin B as a supplement for our pets.

What is Vitamin B?

Vitamin B is actually a group of vitamins referred to as B complex and not a single vitamin. The vitamins that make up this complex include;

B1 Thiamine
B2 Riboflavin
B3 – Niacin
B5 – Pantothenic Acid
B6 – Pyridoxine
B7 – Biotin
B9 – Folic Acid
B12 – Colbalamins

Vitamin B-12 is the most common in the B complex

Why are B vitamins important?

The B vitamins are critical for a healthy nervous system, immune system and skin system. They are essential for cellular metabolism.

Foods containing Vitamin B

Many foods contain Vitamin B, with some the highest levels found in potatoes, liver, turkey and nutritional yeast and brewer’s yeast.

Are B vitamin Deficiencies in Dogs Common?

Vitamin B deficiency is rare in dogs

Are B vitamins safe for our Dogs?

B vitamins are soluble are water-soluble, which means the body cannot store them. Daily supplementation is therefore required. However, because they are soluble in water, overdosing is unlikely.

Which Dogs Should be Supplemented with B Vitamins?

B vitamins need to be supplemented daily because the body cannot store them.

Consider supplementing dogs that are subject to extreme physical and mental stress. Does your dog run in agility, herd stock, participate in fly ball or play frisbee? Our dogs are athletes. Optimal levels of B vitamins supports and facilitates proper nerve and muscle function in our canine athletes.

How much Vitamin B is Safe for Dogs?

Depending on the size of your dog, 5-30mg given daily for all the vitamins in the B complex group.
Talk to your veterinarian before starting any supplementation program to be certain they won’t interfere with any medications your dog is taking.