Vitamin B for Dogs: Benefits for your pooch

Often found in the same foods, what was once thought to be a single “vitamin B” turned out to be eight different nutrients. All B vitamins act as coenzymes, molecules that assist essential enzyme reactions in the body. Without them, metabolism, cell growth, repair, and brain function all start to falter, which is why they’re included in so many dog multivitamins. Read on to discover more about B vitamins and whether your pup could benefit from supplementation. 

What is vitamin B?

Although they’re grouped together, these essential, water-soluble vitamins are chemically quite different. Here’s a quick guide to the eight B vitamins and their alternative names, which you may be more familiar with: 

• Vitamin B1 – Thiamine helps convert food into energy and supports nerve, muscle and heart health.
• Vitamin B2 – Riboflavin supports energy production and cellular function.
• Vitamin B3 – Niacin helps create and repair DNA, supports metabolism and maintains healthy skin and nerves.
• Vitamin B5 – Pantothenic acid plays a role in energy production.
• Vitamin B6 – Pyridoxine is essential for protein metabolism and the production of neurotransmitters.
• Vitamin B7 – Biotin is involved in metabolism and helps maintain healthy skin and coat.
• Vitamin B9 – Folic acid works with vitamin B12 to support red blood cell production.
• Vitamin B12 – Cobalamin is vital for red blood cell formation, brain function and digestive health.

You might wonder what happened to vitamins 4, 8, 10 and 11. Once thought to be B vitamins, these were later found not to be vitamins at all! 

Unlike vitamin C for dogs, your pup can’t make B vitamins, and with the exception of B12, they also can’t store them. That means all the B vitamins your dog needs must come from their diet. 

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The benefits of dogs taking vitamin B

Many of the body's most vital functions rely on multi-step chemical reactions that need enzymes to work properly. B vitamins help drive these reactions, from energy and protein production to immune support and skin repair. Here are some key benefits of ensuring your pup gets enough B vitamins.

Improves energy metabolism

B vitamins are essential for turning your pup’s food into fuel. They help break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into ATP, the universal fuel source for all cells. Stamina, strength and recovery from illness all depend on a steady supply of ATP.

Supports their immune system

B vitamins help keep your dog’s immune system in top form by supporting the production and function of white blood cells. They also help regulate inflammation and protect cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals.  

Helps brain function

Several B vitamins support healthy brain function and can help slow age-related cognitive decline. They’re involved in producing neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers that allow brain cells to communicate, which influence mood, memory, and focus. 

Promotes healthy skin and coat

Keratin production, cell growth and inflammation control are all influenced by B vitamins. Strong hair and nails rely on the protein keratin, while a resilient skin barrier depends on proper healing without over-the-top inflammatory responses. 

Aids digestion

The enzymes and stomach acids needed to break down food also rely on B vitamins. 
Unfortunately, digestive disorders that affect absorption can create a vicious cycle. Poor absorption leads to deficiencies, which in turn worsen gut health. In these cases, injectable B vitamins may be needed to restore balance. 

Dog safe foods that are rich in vitamin B

B vitamins are found in commercial dog foods, but they’re fragile and easily destroyed by heat, light or humidity during processing or storage. Leaving an open bag of food exposed to the air for weeks can reduce vitamin levels. 

Many dog-safe whole foods naturally contain B vitamins, including poultry, fish, organ meats (like liver and kidney), eggs and peas. These should be fed in moderation, though, as they don’t provide complete nutrition on their own. Gentle steaming is the best way to prepare these foods while also preserving B vitamin levels. 

Because of how easily B vitamins degrade, a pre-formulated supplement can be the simplest way to provide your pup with a consistent, balanced boost. 

Can dogs get a vitamin B deficiency?

Yes, B vitamins are essential, and most aren’t stored in the body. If a dog doesn’t get enough in their diet, can’t absorb them properly, or they’re destroyed by preparation or storage, deficiencies can develop.

Deficiency symptoms vary depending on which B vitamin is lacking, but may include: 

• Anaemia
• Low energy or weakness
• Digestive upset
• Skin and coat problems
• Anxiety and neurological problems

The most common is vitamin B12 deficiency. It’s often linked to intestinal disease and routinely tested for on blood panels assessing digestive health. Dogs with the following conditions frequently need injectable B vitamins: 

• Cobalamin (B12) malabsorption, an inherited condition of some dogs, including the Australian Shepherd
• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth,
• Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency,
  
• Intestinal surgery or cancers that reduce the amount of functional gut. 

How much vitamin B should a dog get?

Knowing how much to supplement vitamin B is tricky because needs vary with age, size, diet and health. Each B vitamin also has its own dosing considerations. For example, very high doses of B3 (niacin) and B6 (pyridoxine) can cause side effects such as vomiting and nerve damage. 

Since natural B vitamins are easily destroyed by cooking, using a dog-safe, balanced multivitamin, like the following examples, is often the simplest solution:

• Calming care supplements for dogs
• Multivitamins for dogs
• Skin and coat care supplements for dogs containing B7 (biotin)
  

The takeaway

Vitamin B isn’t a single nutrient, it’s a group of eight essential vitamins that help power metabolism, brain function, red blood cell production and skin health. Your pup can’t make or store most B vitamins, and while dog food provides a balanced base, storage, digestion, or illness can reduce how much is absorbed. A balanced multivitamin can help ensure a steady supply, especially when illness and injury increase their needs. 

Find out more about the benefits of using multivitamins for dogs.