B Vitamins for Pets

The is a lot of misconception that pets do not need vitamins

There is still a lot of misconception that vitamins are not needed by pets and in fact can be dangerous to your pet. There is some truth that fat soluble if given in excess could harm pets, but there is nothing further from the truth when it comes to water soluble vitamins.

In fact, there is no documented evidence of even one instance of toxicity to either a dog or a cat with water soluble vitamins. But the nay sawyers that really do not understand how vitamins work or have ever taken the time to research still spread the misconceptions.

Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat soluble vitamins, and every other vitamin is a water soluble vitamin. That includes vitamins C and the entire class of the B vitamins for pets. Fat soluble vitamins are stored in the liver and can build; but water soluble vitamins are not stored except in very minute amounts.

In fact, if there was to be an accident and your pet was given way too much of a water soluble vitamin, they simply pass the excess out through their urine. Here are the benefits of B vitamins for pets to their overall health.

Vitamin B-1 Thiamine:

This was the first of the water soluble vitamins to be officially identified, and it is critical for your pet as it converts glucose into energy. Every cell in your pet’s body uses thiamine for this conversion and a lack of it prevents your pet from breaking down carbohydrates from their food.

Like all of the B vitamins your pets your dog or cat does not store thiamine in their body and must get it either from their diet or in supplements. In the cellular process it is required by both the muscles and the nerves to function normal.

Cats are especially at risk of thiamine deficiency especially if fed a lot of raw fish. Raw fish has an enzyme called thiaminase which is an enzyme that destroys this vitamin. A deficiency of thiamin can cause your pet to eventually loss the loss of both reflexes and nerve control and is critical to the nervous system.

Vitamin B-12 Riboflavin:

Riboflavin helps your pet with the metabolism of carbohydrates fat and proteins, as well assisting in the process of forming both antibodies and red blood cells in your pet. It is also extremely important to the health of your pets coat as it helps to convert B6 and folate into active forms.

This class of B vitamins for pets also helps with normal eye functions and a deficiency can lead to eye abnormalities as well as cataracts. But perhaps its largest function in your pet is in its effect on their heart. There is a syndrome called collapsing dog syndrome that is related directly to a deficiency of Riboflavin.

Vitamin B-3 Niacin:

Niacin is an essential vitamin in maintaining your pet’s skin, tongue and digestive system as well as reducing cholesterol levels in your pet’s blood. However, the best known deficiency of Niacin is called black tongue disease and sore mouth disease.It can affect both dogs and cats but is especially dangerous to cats.

Pets that suffer from a niacin deficiency will have both inflamed gums, lips and the inner parts of their cheeks. If the deficiency is severe enough your pet will develop diarrhea that will becoming very bloody and could threaten the life of your pet.

A deficiency of Niacin almost always occurs by pet owners that start to make their own food formulations and do not include meat. Dogs and cats cannot be vegetarians, it will kill them.

Vitamin B5 Pantothenic Acid:

This form of B vitamins for pets helps fortify white blood cells and it is also very important in controlling stress levels in. It is essential in helping to control the secretion of hormone levels and supporting the adrenal glands. With this function it also assists in metabolism and is critical in protecting your pet’s immune system against diabetes as well as several stomach issues.

However, it best known role is preventing hair loss in your pets as well as preventing premature graying especially in dark haired animals.

Vitamin B-6 Pyridoxne:

This for of B vitamins for pets help with the synthesis and the breakdown of amino acids as well as supporting your pets nervous system. It is also considered essential for life as a deficiency leads to anemia and a slow or retarded growth.

A deficiency also leads to kidney stones tooth decay as well as cavities which are extremely harmful to your pet. In very severe deficiencies, it will take your pets life.

Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid:

These B vitamins for pets are very closely related and they help in regenerating red blood cells in your dog or cat. Without this regeneration, your dog or cats’ bone marrow is at risk. Without the proper amounts of both of these vitamins, it puts your pets at risk of producing fewer and as a result, larger blood cells.

This is extremely dangerous as it leads to advanced anemia which will also affect the quality of white blood cells. When operating properly these white blood cells separate into thin white layers and help prevent both infection and disease from attacking your pet.

Biotin:

Biotin is perhaps best known for protecting your pets skin and their hair coats, but it does much more than just these two functions. It is found abundantly in grain products, but in most cases the amounts found in your pet’s food will not be sufficient unless it is rich in corn or soybeans.

Food that is rich in wheat and barley are definitely deficient of the recommended needs.

A deficiency of biotin can cause skin lesion as well as very dry eyes that may even become crusty, a symptom you can watch for. However, the best known deficiency symptom is the reduction in the size of the litter in both puppies and kittens.

Summary:

B vitamins for pets are an absolute necessity in maintaining their overall good health. They can be found in several food groups but the best form of insuring that your dog or cat has the correct amounts will be by supplementing them.

And there is no need to worry about the nay sawyers that suggest that you can overdose your pet as this is impossible with water soluble vitamins.

Natural Sources of B Vitamins for Pets

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