Dog Diet Series: Episode 4 - Vitamin B Complex For Dogs - Benefits, Deficiency and Overdose Symptoms, Food Sources

A day 'off' can be a normal occurrence. But, if a dog seems tired throughout the day for days and losing its shine, the solution may lie in finding the missing nutrient in dog's diet. More often, it is vitamin B complex. 

Vitamin B Complex plays a key role in dog's health including supporting of energy levels, brain function and coat health.

Let's explore each type of vitamin B, their food sources and symptoms of deficiency.

What is Vitamin B Complex?

Vitamin B Complex includes:

B1 - Thiamine

B2 - Riboflavin

B3 - Niacin

B5 - Pantothenic acid

B6 - Pyridoxine

B7 - Biotin

B9 - Folate

B12 - Cobalamin

Since all the 8 vitamin B types are water soluble, they are not stored in the body. This means, dogs should get their share of vitamin B everyday. 

Sources of Vitamin B for Dogs

Vegetarian and non-vegetarian sources of vitamin B for dogs include:

Vitamin B1

Vegetarian Sources: Brown rice, peas, oats, sunflower seeds

Non-vegetarian Sources: Liver, pork, eggs

Vitamin B2

Vegetarian Sources: Leafy vegetables 

Non-vegetarian Sources: Eggs, milk, fish

Vitamin B3

Vegetarian Sources: Wheat, legumes 

Non-vegetarian Sources: Chicken, liver, tuna

Vitamin B5

Vegetarian Sources: Broccoli, Sweet potato 

Non-vegetarian Sources: Salmon, beef, egg yolk

Vitamin B6

Vegetarian Sources: Banana, Pineapple, watermelon, broccoli, sweet potato, spinach, sprouts

Non-vegetarian Sources: Tuna, chicken, liver

Vitamin B7

Vegetarian Sources: Sweet potato, spinach, carrots, sunflower seeds

Non-vegetarian Sources: Egg yolk, liver

Vitamin B9

Vegetarian Sources: Lentils, leafy greens, asparagus, broccoli, whole wheat bread

Non-vegetarian Sources: Liver, eggs

Vitamin B12

Vegetarian Sources: Only in fortified vegetarian foods 

Non-vegetarian Sources: Fish, liver, eggs

Signs of Vitamin B Complex Deficiency in Dogs

Common symptoms of vitamin B deficiency in dogs include:

• Fatigue
• Poor appetite
• Digestive issues
• Dull coat
• Skin conditions
• Anemia
• Nervousness
• Poor growth in puppies

Dogs on vegetarian diet and certain breeds are more prone to vitamin B deficiency.

Overdose of Vitamin B

Being water soluble vitamins, excess vitamin B is generally flushed out. However, overdose of vitamin B3 and vitamin B6 can cause various health conditions including:

• Numbness and tingling sensation in extremities
• Loss of appetite
• Gastrointestinal upset
• Skin conditions including skin sores
• Damage of nervous system
• Liver inflammation
• Muscle weakness

It is best to consult with your veterinarian before going for vitamin supplements for dogs.