The Importance of B12 for Dogs
In this article we will examine the importance of B12 in your dogs daily diet, and look at what we consider to be the best B12 for dogs available on the market today!
B12 is a vital vitamin that is required for numerous bodily processes in dogs and cats, including the brain and nervous system, cell development, protein synthesis, fat and carbohydrate metabolism, and red blood cell formation.
Your dog’s essential organs (i.e., liver, heart, brain) will not function correctly if you don’t have enough of this vitamin, which will result in sickness and perhaps death.
Vitam B compex for cats and dogs
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What are the symptoms of B12 deficiency in dogs?
Cobalamin (B12) deficiency can be caused by a variety of disorders, including:
- inflammatory bowel disease (IBD),
- gastrointestinal lymphoma,
- intestinal dysbiosis,
- exocrine pancreatic insufficiency,
- short bowel syndrome, and pancreatitis.
Various breeds are prone
Cobalamin malabsorption can also be hereditary in certain dog breeds, such as:
- Beagles,
- Border Collies,
- Shar Pei’s,
- Giant Schnauzers, and
- Australian Shepherds.
- The signs of intestinal cobalamin absorption impairment will vary depending on your dog’s health, and how long he has had the condition.
- Border Collies display symptoms around six months old, whereas Giant Schnauzers and Beagles manifest them approximately two or three months later.
As previously stated, a vitamin B12 deficiency that goes untreated can lead to more serious issues including severe gastrointestinal illnesses and weight loss.
Fortunately, however, the solution is simple: whether the issue is due to nutritional insufficiencies or an inherited condition, B12 supplements could assist with systemic deficits caused by metabolic or genetic abnormalities.
How much B12 should I give my dog?
Just as it is for people, B12 vitamin supplements can be given to dogs in a variety of ways. The most popular method is by oral supplement, which may be mixed with food or water and delivered directly to the mouth by syringe. Increasing the amount of meat consumed by your pet will also help you meet his nutritional requirements.
How long until my pet shows signs of improvement
As the pet is ingesting vitamin treatments or injections, the veterinarian will check the pet’s blood frequently until the B12 level is acceptable. While taking supplements, increases in appetite and energy, weight gain, and any gastrointestinal issues should become apparent.
In most cases, a few weeks of supplementation will begin to show benefits in the afflictions caused by deprivation; however, breed and medical condition of the animal will determine whether it needs to take them in the short or long run.
What does B12 do for dogs?
B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that actually comes in two forms – Methylcobalamin and Cyanocobalamin.
Methylcobalamin and Cyanocobalamin are the chemical compounds through which B12 functions within the body, supporting blood formation as well as neurological function. These cobalamins are essential for nervous system health and help out with the myelination of nerve cells along with cognitive development.
They also prevent damage to nerves caused by oxidative stress due to their antioxidant properties!
What’s even better is B12 can be found naturally occurring in certain foods like fish, beef, liver & chicken eggs, just to name a few! It can also be taken via supplements or injections if needed depending on your dog’s situation, so don’t be afraid to talk with your vet about b12 and how it can help them!
The most usual reasons for cobalamin insufficiency in dogs and cats are chronic and severe small intestinal illness, as well as EPI (Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency). Current research revealed that 82% of dogs with EPI had deficient cobalamin.
Does B12 increase appetite in dogs?
Your dog’s appetite will improve because they will be absorbing the nutrients in their food. Your dog’s digestive enzymes will work properly to ensure a healthy amount of Vitamin B12.
Can you give a dog human vitamin B12?
The answer is yes! As long as you get your vet’s approval. However, there are supplements made specifically for dogs and their unique nutritional needs, which may be a better option.
I’m a former veterinary technician who has done the legwork so you don’t have to when it comes to determining which B12 supplement is best for your dog, and I’ve conducted an in-depth study of Nutramax Cobalequin B12 and Dr Mercola’s Vitamin B Comlex for cats & dogs to help you determine which brand is appropriate for your pet.
Dr Mercola Vitamin B Complex for Cats & Dogs
Dr Mercola’s B vitamins are important for your pet’s brain, nervous system and immune function, energy production, cell metabolism, organ and tissue health, muscle, coat, skin and eye health, and much more.
The nutrient profiles you see on food products are only minimum standards, and they don’t address the quality, the digestibility or the bio-availability of the nutrients, much less the optimal recommendations.
Dr Mercolas’s Vitamin B Complex is a USDA Certified Organic complete complex that provides the ideal proportion of the eight major B vitamins:
- Contains the patented PANMOL® vitamin B complex with concentrations of B vitamins a hundred-fold higher than what’s found in whole grains (but without the grain)
- The B vitamins are organically bound to sprouts from Certified Organic quinoa seeds for enhanced bioavailability and potential benefits
- Contains more than just the eight familiar B vitamins – It contains a multitude of well-balanced and biologically active B vitamins complete with co-factors and coenzymes
- May be better absorbed in your pet’s body than regular isolated synthetic B vitamins
This is the first time B vitamins have been created through a patented process where they are organically bound to a natural complex! Order your supply of Organic Vitamin B Complex for Dogs and Cats today and provide your pet with the extra B vitamins he or she may need.
Simply add the powder to your dog or cats food, once daily.
Nutramax Cobalequin B12 for Dogs
Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs in a variety of species, including dogs. Weight loss, lethargy, and confusion are some of the symptoms seen in animals with pancreatic disease.
This chewable oral supplement may help to boost B12 levels in dogs without requiring them to get additional injections, allowing them to recuperate at home in comfort.
Nutramax Cobalequin Chicken Flavored Chewable Tablets Supplement for Dogs, 45 count
Traditionally, B12 supplementation required injections due to concerns about poor absorption of oral products.
NutraMax have however formulated an effective B12 tablet that contains an Oral Cobalamin form that is bioavailable and has been shown in studies to increase serum cobalimin concentrations(B12), in dogs and cats making it an effective, easier alternative to administer and the best B12 for dogs!
Some of the Key Benefits of Nutramax include:
- Features an oral cobalamin supplement, so you can help treat your dog’s insufficiency.
- Yummy chewables are easy to feed, especially compared to pills and powders.
- May help you supplement your pet without needing additional injections.
- Part of a comprehensive treatment plan for dogs low in B12.
- Can be used long-term, with guidance from your veterinarian.
Reviews
Are there any potential side effects?
This medication is a longer-acting supplement that appears very well tolerated in animals.
Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?
Chloramphenicol should be used with caution when given with cyanocobalamin because it may decrease response to the drug. Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking
Are there any risk factors for this medication?
No risk factors are documented for injectable or oral use in pets. It is likely safe to use in pregnant animals and is safe to use in nursing mothers and young animals.
The Best B12 for Dogs - To sum up
Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs in a variety of species, including dogs. Weight loss, lethargy, and confusion are some of the symptoms seen in animals with pancreatic disease.
This oral supplement will help to boost B12 levels in dogs without requiring them to get additional injections, allowing them to recuperate at home in comfort.
Did you know that a dog’s gut health has a significant influence on its overall health? A recent scientific study reports that 70% to 80% of all illness begins in the gastrointestinal tract! discover why this supplement is essential for your dog’s immune system and overall health-Full Bucket’s Probiotic supplements.
Plus, are you aware that there is an all-natural method to relieve inflammation, pain, and discomfort in dogs that works better than pharmaceuticals? Check out our page on Canine Cush for Dogs!
