can dogs eat it
Use App

Can dogs have Vitamin B Supplements?

can dogs have vitamin b supplementsCaution

Overview

dog-food-safety-information

Caution is advised. Vitamin B supplements for humans can be safely used on dogs with minimal risk of overdose due to their water solubility. However, vitamin B should be given in the correct dosage as prescribed by the veterinarian to avoid side effects like skin sores and liver damage.

Benefits

health-benefits
  • Vitamin B supplements is used to address B vitamin deficiency in canines brought on by health issues like intestinal disease or poor dietary nutrition. Certain drugs, such as anticonvulsants, have been linked to the development of folate or cobalamin deficiency (vitamin B12), which can result in nonregenerative anemia. Cobalamin malabsorption has been reported in certain dog breeds, including Giant Schnauzers, Beagles, Border Collies, and Australian Shepherds due to their enterocytes' inability to absorb cobalamin.
  • Vitamin B supplements help maintain proper function in various body processes in dogs such as the immune system, brain, and central nervous system.
  • Vitamin B supplements may be prescribed to pregnant dogs for the normal and healthy development of the fetus in their womb.

Risks

health-risks
  • Due to the water-solubility of B vitamin supplements, in most cases, excessive intake of it is unlikely to cause an overdose in dogs. However, certain B vitamins have reportedly caused unwanted side effects.
  • High doses of vitamin B3 (niacin) can induce liver damage and skin sores in dogs.
  • Doses of more than 1 gram per kilogram of vitamin B6 can exhibit toxic manifestations in dogs. Symptoms include mobility impairment and convulsions.
  • Vitamin B supplements may cause vomiting and nausea when injected intravenously into canines at a fast pace.
  • Human vitamin B supplements typically have high potency and dosage and may be too strong for dogs.
health-risks-dog

Servings

serving-suggestions
  • Ask the veterinarian’s opinion before giving over-the-counter human vitamin B supplements to your dog. They will assess if these are suitable and beneficial to your pet’s health condition.
  • Vitamin B supplements specifically formulated for dogs are available in oral and injectable forms. Make sure to follow the veterinarian's recommended dosage to ensure that the vitamin B supplements will take proper effect without causing adverse reactions in dogs.

You may also like

Articles by food type

what fruits can dogs eat

Fruit & Veg

can dogs eat human food

Human Food

can dogs eat raw meat

Meat & Offal

Diet & Recipes

Diet & Recipes

Supplements

Supplements

herbs for dogs

Herbs & Spices

can dogs eat egg and dairy

Egg & Dairy

can dogs eat seafood

Seafood

can dogs eat pumpkin seeds

Nuts & Seeds

can dogs eat grains

Grains

Oils

Oils

Plants

Plants