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The Importance of Vitamin B12 for Dogs

Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin for both dogs and humans. A deficiency in B12 can lead to various complaints and health issues. In this article, you’ll learn more about B12 and other important B-vitamins.

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Feeding

10 August '25 • 2 min reading time

Vitamin B is not a single vitamin, but a group of water-soluble vitamins that influence energy production, metabolism, and the nervous system. B-vitamins are found in a variety of foods. To ensure your dog gets enough of these vital nutrients, a healthy and varied diet is key.

Deficiencies

Deficiencies in B-vitamins can arise from a one-sided diet or poor-quality food. However, a deficiency may also result from poor absorption in the intestines or chronic diarrhea. The first signs of a B-vitamin deficiency are often fatigue, lethargy, and a dull coat.

The Role of B12

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is essential for your dog’s energy balance. When your dog gets enough B12, its nervous system and digestive system function well. Oxygen transport in red blood cells also remains optimal. A deficiency in B12 can lead to listlessness, fatigue, reluctance to play, and even depression. In practice, B12 deficiency in dogs is often linked to digestive or liver issues. However, hormonal or neurological symptoms may also be caused by a B12 shortage.

B12 in the Diet

Vitamin B12 is mainly found in animal-based products such as eggs and meat. If you feed your dog a vegetarian diet, make sure it still gets enough B12. Dogs that have undergone intestinal surgery often require lifelong B12 supplementation.

Biotin: B7

Vitamin B7, better known as biotin, plays a role in maintaining skin, coat, and nails. The European Pet Food Industry Federation has not set a minimum requirement for B7 in dog food. If your dog frequently has skin issues, a biotin supplement may help. In general, supplementing with the mineral silicon can also be an effective solution for these types of complaints.

Other B-Vitamins

Other B-vitamins, such as B1, B2, and B6, are also essential for energy balance, digestion, and the nervous system in dogs. Proper nutrition is therefore vital to ensure your dog gets all the necessary B-vitamins. If your dog suffers from chronic diarrhea or eats poorly, consult your veterinarian to determine whether vitamin B supplementation or other essential nutrients are needed.

Sources:

Ginoudis A, Ioannidou AM, Pardali D, Tsikna A, Polizopoulou Z. Correlation of Red Blood Cell Morphology with Serum Cobalamin and Folate Concentration in Dogs with Chronic Diarrhea: A Retrospective Study. Metabolites. 2024 Nov;14(12):657. DOI: 10.3390/metabo14120657. https://europepmc.org/article/MED/39728438

Da Riz F, Higgs P, Ruiz G. Diseases associated with hypercobalaminemia in dogs in United Kingdom: A retrospective study of 47 dogs. Can Vet J. 2021 Jun;62(6):611-616. PMID: 34219769; https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8118170/

Anton Beijnen. Biotin for Dogs. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Anton-Beynen/publication/370875562_Biotin_for_dogs/links/64676add9533894cac7e5698/Biotin-for-dogs.pdf

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