Several weeks ago we published a blog about the benefits of supplementing your pet dog(s) with slippery elm bark, a natural remedy that has the potential to enhance a dog’s health in numerous areas, such as digestion. Well, we are back to tout another supplement tailormade for our favorite canine(s). This time we present a pet’s version of vitamin B-12 (with Intrinsic Factor), which is much similar to the B-12 version for humans, but with some modifications.
Just like there are for humans, there are “essential” supplements for dogs – in their case “essential vitamins” compared to humans’ “essential minerals.” What makes B-12 and other essential vitamins “essential” is that a dog’s body cannot produce them on its own. B-12 in its properly prepared form (with Intrinsic Factor) must be provided to dogs – that’s your role if you are a dog owner – in sufficient amounts via their diet or by way of natural supplementation.
Basic Information about Vitamin B-12 for Pets
Vitamin B-12, in its basic human form, is also known as cobalamin, an important water-soluble nutrient that plays a role in supporting healthy nerve and blood cells, DNA production, and energy. PET Factor B-12 utilizes a unique formula that provides methylcobalamin B-12 in a base of folic acid (folate) and Intrinsic Factor (an enzyme-like substance) that together prepare orally-administered B-12 for enhanced absorption inside the dog. Put it another way, this special combination works together to increase the overall bioavailability for your pet.
Dealing with EPI
One of the best-known health attributes of this pet-addressed version of vitamin B-12 is that it is helpful in treating a dog afflicted with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), a fairly common condition among canines. Simply put, EPI can inhibit your fur baby’s ability to not only digest but to also absorb nutrients available in their normal daily diets.
The presence of EPI means that your dog’s pancreas has stopped producing a sufficient amount of digestive enzymes. This results in consumed food passing through the dog’s body undigested, likely causing your pet to lose weight and produce foul-smelling loose diarrhea. Other EPI symptoms can include vomiting, low red blood cell counts (anemia), and even neurological dysfunction. At times like this, you should take your pet to a veterinarian for a thorough examination.
Note, too, that certain dog breeds, such as giant schnauzers, border collies, and beagles, tend to have a genetic predisposition for cobalamin malabsorption that will typically reveal itself within six weeks to six months following their birth.
6 Other Health Attributes Vitamin B-12 Might Provide Dogs
Gut Health. Even a dog’s gut craves healthy intestinal flora (bacteria), and B-12 is well active in helping to meet that demand.
Proper Nervous System Function. By having a role in the production of myelin, the fatty layer that covers nerves, B-12 supports nervous system performance.
Support Metabolism. B-12’s knack for aiding in the metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbs streamlines the conversion of these nutrients into energy, boosting the dog’s healthy activity level.
Enhance Energy. B-12 helps break down protein into amino acids, providing fuel for the dog’s cells.
Bolster Immunity. Vitamin B-12 is known to contribute to the production of the molecules immunoglobulins and cytokines that belong to the immune system and help fend off infections.
Improve Dog’s Appetite. By helping the dog’s body process nutrients and assist in the GI tract’s functionality, B-12 sets the stage for the dog’s appetite to function optimally.
Considering the many ways in which it can support and even improve a dog’s health, chalk up Vitamin B-12 as another natural remedy that can become one of a dog’s best friends. Before adding it to your dog’s daily meals, however, be sure to discuss its use with your veterinarian to make sure B-12 is suitable for your particular dog(s).