Vitamin B1 for Dogs

Just like people, it is important your dog receives the proper vitamins and minerals as part of a balanced diet. Vitamins act as regulators in a dog's body, allowing them to process and break down food, utilize nutrients, in addition to maintaining a healthy body, skin and coat. Vitamins also protect dogs from harmful toxins in the environment by building a strong immune system. Of the B-complex vitamins, B1, also know as thiamin, is important for dogs.

  1. Importance

    • Dogs need approximately .01mg of vitamin B1 per day. This water-soluble vitamin serves an important function in a dog's body. Muscles and nerves rely on vitamin B1 in order to work properly. Dogs also need vitamin B1 in order to convert glucose into energy. Without thiamin, dogs run the risk of suffering from a deficiency.

    Signs of Deficiency

    • Thiamin deficiencies in dogs can lead to death if left untreated. Dogs with a lack of vitamin B1 in their diets will experience a loss of reflexes, as well as muscle and nerve control. Occasionally dogs will have paralysis of the eye muscles. An overall weakness will cause the dog to have trouble walking or even holding his head in upward position. Dilated pupils and seizures are other signs. Vascular injury and nerve damage can also be the result of a vitamin B1 deficiency.

    Causes of Deficiency

    • An unbalanced diet is the most common cause of vitamin B1 deficiency in dogs. Brands of dog food that contain sulfites and chemicals may interfere with your dog's ability to absorb vitamin B1 into their system. Therefore it is important you feed your dog high-quality food that is not over-processed. Other causes of deficiency include consuming raw fish. Although it is not common for an owner to feed their dog raw fish, some dogs do have a bad habit of digging in the trash. Raw fish causes thiamin deficiency in dogs.

    Sources

    • A balanced dog food is the best source of vitamin B1 for your dog. However, there are various B1-rich people foods that are safe for dogs. Lean meats such as pork, beef or chicken provide a good source of thiamin, proteins and amino acids. Do not feed your dog meats that have sauces or seasonings. Peas, either fresh or frozen, are a good source of vitamin B1. You can add peas, which also are a good source of phosphorus and potassium, to your dog's food or give them as a treat. Liver is high in thiamin; however, liver should be given sparingly as the high content of vitamin A can be toxic to dogs. Dogs should not eat more than 1 gram of liver per the dog's body weight per day.