B vitamins are essential for the health of both humans and animals. In the world of animal supplements, they play a crucial role in supporting energy production, nerve function, skin and coat condition, and overall vitality. At Nutriliq, we regularly incorporate the power of B vitamins into animal supplements in a variety of formulations: from liquids to soft chews, powders, pastes, and gummies. In this blog post, we provide an overview of the different types of B vitamins, their functions, and when they are beneficial for specific animal species or applications.
What are B vitamins?
B vitamins are a group of water-soluble vitamins that work closely together in the body to support healthy metabolism. Each B vitamin has its own function, but together they contribute to:
Important for protein metabolism, brain function and immune system
Often used in supplements for pregnant or lactating animals
Vitamin B7 (Biotin)
Well known for its role in coat and skin health
Popular in formulas for dogs, horses and show animals
Biotin often works synergistically with zinc and omega 3
Vitamin B9 (Folic acid)
Supports red blood cell formation and DNA synthesis
Particularly relevant in reproduction and growth
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
Plays a role in energy metabolism, nervous system and blood cell production
Often indicated for digestive problems or in older animals
When is it useful to take B vitamin supplements?
B vitamins are often used for:
Stress and recovery: in dogs or horses with increased stress
Pregnancy and lactation: to support the mother and the development of the young
Older animals: to support vitality, appetite and mental acuity
Skin and coat formulas: Especially with Biotin, B2 and B5
Digestive formulas: especially for animals with malabsorption or intestines under stress
Design and stability
B vitamins are water-soluble and relatively sensitive to oxidation and light. Therefore, the correct form is important. At Nutriliq, we use stabilized forms (e.g., B12 as cyanocobalamin or methylcobalamin, B6 as pyridoxal-5-phosphate) depending on the formulation and animal species.
They are easily processed into liquids, powders, soft chews, gummies and pastes, depending on the intended ease of use, taste acceptance and dosage.
Conclusion
B vitamins are versatile nutrients that can provide added value for animal health in numerous situations. Their broad range of effects and safety make them suitable for a variety of purposes, from stress relief to skin care and energy metabolism. At Nutriliq, we’re happy to help you create a balanced formula tailored to your brand and target audience.
Interested in introducing the power of B vitamins in supplements to your own range?
We’d be happy to help you find the right composition, dosage, and administration method. Feel free to contact us for a no-obligation brainstorming session.
