The #1 Nutrient Most Dog Foods Don’t Have Enough Of
Vet Reviewed by Dr. Jacob Klos, DVM
Even the best commercial dog foods claim to be “complete and balanced.” But here’s what most brands don’t tell you: many essential nutrients degrade during manufacturing, or simply aren’t included in high enough levels to support optimal health. One of the most overlooked? Vitamin B-complex.
These water-soluble vitamins are critical to your dog’s energy, metabolism, brain function, and immune response. But most kibble-based diets don’t provide enough—and your dog could be feeling the effects without you realizing it.
What Is Vitamin B-Complex?
“Vitamin B” isn’t just one thing—it’s a group of eight important nutrients that work together to support your dog’s body. This includes:
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
- Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
- Vitamin B7 (Biotin)
- Vitamin B9 (Folic acid)
- Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
These vitamins support everything from healthy digestion and nerve signaling to skin health, coat shine, and red blood cell production. And since dogs can’t store most of them, they need a daily supply through food or supplements.
Why Dog Food Falls Short
Even premium dog foods may fall short for a few key reasons:
- High-heat processing: Cooking kibble destroys many water-soluble vitamins
- Ingredient degradation: B vitamins naturally break down over time in storage
- Low bioavailability: The form used in food may not be easy for your dog’s body to absorb
Over time, these deficiencies can impact your dog’s health—even if their food label says it meets nutritional requirements.
Signs Your Dog Might Be Missing B-Vitamins
Deficiencies often show up in subtle ways before they become serious. Keep an eye out for:
- Low energy or fatigue
- Poor appetite
- Skin problems or dull coat
- Digestive upset (gas, bloating, loose stools)
- Nervous system issues (confusion, lack of coordination)
- Weakened immune response
If your dog has one or more of these symptoms and no clear diagnosis, a missing B-complex could be the hidden culprit.
How to Fill the Gap
Adding a multivitamin to your dog’s routine is a simple way to ensure they’re getting the full spectrum of B-complex and other critical nutrients every day—without relying solely on processed food.
👉 Try Our Multivitamin Chews — they’re packed with veterinarian-approved doses of all 8 B vitamins, along with other essentials like vitamin A, C, D3, E, biotin, folic acid, and more.
Formulated to support total-body wellness, they help with:
- Skin and coat health
- Digestive support
- Immune balance
- Joint comfort and mobility
- Daily energy and vitality
They’re also soft, tasty, and easy to give—no pill pockets needed.
The Bottom Line
Your dog might be missing out on nutrients that are critical to their long-term health—and you wouldn’t even know it. By supplementing smartly, you can help fill the nutritional gaps and give them the foundation they need to thrive.
➡ Ready to support your dog with everything they need?
Shop Multivitamin Chews Now
