What Are B Vitamins and Why Are They Important?
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B vitamins are a group of essential nutrients that play a vital role in your pet’s overall health. They support everything from energy metabolism and the nervous system to skin, coat, and digestion – and in some cases, may need to be supplied regularly through food or supplements.
B vitamins are not a single nutrient but a complex of several vitamins (e.g., B1, B2, B3, B6, B12) that work together in the body. With the exception of B12, they are water-soluble, meaning excess amounts are not stored to any significant degree but are instead excreted in urine. This makes regular intake especially important, particularly during periods of stress, recovery, or nutritional deficiency.
Key B Vitamins and Their Functions
B1 (Thiamine)
Important for energy metabolism, nerves, and muscles. Supports appetite and digestion.
B2 (Riboflavin)
Helps convert food into energy. Supports healthy skin, coat, and eyes.
B3 (Niacin)
Influences the nervous system, digestion, and skin health. Supports metabolism.
B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
Essential for hormone production and energy creation. Supports the immune system.
B6 (Pyridoxine)
Involved in the production of brain neurotransmitters (e.g., serotonin). Important during stress and behavioural changes.
B7 (Biotin)
Known for strengthening coat, skin, and claws. Common in skin and coat supplements.
B9 (Folic Acid)
Crucial for cell division and growth.
B12 (Cobalamin)
Required for red blood cell formation, nerve function, and DNA synthesis.
B Vitamins and Calming Supplements – What’s the Link?
B vitamins are not only vital for basic body functions, but they also have a calming influence on the nervous system and the body’s stress response. This is why B vitamins are often found in calming products for dogs, cats, and horses.
Several B vitamins influence the production of neurotransmitters – the brain’s chemical messengers – such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA. These act as signals that help the body relax, feel secure, and adapt to change.
When combined with L-tryptophan (a natural serotonin precursor – the substance the body uses to make serotonin), B vitamins can help promote balance and calm in situations such as:
- Anxiety
- Changes in environment
- Travel or transportation
- Training and competition
- Separation or being left alone
Some products also contain magnesium, which further supports the nervous system and muscle function – creating a broader, more effective calming effect.
Other natural ingredients such as L-theanine, green tea extract, passion flower, and chamomile can also support relaxation and often work well alongside B vitamins.
B Vitamins for Dogs
B vitamins play an important role in a dog’s nervous system, energy metabolism, and skin health. Some dogs may have an increased need – particularly during times of stress, illness, digestive upset, or as they get older.
Signs of imbalance or deficiency can include:
- Increased anxiety
- Noise sensitivity
- Low energy
- Skin and coat problems
It’s common for needs to rise during recovery periods. B vitamin supplementation can also be particularly valuable before stressful situations such as vet visits, travel, or being left alone.
B vitamins are also key in producing neurotransmitters like serotonin – which affect a dog’s stress response and emotional balance.
Swedencare does not offer pure B vitamin supplements – but our calming products for dogs contain B vitamins along with other ingredients that help calm without causing drowsiness.
Calming Products with B Vitamins
FAQs – B Vitamins for Dogs
They support the nervous system, energy metabolism, skin, coat, and digestion. They are especially important during stress, recovery, or nutritional deficiency.
Common signs may include anxiety, fatigue, noise sensitivity, poor appetite, or skin and coat problems. Always consult your vet if you suspect a deficiency.
Consult your vet first. Our products are designed to provide safe support for stress-related needs, with B vitamins included as part of a calming formula.
Before travel, separation, vet visits, changes in environment, or other situations that your dog finds stressful.
No. Our calming supplements are designed to promote a sense of calm without making your dog drowsy or lethargic. They help your dog manage stress rather than completely suppress it.
Vitamin B for Cats
Just as with dogs, B vitamins play an important role in a cat’s body – particularly for the nervous system, energy metabolism, digestion, skin, and coat. Because B vitamins are water-soluble, they are not stored in the body, making regular intake especially important – particularly during illness, stress, or periods of nutritional deficiency.
Cats are often sensitive to changes in their environment, loud noises, and being left alone, which can affect their behaviour, appetite, and digestive health. In these situations, their need for B vitamins may increase. If you are unsure or suspect a deficiency, always consult your vet.
Signs of imbalance:
- Reduced appetite
- Low energy
- Irritability
- Poor coat quality
B vitamins support the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which helps cats cope with stress. Swedencare does not offer pure B-vitamin supplements, but our calming products for cats include B vitamins among other ingredients – helping to promote a sense of inner calm without making your cat drowsy.
Calming Products with Vitamin B
FAQs – Vitamin B for Cats
B vitamins are important for a cat’s nervous system, energy metabolism, appetite, skin, and coat. They are water-soluble and not stored in the body, so regular intake is essential.
Periods of stress, illness, digestive issues, old age, or poor appetite can all increase their needs. Recovery from illness or lifestyle changes can also have an impact.
Common signs include reduced appetite, low energy, irritability, coat problems, or general low mood. Consult your vet if you suspect a deficiency.
Speak to your vet first. Our products are formulated to provide safe support for stress-related needs, with B vitamins often included as part of a calming blend.
Vitamin B for Horses
B vitamins are essential for a horse’s nervous system, metabolism, muscle health, and skin. They are partly produced naturally in the hindgut, but in some situations, absorption or production can be reduced.
When supplements may be needed:
- During periods of stress
- After a change in feed
- During illness
- During intense training
- After antibiotic treatment
Because B vitamins are water-soluble, they are not stored in the body, making regular intake especially important during demanding periods. Supplementation may be beneficial during coat shedding, when travelling or competing, or if your horse shows signs of imbalance.
This is why B vitamins are often included in calming supplements for horses, frequently alongside L-tryptophan and magnesium. Together, these ingredients support a balanced nervous system and help the horse manage stress – without affecting performance.
AnxiKalm
✔️ L-tryptophan
✔️ Magnesium
✔️ Vitamins B1, B6, B2, and B9
✔️ Effects within 3–4 hours
✔️ No competition withdrawal period
FAQs – Vitamin B for Horses
Healthy horses on a balanced diet often manage without supplements. However, during stress, intense work, feed changes, or when gut flora is disrupted, their needs may increase.
Common signs include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, poor coat quality, anxiety, or slow recovery. Always consult your vet if you suspect a deficiency.
Yes. B vitamins contribute to energy production, nerve function, and muscle recovery, which can be especially valuable during intense periods.
B vitamins, often combined with L-tryptophan and magnesium, help maintain a balanced nervous system and support stress management – without affecting performance.