The Effect of B-vitamin Supplementation on Food Responses in Healthy Dogs

Abstract

B-vitamins are sometimes used in a clinical setting to stimulate appetite in sick animals. The aim of this study was to investigate whether B-vitamin supplementation could influence behavioural and olfactory responses to food in healthy dogs. To test this theory, twelve dogs of mixed breeds received a daily oral supplementation of vitamins B1, B6, and B12 (17mg, 7mg, and 35mcg per kg BW, respectively) for 6 days in a 2-period crossover design. Food response was tested using a two-bowl preference test comparing an empty food bowl with one containing 1g of tinned food (Trial A) or 1g of tinned food + 200g activated charcoal (Trial B).