This vitamin is produced by our gut, but not enough to meet our dietary needs. Same is for our dogs. Therefore we need to consume foods which can help us and our dogs to increase its intake via certain products.
B2 (Riboflavin) is a key component of enzymes involved with the growth of cells, energy production, and the breakdown of fats, steroids, and medications. Since it is a Water Soluble vitamin, it doesn’t get stored by the organism and excess amount is extracted in the urine.
A long term deficiency of Riboflavin (B2), can cause brain and heart disorders, and some types of cancers.
Riboflavin (B2) is proven to reduce Migraines (due to reduction of oxidative stress and nerve inflammation). In addition, it works with other B Vitamins to break down Homocysteine which can help to prevent Cardiovascular Diseases and some types of Cancers. So it is a very healthy idea when you switch your dog on a Raw diet as soon as possible. As for us, it is also very good to include this vitamin in our daily menu.
Source in Food
- Beef liver has the highest amount of Riboflavin (B2). Just important to remember, same as for us humans, feed it to your dog in moderations (2%) from total daily meal
- Diary Products: milk (a glass of goat milk for example has around 24% of daily value of Riboflavin (B2), Yogurt, Kefir, and Cheese.
- Eggs: Chicken or Quail. 1 chicken egg is equal to 5 quail eggs and provide around 15% of daily Riboflavin (B2) intake. Remember that boiled eggs are more digestible and richer in vitamins, rather than poached or fried.
- Meats: Lean Beef, Rabbit, Chicken, Turkey, Goat, Horse or Wild Meats. They all are high not only in Riboflavin (B2), but also in other Vitamin B-Groups.
- Fish: Salmon and Sardines.You can use canned in oil or boiled, or steamed. In that way it is more digestible and due to some traits of olive oil, it is also a good source of Vitamins E and Omega.
Deficiency
Signs of deficiency of Riboflavin (B2) in Dogs are usually an excess Hair Loss, general Body Weakness, Dermatitis, and Weight Loss. If your dog is only fed kibbles and industrial pet foods, closer to the age of 5 years you can start noticing signs of important vitamin deficiencies. When fed Raw or BARF, your furry family member will be getting all the necessary Vitamins they need for their Health. Organ meats are very important, but must be fed in moderations (2% from daily menu).
When it come to us, Humans, the signs are more extensive. Especially those who are strictly on vegetarian diets can develop those signs:
- Cracked lips
- Soar throat
- Swelling of the mouth and throat
- Swollen tongue (Glossitis)
- Hair loss
- Skin rash
- Itchy red eyes
- Anemia
Pregnant women need a higher intake of Vitamins B, especially those who are lactose intolerante and must supplement it with other products. Goat milk products are very well tolerated by people with moderate lactose intolerances.
Due to being Water Soluble vitamin, Riboflavin (B2) is not toxic, because the excess amount is excreted with urine.
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