Riboflavin (also known as vitamin B2) is one of the B vitamins, which is a key component of coenzymes involved with the breakdown of fats, maintaining healthy skin, energy production, and the growth of cells. Vitamin B2 is also involved in the metabolism of several other vitamins, such as vitamin B6, vitamin B1, niacin (Vitamin B3), and folate.
Riboflavin is a water-soluble vitamin, which means that your dog is unable to store it and you must supply it regularly with food.
Vitamin B2 is primarily found as an integral component of the coenzymes flavin mononucleotide and flavin adenine dinucleotide. These coenzymes participate in the oxidation-reduction reactions during energy production.
The liver has a central role in the metabolism and storage of riboflavin. Riboflavin-deficient dogs display ataxia and ocular lesions, erythema (inflamed skin), muscle weakness, and flaky dermatitis. A low status of riboflavin also interferes with the metabolism of folate.
According to a study published in The Journal of Nutrition, prolonged subsistence on a diet low in vitamin B2 has led to the development of neurologic abnormalities in dogs.
The National Research Council states that an adult dog needs about 1.3 mg of riboflavin per 1000 kcal of metabolizable energy intake. However, dogs with higher activity may have different needs.
Excess amounts are normally excreted in urine. Even so, avoid mega-doses because long-term high-dose supplementation is not studied extensively.
Benefits
Metabolic energy production
Riboflavin regulates energy metabolism by activating primary metabolic pathways. It helps in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Without riboflavin, your dog would struggle to effectively break down nutrients and use them for energy production required for the functioning of organs and cells. Hence, vitamin B2 is pivotal for ATP (adenosine triphosphate) generation and sustaining energy-dependent cellular functions.
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Antioxidant
Antioxidant is a term for any compound that can counteract free radicals. Free radicals contain oxygen and are missing an electron, which makes them highly reactive. If free radicals build up in your dog, they cause oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress plays a functional role in the pathogenesis of several diseases. Vitamin B2 is one of the neglected antioxidant nutrients that may have an antioxidant action independently. Studies have shown that riboflavin inhibits the activation of inflammasomes.
Inflammasomes are involved in the inflammatory response.
Red blood cell formation
Eed blood cells carry oxygen to the tissues, where it is required for cellular metabolism. Red blood cell production takes place in the bone marrow under the control of the hormone EPO. Riboflavin is involved in RBC production and the transportation of oxygen to the cells. Erythrocytes also participate in the maintenance of cardiovascular homeostasis.
Eye health
Vitamin B2 helps prevent cataracts, which is damage to the lens of the eye. Symptoms include blurry vision and glare around lights. Riboflavin also helps with cataracts since it is an antioxidant. Riboflavin has the potential to reduce oxidative stress in your dog’s body.
Liver
The liver regulates the levels of many different chemicals and substances in the blood. It is involved in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. The liver also removes toxins from your dog’s body. Vitamin B2 deficiency depresses growth and results in a fatty liver, a condition where excess fat builds up in the liver.
Food Sources
Riboflavin deficiency is a rare condition since this water-soluble vitamin is present in various food choices, such as:
- Organ meats are one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can give to your dog. You may give your dog organ meats like kidney, liver, or heart. These are among the most concentrated sources of riboflavin.
- Egg yolks, which also supply protein, folate, biotin, B5, and more.
- Muscle meats: turkey, chicken, lamb, and duck are animal-based proteins.
- Fish: salmon, mackerel, cod, haddock, sardines, and tuna.
- Dairy products, if well tolerated
- Plant-derived foods: spinach, apples, sweet potatoes, blueberries, cucumbers, pumpkin, carrots, green beans, broccoli, and cauliflower.