Professor Simon Davies Nutrition Editor, International Petfood
Thiamine in Dogs Thiamine, also known as Vitamin B1, is a vital water-soluble vitamin essential for various metabolic processes in dogs. This nutrient plays a crucial role in energy metabolism, nerve function, and overall health. Understanding thiamine’s functions, metabolic and physiological requirements, deficiency symptoms, dietary levels, and factors influencing its availability in modern petfoods is crucial to ensuring the well-being of our canine companions. Thiamine acts as a cofactor for several enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism. It plays a pivotal role in converting carbohydrates into energy, supporting the brain, muscles, and nerves. Thiamine is necessary for the synthesis of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for proper nerve function. In addition to its primary metabolic functions, thiamine is involved in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system and promoting the integrity of cell membranes. The metabolic and physiological requirements for thiamine in dogs vary depending on factors such as age, activity level, and size. Typically, dogs require around 0.55 mg of thiamine per 1,000 kcal of metabolisable energy. Puppies and lactating females have higher demands due to their rapid growth and milk production. A balanced diet is essential to meet these requirements. Thiamine deficiency in dogs can result in severe health issues. Common deficiency symptoms include neurological abnormalities, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death. One of the most well-known thiamine-deficiency diseases in dogs is known as ‘polioencephalomalacia’ or ‘star-gazing disease.’ Affected dogs often display a characteristic head-tilt and difficulty maintaining balance. Timely recognition and treatment are crucial to prevent irreversible damage and other welfare issues. Thiamine is primarily obtained from the diet, as dogs cannot synthesise it in sufficient quantities to meet metabolic demand. Quality dog foods generally provide adequate levels of thiamine. However, raw diets or homemade meals may lack thiamine if not properly balanced. Natural sources of thiamine in dog food include lean meats, liver, heart, and whole grains. Commercial petfoods are typically fortified with thiamine to ensure they meet the nutritional needs of dogs.
Thiamine is sensitive to heat and processing. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to thiamine degradation. Commercial petfood manufacturers typically take precautions to minimise thiamine loss during processing. Poor storage conditions, such as prolonged exposure to light and air, can lead to thiamine degradation in dog food. The quality of ingredients used in petfoods can vary. Lower-quality ingredients may contain less thiamine, affecting the overall nutritional content of the food. It should be noted that the new trends towards vegan diets and raw diets for dogs should be of guarded concern as there is some potential for thiamine to possibly fall below requirement levels. Different breeds of dog and also stages of development from the puppy to the adult will have variable requirements for this vitamin and these must be factored into diet formulations and food items. Modern petfood formulations focus on providing balanced nutrition for dogs. Commercial petfoods are typically designed to meet or exceed thiamine requirements. Manufacturers use science-based guidelines and quality control measures to ensure that essential nutrients, including thiamine, are present at appropriate levels. To address concerns about thiamine levels in dog food, regulatory bodies such as the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) have established guidelines for nutrient content in petfood. Petfood manufacturers adhere to these standards to ensure their products meet the nutritional needs of dogs. These are guided by scientific knowledge and regulatory standards, are formulated to provide balanced nutrition, and meet the necessary thiamine requirements. In terms of research, specialised nutrition scientists working with veterinarians continue to work together to refine our knowledge of vitamin requirements for dogs and cats. In conclusion, pet owners should choose reputable commercial petfoods or carefully balance homemade diets to ensure their dogs receive adequate thiamine and other essential nutrients. Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify and address nutritional deficiencies and other health concerns in dogs, ensuring they lead happy and healthy lives.
8 | November 2023 - International Petfood
