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Pantothenic acid (B5) in dog and cat diets

A short guide to the role of Pantothenic acid (B5) in dog and cat nutrition.

It is a water-soluble vitamin, a precursor of coenzyme A (CoA) - a key element of metabolism. Without it, it is impossible to burn proteins, fats and carbohydrates, synthesize cholesterol and triglycerides, and thus produce steroid hormones, create red blood cells or neurotransmitters [1]. It is also responsible for proper hair pigmentation. It is sensitive to high temperature. Losses of up to 50% were also observed when preserving and storing at pH>7 and pH<5. It was found that high-fat diets may increase the demand for pantothenic acid, unlike high-protein [2].

What it contains: Poultry and beef meat, offal (liver, kidneys), egg yolks, fatty fish and [3] brewer’s yeast.

Deficiency: Practically does not occur with a natural diet (only with extreme hunger). It manifests itself in premature graying, hair loss, fatty liver disease and intestinal and neurological disorders [1]. Dogs develop irregular appetite, stunted growth and a weakened immune response. [2] emaciation in cats.

Excess: Because it is a water-soluble vitamin, its excess is efficiently excreted in the urine. In case of a massive overdose of synthetic substances, it may cause temporary diarrhea. [4].

Sources

  1. National Research Council (2006). Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press. https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/10668/nutrient-requirements-of-dogs-and-cats
  2. Wedekind, K. J., Yu, S., Kats, L., Paetau-Robinson, I., & Cowell, C. S. (2010). Micronutrients: Minerals and Vitamins. In: M. S. Hand, C. D. Thatcher, R. L. Remillard, P. Roudebush, & B. J. Novotny (Eds.), Small Animal Clinical Nutrition (5th ed., ch. 6). Mark Morris Institute. ISBN 978-0-615-29701-9. https://s3.amazonaws.com/mmi_sacn5/2019/SACN5_6.pdf
  3. Merck Veterinary Manual. Nutritional Requirements of Small Animals. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-small-animals/nutritional-requirements-of-small-animals
  4. National Research Council (1987). Vitamin Tolerance of Animals - Chapter 11: Pantothenic Acid. National Academies Press. https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/949/chapter/13