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Vitamin B3 (Niacin / Niacinamide)

PRIMARY FUNCTION

Essential water-soluble vitamin supporting energy metabolism, skin and coat health, nervous system function, and immune regulation in dogs and cats.

HOW IT SUPPORTS PET HEALTH

Vitamin B3, present as niacin (nicotinic acid) and niacinamide (nicotinamide), is crucial for converting food into cellular energy, supporting healthy skin and coat, and maintaining nervous system and digestive health. In dogs, niacin helps metabolize carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, and is necessary for hormone production and DNA repair. Niacin also supports proper digestion, brain function, and stress response[1]. Niacinamide is frequently used therapeutically in veterinary medicine for its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects, particularly in treating autoimmune and inflammatory skin diseases[2][3].

FUNCTIONAL OVERVIEW

Niacin and niacinamide act as precursors to the coenzymes NAD and NADP, which are essential for hundreds of metabolic reactions. These vitamins:

  • Support Energy Metabolism: Enable efficient conversion of dietary nutrients into ATP, the body’s energy currency[1].
  • Promote Skin and Coat Health: Prevent dermatitis, hair loss, and skin inflammation[1][3].
  • Maintain Nervous System Function: Support brain health, cognitive function, and stress response[1].
  • Regulate Immune and Hormonal Activity: Niacinamide inhibits mast-cell degranulation and phosphodiesterase, making it useful for immune-mediated skin diseases[2][3].

Cats, unlike dogs, cannot synthesize niacin from tryptophan and must obtain it preformed in their diet[1].

COMMON VETERINARY USES
Species Studied
  • Dogs
  • Cats
Primary Benefits for Pets
  • Prevents Deficiency: Avoids symptoms such as lethargy, poor growth, dermatitis, hair loss, and digestive upset[1].
  • Promotes Healthy Skin and Coat: Reduces risk of dermatitis and supports a glossy coat[1][3].
  • Supports Nervous System and Cognitive Health: Maintains brain function and stress resilience[1].
  • Used in Immune-Mediated Skin Conditions: Niacinamide is used with tetracyclines to manage autoimmune skin diseases in dogs, such as discoid lupus erythematosus and pemphigus[2][3].
Veterinary Use Cases
  • Preventing and treating niacin deficiency, especially in cats and dogs on unbalanced diets[1].
  • Managing autoimmune and inflammatory skin diseases with niacinamide as part of a therapeutic regimen[2][3].
  • Supporting energy, digestive, and nervous system health in growing, active, or aging pets[1].
CONTRAINDICATIONS & SENSITIVITIES

Niacin and niacinamide are generally safe when used at recommended doses. High doses may cause mild gastrointestinal upset or, rarely, liver inflammation. Niacinamide is preferred over niacin for supplementation, as niacin can cause flushing and hypotension at high doses[1][3]. Use niacinamide cautiously in pets with seizures, diabetes, or liver disease, and monitor for side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, or increased liver enzymes[3].

INGREDIENT SOURCING & QUALITY STANDARDS

Vitamin B3 for pet supplements is synthesized to pharmaceutical standards for purity and potency. It is included in commercial pet foods and supplements to meet the specific needs of dogs and cats[1][3].

RESEARCH AT A GLANCE
  1. Metabolic and Skin Health: Niacin is essential for energy production, healthy skin, and coat quality, and deficiency leads to dermatitis and poor growth in dogs. URL: https://wagwalking.com/wellness/niacin-vitamin-b3-for-dogs
  2. Therapeutic Use in Dermatology: Niacinamide, often combined with tetracyclines, is used to manage autoimmune and inflammatory skin diseases in dogs, including discoid lupus erythematosus and pemphigus. URL: https://www.dvm360.com/view/tetracyclines-and-niacinamide-canine-dermatology-proceedings
  3. Safety and Clinical Use: Niacinamide is a nutritional supplement and immunomodulator used for inflammatory skin conditions in dogs; it is generally safe but should be used cautiously in pets with certain conditions. URL: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/niacinamide
TRADITIONAL APPLICATIONS

Niacin-rich foods, including organ meats, fish, and whole grains, have long been valued in both human and animal diets for supporting energy, skin, and nervous system health.

DISCLAIMER

This ingredient overview is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian before introducing new supplements or making changes to your pet’s healthcare regimen.