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Ingredient file // Vitamin or mineral

Vitamin B12

A necessary vitamin, not an energy boost

Added vitamin B12 is usually made by fermentation and diluted with a carrier so a tiny amount mixes evenly into food. It helps meet a dog's nutritional requirement. Its presence on a bag does not mean the food treats poor B12 absorption.

What it is
A manufactured source of cobalamin, usually diluted with a carrier before mixing into dog food.
Made from
Bacterial fermentation and a carrier
Main job
Supplies an essential vitamin
Typical amount
Not published
Watch for
Low B12 despite a complete diet
Not the same as
Vitamin B12 treatment

Straight answer

Is Vitamin B12 safe for dogs?

Check adequacy, not a vitamin claim

B12 near the end of the ingredient list is where a trace addition belongs. Check the nutritional adequacy statement for your dog's life stage and judge the food as a whole. If your dog has persistent digestive signs or a measured low B12 level, the ingredient list is not a treatment plan.

Why it is in the food
Supplies an essential vitamin

Our read // In our catalog

In 1 of every 1 foods we track

Share of foods that list it

83%

2,644 of the 3,204 foods with an ingredient list on file, from 92 brands. 1,718 dry dog food, 807 wet dog food, 43 frozen dog food.

Each square is 1% of the catalog

Where it sits on the label

Median position 23. In the top five of 2 foods, so it is usually a minor ingredient.

Top five List position, heaviest first

Above the salt

8%

Usually listed after the salt, which caps it at roughly 1% of the recipe in 92% of foods.

Price per lb

Foods with it $3.13
All foods $3.25

Median of the cheapest bag price across 1,467 priced foods, 4% below the catalog. The price is the food's, not the ingredient's.

Who leans on it

7%

of the foods that list it are from Purina. 92 brands use it in total.

The story

How a liver cure became a fermented feed vitamin

B12 entered science as a cure for people. In 1926, Minot and Murphy reported that a diet heavy in liver helped patients with pernicious anemia, work that earned them a Nobel Prize. The active factor stayed unknown until 1948, when Karl Folkers's team at Merck and Lester Smith at Glaxo, working separately, isolated a cobalt compound from liver that cured the disease by itself.9,10

Animal feed took notice almost at once. Poultry scientists of the late 1940s were chasing an "animal protein factor" that sped chick growth. In 1949, Stokstad's group reported that the whole fermented mash from Streptomyces aureofaciens carried unidentified chick growth factors. By 1950, researchers were testing whether B12 or the antibiotic aureomycin in that same mash explained the faster growth.11

Chemistry never took over the job. Woodward and colleagues described a full chemical synthesis in 1973 after more than a decade of work, but it needed over 60 steps and yielded less than 1%. Fermentation stayed the practical route. Output rose from about 3 tons a year in 1989 to 10 tons in 2005, and 4 Chinese producers reported about 31 tons in 2020. Livestock feeds get 10 to 30 mg per ton.10

Dogs got their own turning point in 1991. Researchers studying a family of giant schnauzers found puppies that could not absorb B12 because the gut receptor that takes it up was missing. Injected B12 reversed their signs; B12 by mouth did not. That work showed vets that a dog can run short of B12 while eating normally, which is why a B12 line on a label and a dog's blood level are separate questions.12

What it is

How it is made

Manufacturers grow B12-producing bacteria, then recover the vitamin from the fermentation mixture. A dog food needs only a trace, so producers dilute the concentrated vitamin with a carrier for even mixing.4,8

  1. 01 // Source Fermentation ingredients Bacteria receive nutrients and cobalt, which they use to make cobalamin.
  2. 02 // Process Bacteria grow Controlled fermentation produces cobalamin in a culture that processors can collect.
  3. 03 // Process Vitamin recovered Processors refine the vitamin, then dilute it with carriers to a measured strength.
  4. 04 // Output B12 preparation A dry powder reaches feed makers for blending into a vitamin premix.

What is in it

Composition, dry matter

1

% vitamin B12

About 1% of one tested feed preparation was B12. Most of that powder was carrier, which makes a trace vitamin easier to mix.

Vitamin B12 1-1%4
Calcium carbonate 90-91%4
Silica 8-8.1%4

These approximate dry matter ranges come from one tested preparation with less than 1% drying loss. Carrier materials and vitamin strength differ between products; the bag does not disclose which preparation was used.4,7

Benefits

What it does for your dog

Each benefit carries the same evidence grade as the claims below.

  1. 01

    Normal growth in young puppies

    B12 is needed for dividing cells. Giant schnauzer puppies unable to absorb it stopped thriving at 6 to 12 weeks, and injected B12 cleared their signs. Food B12 covers this need in puppies that absorb normally.12

    1. Strong
    2. Some
    3. Thin
    4. None
  2. 02

    Clears methylmalonic acid normally

    B12 runs the enzyme that breaks down methylmalonic acid. Deficient puppies built it up in their urine; 2 of 3 Beagles on daily oral B12 kept levels near healthy dogs. Those were treatment doses, not food levels.12,14

    1. Strong
    2. Some
    3. Thin
    4. None
  3. 03

    Red blood cell production

    Severely deficient puppies developed anemia and abnormal bone marrow. In 114 dogs seen by vets, anemia was not significantly more common with low B12, 36% vs 26%, so the blood link is weaker than in people.12,15

    1. Strong
    2. Some
    3. Thin
    4. None

Why it is in the bag

What the manufacturer gets

  1. 01

    Meets the B12 requirement

    AAFCO sets a minimum B12 level for complete dog food. A measured addition lets formulators meet it without relying entirely on the changing mix of animal ingredients.5,6

  2. 02

    Covers plant-heavy recipes

    Unfortified plants contain essentially no B12. Adding a measured source lets manufacturers formulate plant-heavy food to meet the dog's nutritional requirement.3,5,6

  3. 03

    Makes tiny doses practical

    Carriers spread concentrated B12 through a larger premix for even blending. Industrial fermentation can use inexpensive inputs such as maltose syrup and corn steep liquor.4,8

How much AAFCO's minimum is 0.028 mg of B12 per kg of dry dog food; the preparation added depends on its strength and other B12 sources.4,5

Our read // The claims

What the evidence supports

Strong: controlled studies in dogs agree. Some: small or mixed dog data. Thin: mechanism or lab work only. None: nothing, or the evidence points the other way.

  1. Vets say

    Oral B12 restores low blood levels in sick dogs

    Evidence

    1. Strong
    2. Some
    3. Thin
    4. None

    Two randomized dog trials found that measured oral treatment raised low blood B12. One had 46 completers; the other enrolled 37, with 19 completing it. Both studied treatment doses in sick dogs, not routine food additions.1,2

  2. Owners say

    Animal-free dog food needs a B12 source

    Evidence

    1. Strong
    2. Some
    3. Thin
    4. None

    Unfortified plants supply essentially no B12, while AAFCO specifies 0.028 mg/kg of dry food. In a yearlong study, 15 dogs ate a complete plant-based food without a significant fall in blood B12. It did not test an unfortified diet.3,5,6

  3. Brands say

    Adequate B12 protects blood and nerve function

    Evidence

    1. Strong
    2. Some
    3. Thin
    4. None

    Veterinary reports of puppies with inherited B12 malabsorption describe anemia and abnormal blood cells; deficiency also causes nerve injury. That supports meeting the requirement. It does not show that extra B12 improves an adequately fed dog.6

  4. Brands say

    Extra B12 gives healthy dogs more energy

    Outruns the evidence

    Evidence

    1. Strong
    2. Some
    3. Thin
    4. None

    The randomized trial with 46 completers treated dogs that already had low B12 and measured blood markers. It did not test energy in healthy dogs. B12's role in metabolism is no evidence of a boost beyond an adequate diet.1,6

  5. Owners say

    B12 listed in kibble treats chronic diarrhea

    Outruns the evidence

    Evidence

    1. Strong
    2. Some
    3. Thin
    4. None

    The trial that enrolled 37 dogs with chronic gut disease compared therapeutic oral and injectable doses; only 19 completed it. It had no untreated group. A routine ingredient listing does not show a treatment dose or prove that diarrhea will improve.2

The research

Studies worth knowing

Published research we read for this page, dog studies first.

  1. 1991 // Family study and breeding trials

    Giant schnauzer puppies revealed an inherited B12 absorption defect12

    A family of giant schnauzer dogs

    Found. Affected puppies stopped thriving between 6 and 12 weeks of age, with anemia and low white cell counts. Injected B12 cleared nearly every sign; B12 by mouth did not, because a gut receptor was missing.

    What it means. A dog can lack B12 while eating a complete food. Food B12 does nothing for an absorption defect.

  2. 2016 // Review of hospital records

    Oral B12 tablets normalized blood levels in 51 dogs13

    51 pet dogs with chronic gut disease and low B12

    Found. Every dog given oral cobalamin tablets at a Swedish referral hospital reached a normal blood B12 level. The average rise was 794 ng/L. The study looked back at records rather than assigning treatments.

    What it means. Low B12 from gut disease is treated with measured tablets and follow-up blood tests, not by choosing a food.

  3. 2019 // Monitoring study, 8 to 13 months

    Daily B12 pills kept 3 Beagles with inherited malabsorption healthy14

    3 pet Beagles with inherited B12 malabsorption, plus healthy reference dogs

    Found. All 3 dogs given 1 mg of oral cyanocobalamin daily stayed in excellent health. Urine methylmalonic acid stayed low in 2 dogs, median 2.5 mmol/mol creatinine, against 2.9 in healthy dogs.

    What it means. Even dogs that absorb B12 poorly stayed healthy on pills, but at a vet-set dose far above food levels.

  4. 2019 // Record review plus blood tests

    Low B12 did not make anemia significantly more common15

    114 pet dogs with B12 tests, plus 42 anemic dogs

    Found. Anemia appeared in 36% of dogs with low B12 and 26% with normal B12, a gap that was not significant. Among dogs with nonregenerative anemia, 64% had low B12.

    What it means. Low B12 often travels with illness in dogs, but it does not routinely explain anemia the way it does in people.

Straight answers

What owners ask

  1. Q01

    Is it just filler?

    No

    The carrier helps distribute a very small vitamin dose. The B12 supplies a required nutrient. Neither the carrier nor the ingredient's low position makes that nutritional job pointless.4,5,7

  2. Q02

    Why is it near the end?

    Tiny dose

    Ingredients are listed by weight, and B12 is needed in a trace amount. Finding it near the end is expected. Its position cannot tell you the finished food's B12 level.5,7

  3. Q03

    Does more B12 mean better food?

    No

    Extra B12 has no proven energy benefit for a healthy dog eating an adequate diet. Check the nutritional adequacy statement for your dog's life stage instead of comparing where B12 appears on ingredient lists.1,5,7

  4. Q04

    Can this replace B12 treatment?

    No

    Dogs with gut or pancreatic disease can have low B12 despite eating food that supplies it. Treatment trials used measured oral or injectable doses and checked blood markers. An ingredient list provides neither a treatment dose nor that follow-up.1,2

Who uses it

Brands, best sellers and the company it keeps

Top brands, by foods that list it

  1. Purina 179 / 185
  2. Blue 167 / 186
  3. Royal Canin 158 / 160
  4. Hill's 115 / 116
  5. Nulo 103 / 117
  6. Wellness 100 / 118
  7. Merrick 92 / 107
  8. NutriSource 88 / 91
  9. Stella & Chewy's 75 / 85
  10. Nutro 69 / 71

Foods that list it / all the brand's recipes we track.

Plus 82 more brands.

Amazon best sellers that list it

  1. #1 Blue Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
  2. #2 Purina One SmartBlend Adult Dog Lamb & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
  3. #3 Purina Pro Plan Adult Complete Essentials Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
  4. #4 Hill’s Science Diet Light Small & Mini Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
  5. #5 Blue Life Protection Formula Adult Small Breed Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
  6. #6 Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
  7. #7 Stella & Chewy’s Marie’s Magical Dinner Dust Cage-Free Chicken Recipe Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food Topper
  8. #8 Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat Formula All Life Stages Salmon & Potato Formula Dry Dog Food

Rank on Amazon's dog food best seller list, checked October 2026.

Usually listed with, share of the foods that list it

  1. Chicken 42%
  2. Mixed Tocopherols 38%
  3. Chicken Fat 35%
  4. Natural Flavor 34%
  5. Peas 30%
  6. Flaxseed 27%
  7. Chicken Meal 26%
  8. Brown Rice 23%
  9. Carrots 18%
  10. Dried Plain Beet Pulp 16%
  11. Sweet Potatoes 16%
  12. Beef 15%

On the shelf

Foods that list Vitamin B12

2,644 foods in our catalog list it. These 60 list it highest on the label.

Purina Beyond Mixers+ Immune Support Chicken Bone Broth Dog Food TopperPurinaPurina Beyond Mixers+ Immune Support Chicken Bone Broth Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 2 on the labelEvanger’s Super Premium Heritage Classic Chicken & Rice Dog Food TopperEvanger'sEvanger’s Super Premium Heritage Classic Chicken & Rice Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 5 on the labelDave’s Pet Food Restricted Diet Sodium Wet Dog FoodDave's Pet FoodDave’s Pet Food Restricted Diet Sodium Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 6 on the labelEvanger’s Grain Free Braised Beef Chunks with Gravy - packed by hand! Wet Dog FoodEvanger'sEvanger’s Grain Free Braised Beef Chunks with Gravy - packed by hand! Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 6 on the labelTruDog Elevate Smoky BBQ Stew Grain Free Shredded Chicken Stew w/ Sweet Potat Wet Dog FoodTruDogTruDog Elevate Smoky BBQ Stew Grain Free Shredded Chicken Stew w/ Sweet Potat Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 7 on the labelBixbi Rawbble Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog FoodBIXBIBixbi Rawbble Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog FoodFreeze-Dried // No. 7 on the labelAgainst the Grain The Good Egg - Steak ‘n Egg Wet Dog FoodAgainst the GrainAgainst the Grain The Good Egg - Steak ‘n Egg Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 7 on the labelAgainst the Grain The Good Egg - Bacon N Eggs Scramble Wet Dog FoodAgainst the GrainAgainst the Grain The Good Egg - Bacon N Eggs Scramble Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 7 on the labelHalo Elevate Smoky BBQ Stew Grain Free Shredded Chicken Stew w/ Sweet Potat Wet Dog FoodHaloHalo Elevate Smoky BBQ Stew Grain Free Shredded Chicken Stew w/ Sweet Potat Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 7 on the labelZignature Inception Chicken Recipe Food Can Wet Dog FoodZignatureZignature Inception Chicken Recipe Food Can Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 7 on the labelZignature Inception Pork Recipe Food Can Wet Dog FoodZignatureZignature Inception Pork Recipe Food Can Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 8 on the labelNatural Balance Platefulls Tender Carrot, Potato & Beef Recipe Wet Dog FoodNatural BalanceNatural Balance Platefulls Tender Carrot, Potato & Beef Recipe Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 8 on the label
Show 48 more
Evanger’s Heritage Classic Lamb & Rice Dinner Wet Dog FoodEvanger'sEvanger’s Heritage Classic Lamb & Rice Dinner Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 6 on the labelEvanger’s Roasted Chicken Drummet Dinner - packed by hand! Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodEvanger'sEvanger’s Roasted Chicken Drummet Dinner - packed by hand! Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 6 on the labelEvanger’s EVX Restricted Diet: Weight Management Wet Dog FoodEvanger'sEvanger’s EVX Restricted Diet: Weight Management Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 6 on the labelEvanger’s Heritage Classic Senior & Weight Management Wet Dog FoodEvanger'sEvanger’s Heritage Classic Senior & Weight Management Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 7 on the labelEvanger’s Super Premium EVX Restricted Diet: Skin & Coat Wet Dog FoodEvanger'sEvanger’s Super Premium EVX Restricted Diet: Skin & Coat Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 7 on the labelEvanger’s Chunky Chicken Casserole - packed by hand! Wet Dog FoodEvanger'sEvanger’s Chunky Chicken Casserole - packed by hand! Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 8 on the labelEvanger’s EVX Restricted Diet: Digestion Bland Diet Wet Dog FoodEvanger'sEvanger’s EVX Restricted Diet: Digestion Bland Diet Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 8 on the labelEvanger’s Grain Free; Super Premium Chicken Dinner Wet Dog FoodEvanger'sEvanger’s Grain Free; Super Premium Chicken Dinner Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 8 on the labelPurina Pro Plan Sport Adult High Protein Beef & Bison Entrée Classic Wet Dog FoodPurinaPurina Pro Plan Sport Adult High Protein Beef & Bison Entrée Classic Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 8 on the labelZignature Inception Pork Formula Dry Dog FoodZignatureZignature Inception Pork Formula Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 8 on the labelWysong Archetype Burgers Freeze-Dried Raw Dog FoodWysongWysong Archetype Burgers Freeze-Dried Raw Dog FoodFreeze-Dried // No. 8 on the labelWellness Core 95% Turkey & Spinach Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWellnessWellness Core 95% Turkey & Spinach Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 9 on the labelWellness Core 95% Chicken & Broccoli Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWellnessWellness Core 95% Chicken & Broccoli Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 9 on the labelEvanger’s Grain Free LID Venison + Beef Dinner Wet Dog FoodEvanger'sEvanger’s Grain Free LID Venison + Beef Dinner Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 9 on the labelZignature Essence LIR Landfowl Recipe Food Can Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodZignatureZignature Essence LIR Landfowl Recipe Food Can Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 9 on the labelZignature Inception Fish Recipe Food Can Wet Dog FoodZignatureZignature Inception Fish Recipe Food Can Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 9 on the labelNatural Balance Platefulls Savory Duck & Pumpkin Recipe Wet Dog FoodNatural BalanceNatural Balance Platefulls Savory Duck & Pumpkin Recipe Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 9 on the labelThe Honest Kitchen Tender Turkey One Pot Stew Wet Dog FoodThe Honest KitchenThe Honest Kitchen Tender Turkey One Pot Stew Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 9 on the labelThe Honest Kitchen Slow Cooked Chicken One Pot Stew Wet Dog FoodThe Honest KitchenThe Honest Kitchen Slow Cooked Chicken One Pot Stew Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 9 on the labelPurina Pro Plan Adult 7+ Senior Complete Essentials Chicken & Rice Entrée Classic Wet Dog FoodPurinaPurina Pro Plan Adult 7+ Senior Complete Essentials Chicken & Rice Entrée Classic Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 9 on the labelZignature Select Cuts Turkey Formula with Super Grains Dry Dog FoodZignatureZignature Select Cuts Turkey Formula with Super Grains Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 9 on the labelZignature Inception Fish Formula Dry Dog FoodZignatureZignature Inception Fish Formula Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 9 on the labelGather Free Acres Organic Free-Run Chicken Recipe for Adult Dogs Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodGatherGather Free Acres Organic Free-Run Chicken Recipe for Adult Dogs Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 9 on the labelPurina Beneful Chicken & Carrots Loaf Wet Dog FoodPurinaPurina Beneful Chicken & Carrots Loaf Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 10 on the labelMerrick Fresh Selects Turkey & Brown Rice Fresh Frozen Dog FoodMerrickMerrick Fresh Selects Turkey & Brown Rice Fresh Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 10 on the labelMerrick Fresh Selects Chicken & Brown Rice Fresh Frozen Dog FoodMerrickMerrick Fresh Selects Chicken & Brown Rice Fresh Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 10 on the labelDave’s Pet Food Bland Diet Pouches Dave’s Bland Duck & Pumpkin Pouch Recipe for Dogs / 10 Pack - Pou Wet Dog FoodDave's Pet FoodDave’s Pet Food Bland Diet Pouches Dave’s Bland Duck & Pumpkin Pouch Recipe for Dogs / 10 Pack - Pou Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 10 on the labelGravy Train Ground Dinner With Chicken Wet Dog FoodGravy TrainGravy Train Ground Dinner With Chicken Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 10 on the labelEvanger’s EVX Restricted Diet: Hip & Joint and Senior Support Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodEvanger'sEvanger’s EVX Restricted Diet: Hip & Joint and Senior Support Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 10 on the labelZignature Essence LIR Ranch Recipe Food Can Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodZignatureZignature Essence LIR Ranch Recipe Food Can Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 10 on the labelZignature Original Food Lamb Formula Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodZignatureZignature Original Food Lamb Formula Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 10 on the labelZignature Original Food Turkey Formula Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodZignatureZignature Original Food Turkey Formula Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 10 on the labelThe Honest Kitchen Roasted Beef One Pot Stew Wet Dog FoodThe Honest KitchenThe Honest Kitchen Roasted Beef One Pot Stew Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 10 on the labelOpen Farm Icelandic Cod & Herring Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodOpen FarmOpen Farm Icelandic Cod & Herring Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 10 on the labelPedigree Chopped Ground Dinner Adult Pouch, Chicken Wet Dog FoodPedigreePedigree Chopped Ground Dinner Adult Pouch, Chicken Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 10 on the labelPedigree High Protein Chopped Ground Dinner Can, Chicken & Duck Wet Dog FoodPedigreePedigree High Protein Chopped Ground Dinner Can, Chicken & Duck Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 10 on the labelInstinct Freshly Crafted Meals Cage-Free Chicken Recipe Wet Dog FoodInstinctInstinct Freshly Crafted Meals Cage-Free Chicken Recipe Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 10 on the labelPurina Beneful Freshly Prepared Stews Turkey Dinner with Spinach and Ditalini Pasta in Gravy Wet Dog FoodPurinaPurina Beneful Freshly Prepared Stews Turkey Dinner with Spinach and Ditalini Pasta in Gravy Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 10 on the labelPurina Beneful Freshly Prepared Stews Chicken Dinner with Carrots and Rice in Gravy Wet Dog FoodPurinaPurina Beneful Freshly Prepared Stews Chicken Dinner with Carrots and Rice in Gravy Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 10 on the labelBlue Wilderness Wild Meals Chicken & Sweet Potato Wet Dog FoodBlueBlue Wilderness Wild Meals Chicken & Sweet Potato Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 10 on the labelFirstMate Pacific Ocean Fish Weight Control Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodFirstMateFirstMate Pacific Ocean Fish Weight Control Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 10 on the labelFirstMate Pacific Ocean Fish Large Breed Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodFirstMateFirstMate Pacific Ocean Fish Large Breed Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 10 on the labelFirstMate Pacific Ocean Fish Meal Original Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodFirstMateFirstMate Pacific Ocean Fish Meal Original Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 10 on the labelZignature Essence LIR Landfowl Recipe Dry Dog FoodZignatureZignature Essence LIR Landfowl Recipe Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 10 on the labelZignature Inception Chicken Formula Dry Dog FoodZignatureZignature Inception Chicken Formula Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 10 on the labelZignature Original Turkey Formula with Probiotics Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodZignatureZignature Original Turkey Formula with Probiotics Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 10 on the labelZignature Original Small Bites Turkey Formula with Probiotics Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodZignatureZignature Original Small Bites Turkey Formula with Probiotics Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 10 on the labelRoyal Canin Veterinary Selected Protein PW Moderate Calorie Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodRoyal CaninRoyal Canin Veterinary Selected Protein PW Moderate Calorie Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 10 on the label

On labels as

Other names for this

Manufacturers do not all use the same wording. These all mean the same thing.

Vitamin B-12 Supplement Vitamin B12 Supplement

Sources

What we read

Checked September 1, 2026.

  1. 1 Effect of oral or injectable supplementation with cobalamin in dogs with hypocobalaminemia caused by chronic enteropathy or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2022 // Journal
  2. 2 Efficacy and tolerance of oral versus parenteral cyanocobalamin supplement in hypocobalaminaemic dogs with chronic enteropathy: a controlled randomised open-label trial Journal of Small Animal Practice, 2024 // Journal
  3. 3 Domestic dogs maintain clinical, nutritional, and hematological health outcomes when fed a commercial plant-based diet for a year PLOS ONE, 2024 // Journal
  4. 4 Safety and efficacy of vitamin B12 (in the form of cyanocobalamin) produced by Ensifer spp. as a feed additive for all animal species based on a dossier submitted by VITAC EEIG EFSA Journal, 2018 // Regulator
  5. 5 AAFCO DOG FOOD NUTRIENT PROFILES AAFCO, 2013 // Regulator
  6. 6 Nutritional Requirements of Small Animals Merck Veterinary Manual, n.d. // Book
  7. 7 Reading Labels AAFCO, n.d. // Regulator
  8. 8 Microbial production of vitamin B12: a review and future perspectives Microbial Cell Factories, 2017 // Journal
  9. 9 The Discovery of Vitamin B12 Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism, 2012 // Journal
  10. 10 Bioprocess Strategies for Vitamin B12 Production by Microbial Fermentation and Its Market Applications Bioengineering (Basel), 2022 // Journal
  11. 11 Effect of Antibiotics, Synthetic Vitamins, Vitamin B12 and an APF Supplement on Chick Growth Poultry Science, 1950 // Journal
  12. 12 Inherited selective intestinal cobalamin malabsorption and cobalamin deficiency in dogs Pediatric Research, 1991 // Journal
  13. 13 Oral Cobalamin Supplementation in Dogs with Chronic Enteropathies and Hypocobalaminemia Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016 // Journal
  14. 14 Daily oral cyanocobalamin supplementation in Beagles with hereditary cobalamin malabsorption (Imerslund-Gräsbeck syndrome) maintains normal clinical and cellular cobalamin status Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2019 // Journal
  15. 15 Relationship between cobalamin and folate deficiencies and anemia in dogs Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2019 // Journal
An ingredient on its own tells you very little. What matters is how much of it there is and where it sits in the list. That is why we weigh the top five rather than reacting to any single name further down. Back to the wiki

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