NRC Essential Nutrients: Water-Soluble Vitamins in PMR Diets (Part 1)
Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes

Water-soluble vitamins are vital nutrients that must be consumed daily as they are not stored in the body. These vitamins, including B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and choline, play key roles in metabolism, energy production, and overall health. They are found in both animal and plant sources but are especially abundant in organ meats, making them essential components of Prey Model Raw (PMR) diets for pets.

Understanding Water-Soluble Vitamins

Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water and are eliminated via urine when consumed in excess. This means that they need to be replenished daily. PMR diets, focused on whole prey or muscle and organ meats, naturally provide these vitamins in adequate amounts if carefully balanced.

Here, we explore key water-soluble vitamins, their roles, dietary sources, and tips for ensuring your PMR-fed pets receive the necessary levels of these nutrients.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

Role: Thiamine helps metabolize carbohydrates, converting them into glucose for energy. It is crucial for nerve, muscle, and heart function.
PMR Tip: Thiamine needs increase with carbohydrate intake. However, a well-formulated PMR diet, rich in meats such as pork and beef, easily meets these requirements. Be cautious with fish high in thiaminase (an enzyme that inhibits thiamine), such as certain types of raw fish and shellfish.

NRC Recommended Allowances (per 1000kcal):

•   Adult Dogs: 0.56 mg
•   Adult Cats: 1.4 mg

Top Sources:

•   Pork (0.255 mg/oz)
•   Beef Kidney (0.101 mg/oz)

Solution: To monitor thiamine levels, avoid frequent feeding of raw fish high in thiaminase and ensure a varied diet with thiamine-rich meats like pork or beef.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Role: Riboflavin is involved in energy production, fat metabolism, and growth. It is produced by bacteria in the colon, particularly when plant-based foods are consumed, though it is also abundant in animal products.

NRC Recommended Allowances (per 1000kcal):

•   Adult Dogs: 1.3 mg
•   Adult Cats: 1 mg

Top Sources:

•   Beef Kidney (0.805 mg/oz)
•   Chicken Liver (0.503 mg/oz)

Action: Regularly include organ meats like liver and kidney in PMR diets to maintain optimal riboflavin levels. Riboflavin deficiency is rare but can be tested by monitoring your pet’s energy levels and skin health.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

Role: Niacin facilitates energy production and DNA repair. While dogs can synthesize niacin from tryptophan, cats cannot, making dietary niacin essential for felines.

NRC Recommended Allowances (per 1000kcal):

•   Adult Dogs: 4.25 mg
•   Adult Cats: 10 mg

Top Sources:

•   Beef Liver (3.725 mg/oz)
•   Chicken (2.7 mg/oz)

Tip: For cats, ensure sufficient niacin intake through liver and red muscle meats. For dogs, a balanced diet including tryptophan-rich foods will support natural niacin synthesis.

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)

Role: Pantothenic acid is necessary for the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, and for synthesizing coenzymes. While found in many foods, it is more concentrated in animal tissues.

NRC Recommended Allowances (per 1000kcal):

•   Adult Dogs: 3.75 mg
•   Adult Cats: 1.44 mg

Top Sources:

•   Beef Liver (2.025 mg/oz)
•   Chicken Liver (1.76 mg/oz)

Action: For optimal pantothenic acid levels, regularly incorporate liver and organ meats into your pet’s diet. Monitor skin and coat health, as deficiencies can cause dermatitis or hair loss.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine, Pyridoxamine, Pyridoxal)

Role: Vitamin B6 is crucial for protein metabolism, red blood cell formation, and neurological health. It exists in various forms, with meat-based foods providing the most bioavailable types.

NRC Recommended Allowances (per 1000kcal):

•   Adult Dogs: 0.375 mg
•   Adult Cats: 0.625 mg

Top Sources:

•   Chicken (0.229 mg/oz)
•   Pink Salmon (0.173 mg/oz)

Monitor: To maintain adequate B6 levels, ensure your pet’s diet contains raw meats, especially chicken and fish. Processing meats can reduce B6 content by up to 40%, so minimal processing is key.

Practical Solutions for PMR Diets

A raw diet rich in muscle meats, organ meats, and minimal plant-based ingredients can easily meet the daily requirements for water-soluble vitamins. For dogs and cats fed on a PMR diet, variety is critical. Rotate through different meat sources such as pork, beef, liver, and fish to ensure all vitamin needs are met.

How to Test: Regular blood tests can monitor vitamin levels, especially if your pet shows signs of deficiency (e.g., poor coat condition, lethargy, or neurological issues). Testing for thiamine and niacin levels is particularly useful in pets consuming large amounts of fish or undergoing stress.

NRC Essential Nutrients: Water-Soluble Vitamins in PMR Diets (Part 2)

Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes

In the second part of our exploration of water-soluble vitamins in Prey Model Raw (PMR) diets, we will focus on vitamins B7 (Biotin), B9 (Folate), B12 (Cobalamin), and choline. These essential nutrients support everything from cellular growth to brain function, making them integral to your pet’s health. As with the previously discussed vitamins, they must be included daily in your pet’s diet, as the body does not store them.

Vitamin B7 (Biotin)

Role: Biotin is essential for converting carbohydrates into energy, producing amino acids and fatty acids, and metabolizing proteins. While gut microbes produce biotin, dietary intake remains crucial for pets, particularly in diets that include raw egg whites, which can deplete biotin due to the presence of avidin.

NRC Recommended Allowances (per 1000kcal):

•   Adult Cats: 60 mcg
•   Kittens: 60 mcg

No specific recommendations for dogs.

Top Sources:

•   Beef Liver (10.26 mcg/oz)
•   Chicken Eggs (10 mcg/egg)

Tip: Include liver and eggs regularly in your pet’s diet to ensure biotin levels remain adequate. Avoid feeding raw egg whites without the yolk, as they can interfere with biotin absorption.

Vitamin B9 (Folate & Folic Acid)

Role: Folate is crucial for DNA synthesis, cell growth, and amino acid metabolism. It works in tandem with vitamin B12 to convert homocysteine into methionine, supporting healthy brain and nerve function.

NRC Recommended Allowances (per 1000kcal):

•   Adult Dogs: 67.5 mcg
•   Adult Cats: 188 mcg

Top Sources:

•   Turkey Liver (191 mcg/oz)
•   Chicken Liver (166 mcg/oz)

Solution: To prevent folate deficiency, regularly incorporate liver into your pet’s PMR diet, especially if you are feeding them a high-protein diet. Be aware that folate is sensitive to heat, so it’s best to serve these meats raw.

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

Role: Vitamin B12 is critical for neurological function, the formation of red blood cells, and DNA synthesis. Since B12 is only synthesized by microorganisms and is not present in plant ingredients, it must be provided through meat-based foods.

NRC Recommended Allowances (per 1000kcal):

•   Adult Dogs: 8.75 mcg
•   Adult Cats: 5.6 mcg

Top Sources:

•   Beef Liver (16.75 mcg/oz)
•   Atlantic Mackerel (2.5 mcg/oz)

Monitor: Pets with certain medical conditions, such as Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI), may struggle to absorb B12, requiring closer monitoring and supplementation. For most healthy pets, a raw diet rich in liver and red muscle meats will provide ample B12.

Choline

Role: Although often grouped with B vitamins, choline is a separate nutrient essential for liver function, brain development, muscle movement, and the metabolism of fats. While the body can synthesize choline, dietary intake is necessary to meet optimal levels.

NRC Recommended Allowances (per 1000kcal):

•   Adult Dogs: 425 mg
•   Adult Cats: 637 mg

Top Sources:

•   Chicken Egg (129 mg/egg)
•   Beef Liver (94.3 mg/oz)

Action: To maintain sufficient choline levels, include eggs and liver in your pet’s PMR diet. Choline is also produced in the liver with the help of B12 and folate, so ensuring balanced intake of all three nutrients will support overall health.

Practical Solutions for PMR Diets (Part 2)

1.  Variety: Incorporate a wide range of organ meats and muscle meats to ensure your pet receives all essential water-soluble vitamins. Liver, kidney, heart, and eggs are particularly rich in these nutrients.
2.  Testing: Regular blood tests can help monitor vitamin levels, especially in pets with health conditions affecting nutrient absorption, like EPI or gut disorders. Testing for B12 and folate levels is especially critical in such cases.
3.  Supplementation: If your pet’s diet lacks certain organ meats or they have higher nutritional needs (e.g., lactating females or growing puppies), consider supplements to fill any gaps in water-soluble vitamins. However, focus on whole food sources as the primary means of meeting these needs.
4.  Minimize Processing: To preserve the integrity of these vitamins, avoid overprocessing the food. Raw or minimally processed ingredients will retain higher levels of these essential nutrients compared to cooked or heat-processed foods.

Final Thoughts

A well-rounded PMR diet naturally provides the required amounts of water-soluble vitamins when organ meats, muscle meats, and fish are included regularly. By focusing on variety, closely monitoring your pet’s health, and addressing any deficiencies through diet adjustments, you can ensure your pet receives all the essential nutrients for optimal health.

Remember, these vitamins are not stored in the body, so daily replenishment is key. When needed, supplementation can bridge gaps, but the foundation of your pet’s nutrition should always be nutrient-rich, high-quality whole foods.

Incorporating these water-soluble vitamins into your pet’s daily diet will support their overall vitality and ensure they thrive on their PMR journey.

Additional informations :

additional relevant information to consider when ensuring your pet receives all the necessary water-soluble vitamins, particularly in a Prey Model Raw (PMR) diet. This includes vitamin B7 (Biotin), B9 (Folate), B12 (Cobalamin), and choline, which were covered in Part 2 of our analysis. These vitamins work together to support critical functions, and their deficiency can lead to significant health issues. However, there are also some lesser-discussed considerations and more detailed aspects of water-soluble vitamin intake:

Vitamin Absorption Factors

1.  Interaction with Other Nutrients: Water-soluble vitamins can be affected by the presence or absence of other nutrients in the diet. For instance, vitamin B12 absorption is enhanced by the presence of folate (B9). Thus, ensuring that your pet’s diet is balanced across all essential nutrients helps optimize vitamin uptake.
2.  Gut Health: The gut microbiome plays an essential role in the synthesis of certain B vitamins (e.g., biotin). Maintaining good gut health through a diet rich in raw, natural foods supports the internal production of some of these vitamins. Consider adding small amounts of fermented foods or probiotics to help balance gut flora and boost nutrient absorption.
3.  Stress and Disease Impact: Conditions such as gastrointestinal disorders or high levels of stress can impair the absorption of water-soluble vitamins. Dogs or cats undergoing stress may benefit from extra nutritional support, including supplements of B-complex vitamins. Likewise, pets with compromised digestive systems may need monitored vitamin intake to prevent deficiencies.

Supplementation and Testing

4.  Testing: If your pet shows symptoms like lethargy, poor coat quality, or neurological issues, it may indicate a deficiency in one or more water-soluble vitamins. Blood tests can reveal deficiencies in vitamins like B12 or folate, especially in cases where conditions like malabsorption (e.g., EPI) are suspected.
5.  Supplementation Guidelines: In cases where natural dietary sources do not meet your pet’s needs, supplements can fill the gap. However, it’s crucial to follow NRC guidelines on dosage to avoid over-supplementation, especially for sensitive nutrients like B6 or niacin, where excessive intake could lead to imbalances.

Practical Considerations for Raw Feeding

6.  Quality of Ingredients: The source and quality of your raw ingredients are essential. Organ meats, especially liver, must be fresh and sourced from high-quality, clean sources to avoid contamination and ensure maximum nutrient levels. Lower quality meats may not provide adequate levels of certain vitamins or could introduce toxins that hinder vitamin absorption.
7.  Storage and Handling: Water-soluble vitamins are sensitive to heat, light, and water. Improper handling and prolonged storage can degrade these vitamins, particularly folate and biotin. Freezing raw meats and thawing them correctly minimizes nutrient loss, ensuring your pet receives the maximum benefit from their diet.
8.  Rotational Feeding: One effective strategy to meet the full spectrum of water-soluble vitamin requirements is rotational feeding. By varying the types of organ meats, muscle meats, and fish in your pet’s diet over time, you can naturally provide a broader range of these essential vitamins, reducing the risk of deficiency.

Additional Nutrients in the Context of Water-Soluble Vitamins

While water-soluble vitamins are critical, they don’t function in isolation. Their proper function often depends on a broader nutrient context, including:

•   Essential Fatty Acids: These help the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins but also play a role in optimizing the health of tissues and organs where water-soluble vitamins act (e.g., nervous system health).
•   Trace Minerals: Zinc, magnesium, and selenium can influence how water-soluble vitamins are utilized in the body, supporting enzymatic reactions that involve B vitamins.

By ensuring your PMR-fed pet has a well-rounded diet rich in essential nutrients, combined with regular monitoring and testing, you create an ideal foundation for long-term health and vitality.

Conclusion: Keeping It Balanced and Monitored

Water-soluble vitamins are indispensable in your pet’s daily diet, especially when following a raw or PMR approach. With the right balance of raw meats, organ meats, and occasional plant matter, you can easily meet the NRC guidelines for these nutrients. Pay attention to the quality of ingredients, rotate foods to cover all essential nutrients, and monitor your pet’s health regularly to adjust their diet as needed.

Whether through dietary adjustments or supplements, the goal is to provide a steady, daily supply of these vitamins to ensure that your pet thrives on their PMR journey.

Advanced Considerations in Water-Soluble Vitamin Management

Estimated Reading Time : 10 minutes

1.  Vitamin Interdependencies:

Many vitamins function in synergy with each other, and this can significantly impact their absorption and utilization in a raw diet. For example:
• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) is needed to help convert tryptophan into niacin (Vitamin B3), so a deficiency in B6 could impair niacin availability, even if dietary intake of niacin is sufficient.
• Choline works closely with Vitamin B12 and folate (Vitamin B9) to maintain cellular health and support neurological function, so a balanced intake of these nutrients is essential to prevent deficiencies.
Solution: Ensure that PMR diets are well-rounded with a variety of nutrient-rich organs (e.g., liver for B12, kidney for B2) to maintain these delicate balances. Adding eggs for choline and folate or regularly switching organ sources also helps sustain interdependent vitamin levels.
2. Environmental and Lifestyle Impact:
Certain external factors can influence your pet’s nutritional needs, including exposure to environmental toxins, stress levels, or even increased activity. For example:
• Increased Stress: Pets under chronic stress (e.g., due to travel, moving homes, or new pets in the household) may require more B vitamins, particularly B12 and folate, to support adrenal health and nerve function.
• Activity Levels: Highly active pets or working dogs may have increased metabolic demands, requiring more vitamins like thiamine (B1) and niacin (B3) to support energy production.
Tip: Monitor your pet’s behavior and health markers during stressful periods. Consider increasing organ meats like liver or kidney, which are rich in B12 and B2, or incorporating a B-complex supplement if signs of deficiency (lethargy, dull coat) appear.
3. Seasonal Adjustments:
Pets may have different nutritional needs depending on the season, particularly those with outdoor lifestyles:
• Cold Weather: In colder months, pets may require more energy to stay warm, increasing the need for vitamins that support energy metabolism, such as B1 and niacin.
• Hot Weather: In warmer months, ensuring hydration is crucial, as water-soluble vitamins are easily excreted, and pets may lose more of these nutrients through increased urination or sweating.
Action: Adjust your PMR feeding plan seasonally by including higher amounts of fatty fish in colder months (e.g., mackerel for B vitamins) and maintaining hydration by adding small amounts of bone broth or raw eggs to meals during hot weather.

Deeper Insights Into Vitamin Sources and Processing

4.  The Role of Fermentation:

Fermented foods can naturally boost B-vitamin levels, particularly B12 and B2 (riboflavin). While fermentation is not a traditional aspect of the PMR diet, small amounts of fermented vegetables, dairy (if tolerated), or supplements like kefir can be beneficial:
• Kefir or Fermented Dairy: Contains live cultures that may enhance the gut microbiome’s ability to produce B vitamins. However, it should be introduced carefully, especially for pets with lactose sensitivities.
• Fermented Fish or Meat: Traditional cultures have used lightly fermented fish or organ meats to preserve them, which may also help enhance their nutrient profiles.
Monitor: Keep an eye on how your pet reacts to fermented additions. Some pets may benefit from the digestive aid, while others may experience temporary digestive discomfort. Always start with small amounts.
5. Raw Feeding and Vitamin Stability:
As discussed earlier, water-soluble vitamins are sensitive to processing. However, even within raw feeding, it is crucial to maintain proper storage and handling:
• Vitamin Degradation: Vitamins like folate and biotin are particularly sensitive to prolonged freezing, thawing, and refreezing cycles. Ensure that raw meats and organs are properly thawed once and not refrozen to preserve nutrient levels.
• Light and Air Exposure: Vitamins like B6 (pyridoxine) degrade when exposed to light. Keeping raw ingredients in opaque, airtight containers minimizes degradation.
Tip: Invest in stainless steel or high-quality silicone storage containers for preserving the integrity of vitamins in raw meats and organs. Always handle raw foods quickly and avoid leaving them exposed to air for long periods.

Monitoring Nutrient Balance and Deficiency Signs

6.  Signs of Deficiencies:

Each B vitamin has specific deficiency symptoms, which can sometimes overlap, making it challenging to identify which nutrient is lacking. Here are some key indicators:
• B1 (Thiamine) Deficiency: Neurological symptoms such as incoordination, weakness, or head tilt. Often seen in pets fed diets high in thiaminase-containing fish.
• B2 (Riboflavin) Deficiency: Dermatitis, cracked paw pads, or hair loss.
• B6 (Pyridoxine) Deficiency: Anemia, seizures, or general weakness.
Action: If you notice any of these symptoms, consult a vet immediately, and request blood work to assess B vitamin levels. Immediate dietary adjustments or supplementation may be needed to reverse deficiencies.
7. Titer Testing for Nutritional Adequacy:
Just as titer tests are used to determine immunity levels in pets before vaccinations, nutrient titer tests can provide insights into specific vitamin levels, particularly for B12 and folate. This is especially useful for pets with underlying conditions or chronic stress:
• Vitamin B12 Titer Testing: Recommended for pets with digestive issues like Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) as they may struggle to absorb this nutrient properly.
Solution: Periodically testing pets at risk of malabsorption can help adjust their diet or supplement routine early before severe symptoms develop.

Conclusion: Supporting Optimal Health with Water-Soluble Vitamins

The integration of water-soluble vitamins into a PMR diet is a dynamic process that involves careful planning, regular monitoring, and occasional adjustments based on your pet’s health and lifestyle factors. With organ meats, muscle meats, and fish playing a central role, most pets can easily meet their daily needs for vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12, and choline.

However, optimal health goes beyond just providing the necessary nutrients—it’s about how those nutrients are processed, absorbed, and utilized in the body. By paying attention to stress levels, seasonal changes, and environmental factors, and by conducting regular health monitoring, you can fine-tune your pet’s PMR diet to ensure they thrive in every stage of life.

Whether through dietary adjustments, introducing fermented foods, or using supplements strategically, the goal is to create a sustainable, nutrient-dense diet that provides all the essential water-soluble vitamins, keeping your pet healthy and vibrant for years to come.

Advanced Testing Methods and Monitoring Tools

1.  Nutrient Panel Testing:

For pets on a PMR diet, regular nutrient testing can help prevent deficiencies that might not be immediately visible. Beyond blood work, specific nutrient panel tests can measure key vitamins such as B12, folate, and niacin. This is particularly useful in high-risk pets such as seniors or those with chronic conditions (e.g., digestive disorders or metabolic issues). Nutrient testing provides a more comprehensive view of your pet’s overall health by highlighting gaps in their diet.
Action: Schedule annual nutrient panel tests, particularly for pets that show signs of poor health (e.g., poor coat, lethargy, or chronic gastrointestinal issues). This helps tailor your pet’s diet more precisely by targeting specific nutrient needs.
2. Hair Analysis Testing:
While not as common as blood tests, hair analysis is another diagnostic tool that can provide insights into long-term nutrient imbalances, including vitamin and mineral levels. This method evaluates stored nutrients in hair tissues, which can indicate long-term vitamin deficiencies that might not show up in routine blood work.
Tip: Hair analysis can be especially beneficial if you suspect your pet has had a long-term deficiency in B vitamins or choline, as it reflects nutrient storage over a more extended period. Results can guide diet modifications or supplement use.

Nutrient Absorption and Bioavailability in PMR Diets

3.  Bioavailability of Water-Soluble Vitamins:

The bioavailability of water-soluble vitamins in raw feeding is higher than in processed foods, as they are more intact in their natural form. However, certain factors can still affect absorption:
• Thiamine (B1) is easily degraded by high heat and prolonged exposure to water, which is why cooking or soaking raw meats should be avoided if trying to preserve B1 content.
• Niacin (B3), which is necessary for energy production, is readily available in raw meats but requires proper gut function for full absorption. Dogs with gut issues may need additional digestive support to enhance niacin uptake.
Solution: For pets with compromised digestion, consider adding digestive enzymes or probiotics to their PMR meals to enhance nutrient absorption, particularly for B vitamins. Minimal processing is key to preserving water-soluble vitamin content.
4. Avoiding Antinutritional Factors:
Some foods contain antinutritional factors that can hinder vitamin absorption:
• Avidin in raw egg whites binds to biotin (B7) and can cause a deficiency if fed in large amounts. When feeding eggs, always include the yolk, which is rich in biotin and counteracts the avidin in the white.
• Thiaminase in certain fish (e.g., raw mackerel, clams, and shellfish) breaks down thiamine (B1) and can lead to a deficiency over time.
Action: Rotate ingredients to avoid over-reliance on foods that may inhibit vitamin absorption. If you regularly feed fish or raw eggs, ensure you supplement with adequate biotin and thiamine-rich foods like liver or pork.

Special Considerations for Puppies and Senior Pets

5.  Vitamin Needs for Growing Puppies:

Puppies have higher demands for B vitamins, as these nutrients are essential for growth, neurological development, and red blood cell production. For puppies on a PMR diet, the most crucial period for providing these nutrients is during their rapid growth phases, between 8 weeks and 6 months.
• Folate (B9) supports DNA synthesis and cell division, making it especially important for puppies during their developmental stages. Folate-rich foods like liver and leafy greens should be included frequently.
• Thiamine (B1) is critical for carbohydrate metabolism, and as puppies tend to have higher energy needs, their thiamine requirements increase accordingly.
Monitor: Watch for signs of deficiency during this growth period, such as poor coordination or stunted growth. Regularly feed a variety of organ meats to provide a wide range of B vitamins.
6. Nutritional Support for Senior Dogs:
As dogs age, their metabolism slows, and their ability to absorb nutrients may decline, particularly if they suffer from digestive issues. Seniors may require more B vitamins to support cognitive function, energy production, and muscle maintenance:
• Vitamin B12 levels often decrease with age, leading to symptoms such as lethargy and cognitive decline. Including B12-rich foods like liver and fish can help prevent this.
• Choline is another critical nutrient for senior dogs, as it supports liver function and prevents cognitive decline. Eggs are an excellent source of choline.
Action: For older dogs, consider supplementing with a B-complex vitamin, especially if they are showing signs of cognitive decline or have decreased muscle mass. Regular bloodwork can also help track changes in their nutritional needs.

Holistic Considerations and Natural Supplements

7.  Glandular Therapy:

Glandular therapy uses desiccated organs to support the corresponding organs in the pet’s body. For example, feeding heart or liver from pasture-raised animals can help support the heart or liver function in pets. This method provides natural, bioavailable sources of water-soluble vitamins, particularly B vitamins.
• Liver supplements provide an abundance of B12, folate, and choline. These are particularly beneficial for pets with weakened immune systems or digestive issues that impair vitamin absorption.
Tip: If fresh organ meats are not available, high-quality glandular supplements can be used to fill the gap in your pet’s PMR diet, providing both vitamins and organ-specific nutrients.
8. Herbal and Natural Sources:
Certain herbs and natural ingredients can help enhance vitamin intake and absorption. For example:
• Nutritional Yeast is a rich source of B vitamins, particularly B1, B2, B3, and B6. It can be sprinkled on raw meals to provide an additional boost, especially for dogs that may be stressed or under high physical demand.
• Spirulina is a blue-green algae that provides a natural source of vitamins, including B12. It is highly bioavailable and can be added in small amounts to raw meals.
Action: Integrate these natural supplements into your pet’s diet when you need to increase their intake of water-soluble vitamins, especially during periods of stress, illness, or high activity.

Fine-Tuning Your Pet’s Diet Over Time

9.  Monitoring and Adjusting the Diet:

Raw feeding requires regular adjustments based on your pet’s life stage, activity levels, and overall health. For instance, a highly active working dog will have different nutrient requirements than a senior dog with reduced activity. Keep track of your pet’s health indicators (coat condition, energy levels, digestion) and tweak their diet accordingly:
• Increase B1 and Niacin during periods of high activity.
• Boost B12 and Folate for pets recovering from illness or surgery, as these vitamins support cell regeneration and energy.
Monitor: Keep a diet journal for your pet to track their food intake and any changes in their health. This helps identify potential deficiencies or excesses over time.

Conclusion: Optimizing Water-Soluble Vitamin Intake in PMR Diets

Water-soluble vitamins are an essential, dynamic part of a Prey Model Raw diet. By carefully managing ingredient selection, rotating nutrient-dense foods, and monitoring your pet’s health, you can ensure they receive all the B vitamins and choline necessary for optimal health. Special considerations for age, health status, and activity level will guide adjustments, whether through food-based sources or carefully selected supplements.

Through regular testing, diet evaluation, and attention to external factors like stress and environmental influences, you can maintain a well-balanced diet that supports your pet’s long-term health. The key to success in PMR feeding is continual adaptation—ensuring that your pet’s needs are met as they evolve through different life stages and challenges. This proactive approach ensures they not only survive but thrive on their raw feeding journey.