B-Vitamin Pak

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A complete, powdered B-vitamin supplement containing a balanced profile of all B-vitamins. Horses working hard, stressed from transport or illness, or fed high grain diets benefit the most from B-vitamin supplementation.  You will not find a lower cost/higher quality B-vitamin supplement on the market, we promise!

* Based on a 500 kg (1100 lb) horse at a feeding rate of 5 grams per day
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We stand behind our products to provide the best nutrition for your horse. No fillers, just research-backed ingredients. If your horse doesn't love this product, our Customer Happiness team is here to help or give you a refund guaranteed.
B-Vitamin Pak Supports:
  • Maintaining Health
  • Energy Metabolism
  • Hoof Growth
  • Intense Exercise
  • Resistance to Stress
  • Injury & Illness Recovery
  • Muscle Function
  • Skin & Coat Quality
  • Mood Balance
  • Digestion & Nutrient Uptake

Mad Barn’s B-Vitamin Pak is a comprehensive, powdered formula that delivers a balanced profile of all the B-vitamins that your horse needs. 

We dare you to compare B-Vitamin Pak – you will not find a lower priced/higher quality B-vitamin equine supplement on the market!

The complex of B-vitamins is made up of thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), biotin (B7), folic acid (B9), and cobalamin (B12).

Together, these essential nutrients are chiefly involved in the metabolism of fat, protein and carbohydrates, proper functioning of the liver and blood production. Supplementing with B-Vitamin Pak can support your horse’s well-being, mood, energy levels, coat quality and more.

Why Supplement B-vitamins in your Horse?

The horse is able to synthesize the majority of B-vitamins in the hind gut, thanks to its bacterial population. These vitamins are also very efficiently recycled within the body and not typically needed in large quantities in the diet.

For this reason, it is common for equine nutritionists to indicate that horses do not need supplemental B-vitamins to prevent deficiency.

However, studies consistently show that supplementing 20 mg/day of biotin will improve hoof growth and structure. This is why all Mad Barn mineral and vitamin products provide 20 mg of biotin/day.

This indicates that endogenous production levels of B Vitamins is not sufficient for optimal health with current feeding and management practices.

Similarly, if you supplement thiamine and note an improvement in your horse’s mood and behaviour, then clearly B-vitamin levels were insufficient prior to supplementation. 

Unlock the full potential of your horse by supplying optimal levels of B-Complex vitamins with B-Vitamin Pak, rather than aiming for the minimum.

When to Use B-Vitamin Pak

Supplementing B-vitamins with Mad Barn’s B-Vitamin Pak can especially assist horses:

  • Undergoing intense training or competition
    • Lower than ideal B-complex levels may negatively impact horses that spend a lot of time off pasture, adhere to strict schedules or other management practices that are seen in horses that are engaged in high levels of training and competition. Supplementing B-vitamins can restore optimal levels.
  • Under stress due to transportation
    • Disruptions in your horse’s feeding schedule, changes in the environment and changes in diet can all contribute to increased stress, which can compromise gut health and weaken the immune system.
  • With a reduced digestive capacity
    • Very young horses may have a low bacterial population in their hind gut, meaning they are not able to produce adequate levels of these vitamins internally.
    • Very old horses often have a lower feed intake and digestive capacity due to age-related conditions, which could lead to lower levels of B-vitamins in the body.
  • Affected by an illness
    • Poor appetite can accompany illness; replenish B-vitamins that can’t be obtained from normal feedstuffs.
    • Medications such as NSAIDs or antibiotics may compromise hind gut bacteria.
  • Fed high-grain diets
    • High grain diets tend to cause dysbiosis in the hind gut and a subsequent reduction in B-vitamin production.
  • With limited access to green grass or quality hay
    • Fresh grass is rich in many B-vitamins. Depending on the harvest, hays can also contain adequate levels. However, during times when fresh grass or quality pasture aren’t available, B-vitamin supplementation can be helpful.

You should always consult a qualified nutritionist before altering your feed program. Submit your horse’s diet for analysis online and one of our equine nutritionists will be happy to provide a complementary review.

Biotin (Vitamin B7)2019-11-09T07:31:03-05:00

BiotinBiotin, also known as Vitamin B7, is a water-soluble B-vitamin that plays an important role as an enzymatic cofactor in metabolism. Most notably, biotin is involved in the enzymatic reactions that synthesize keratin, which is a component of skin, hair and hooves.

Horses are not capable of synthesizing biotin, and so it must be obtained from the diet. Outright deficiency is rare as biotin is found in most common feedstuffs. Dietary sources of biotin vary, with fresh pasture and alfalfa being the top sources, followed by oats, barley, soybean meal, corn and molasses.

Because it is present in such small quantities in most feedstuffs, the supplementation of biotin is recommended for horses, especially those with dry, cracked or brittle hooves, horses that pull shoes often or horses with chronic laminitis.

Adding biotin to a well-balanced diet can improve hoof health by producing strong keratin. Biotin supplementation has been shown to improve conditions such as brittle hoof horn and chipped hooves. In addition, it contributes to a healthy coat.

Research on the supplementation of pure biotin in equine diets has resulted in mostly positive results, mainly when looking at hoof growth rates, and it is widely advised that biotin be supplemented at 20 mg per day in order to see substantial improvements in hoof growth.

Choline2022-11-07T11:32:44-05:00

Choline

Choline serves as a building block for cell membranes and is a precursor of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

This nutrient is closely related to B-vitamins. It is a constituent of lecithin which is a type of fatty substance known as a phospholipid.

Cobalamin (Vitamin B12)2019-12-03T13:26:00-05:00

Vitamin B12Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) is a water-soluble vitamin with important roles in the nervous system, liver function, energy metabolism and red blood cell maturation. As a dietary supplement, it is sometimes given to horses to fight symptoms of fatigue and stress or to address digestive problems.

The horse needs cobalamin to ensure normal production of red blood cells in bone marrow, to maintain a healthy reproductive system and to support myelination of nerve pathways. Vitamin B12 is also involved in the metabolism of lipids (fats) and amino acids. This vitamin is said to improve physical stamina and to stimulate the appetite in horses.

Unlike other B-Complex vitamins, B12 is not produced naturally within plants and cannot be gained through the horse’s diet. Instead, it must be synthesized within the horse’s hindgut through bacterial fermentation from the mineral cobalt. While deficiency is rare, there may be times when providing additional Cobalamin by way of supplements can improve well-being.

Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)2019-11-09T07:32:40-05:00

Folic AcidFolic Acid (folate, Vitamin B9) is a water-soluble vitamin that is involved in DNA synthesis, methionine production and cellular growth and development. It is particularly important for supporting cell turnover during periods of rapid growth such as fetal development, tissue repair and regeneration of cells lining the intestinal wall.

Folic acid is sometimes given to horses to improve hemoglobin levels because of its role in maintaining healthy red blood cells. Deficiency in folate can manifest as megaloblastic anemia, but this has only ever been reported in other species and not in horses.

Folic acid is generally supplied in adequate amounts in the horse’s diet, especially for animals on pasture or those with access to fresh forage, alfalfa, timothy hay and cereal grains. Horses fed hay tend to have lower levels of this vitamin in their blood.

Horses currently being treated with sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine for EPM may require supplemental folic acid because these medications interfere with the absorption of this vitamin from the gastrointestinal tract.

Niacin (Vitamin B3)2019-11-09T07:30:02-05:00

NiacinNiacin (Vitamin B3, nicotinic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin that is involved in a wide range of activities within the horse’s body. It has been shown to influence nutrient metabolism, digestion, nerve function, blood circulation, skin health and more.

Horses typically require 35mg of Vitamin B3 per day and deficiency is not a problem in most parts of the world. However, horses may benefit from supplementation with this vitamin in certain cases.

Niacin can be synthesized in the horse’s liver from tryptophan and is products in the cecum by certain species of bacteria. It is also found in alfalfa, soybean meal and timothy hay, but only unbound forms of this vitamin can be utilized by the body.

When supplementing with higher levels of protein, Niacin requirements may be increased. Horses engaged in light to heavy work also require more, 60mg and 100mg respectively.

Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)2019-11-09T07:29:33-05:00

Pantothenic AcidPantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5, pantothenate) is a water-soluble vitamin that is critical for normal metabolic function in the horse. Pantothenic Acid forms a part of co-enzyme A (CoA) which is involved in energy production, fatty acid synthesis, production of steroid hormones, formation of neurotransmitters and regulation of other enzymatic reactions.

Low dietary intake of Pantothenic Acid can result in fatigue, but true deficiency is rare. Horses typically obtain adequate amounts of this vitamin from their forage and grain. It can also be produced through fermentation by bacteria in the gut.

Performance horses and animals that experience gastrointestinal upset or those using antibiotics may benefit from additional supplementation with Vitamin B5. The recommended dietary concentration is 13 mg/kg of dry matter intake.

Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)2019-11-09T07:29:13-05:00

PyridoxinePyridoxine (Vitamin B6) is a water-soluble vitamin that is required for proper metabolic function in the horse. It plays a role in blood sugar regulation, muscle development, mood regulation, hormone production and joint health.

Pyridoxine is necessary for over 150 different enzyme reactions in mammals. It is essential for helping the body to process lipids, carbohydrates and proteins from food. Vitamin B6 also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms and can influence the nervous system and immune function.

Supplementing with B Vitamins may be particularly beneficial for horses primarily eating grain and not forage, undergoing intense physical exertion, high stress environments, young or old horses, and those taking antibiotic medications. Horses with certain forms of digestive upset such as diarrhea or dysbiosis that impede absorption of nutrients may also benefit from taking additional Pyridoxine.

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)2019-11-09T07:31:18-05:00

RiboflavinRiboflavin, or vitamin B2, is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for converting macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats into energy. It is a precursor for the synthesis of enzymes involved in ATP production and lipid metabolism.

Riboflavin is present in all cells of the body and is used to make two very important coenzymes, flavin adenine dinucleotide and flavin mononucleotide. Coenzymes are molecules that assist enzymes by delivering molecules that the enzymes need to perform a reaction.

Riboflavin is naturally present in the horse’s diet, most abundantly in legumes such as alfalfa and clover and slightly lower in grass hays. Riboflavin is also produced by fermentation in the hindgut. Like most B vitamins, riboflavin deficiency and toxicity are very rare and have not been reported in horses.

The microbes in a horse’s gastrointestinal tract are able to synthesize Vitamin B2, and requirements are easily met with the addition of hay and grain. Symptomatic riboflavin deficiency is so rare, that signs are not reported in horses even when fed diets that are lacking in this vitamin.

The supplementation of riboflavin and other B vitamins can help to supply optimal levels and allow the horse to perform at its full potential, especially in certain situations. Horses consuming low-quality hay, those under high stress, on antibiotics or have any health condition that compromises hindgut bacterial production is recommended to receive a B-vitamin supplement.

Thiamine (Vitamin B1)2019-12-03T13:31:01-05:00

ThiamineThiamine is one of the B vitamins and is also known as vitamin B1. This very important vitamin is crucial for the enzymes that carry out carbohydrate metabolism and the functioning of the nervous system. Horses are able to synthesize thiamine with the help of microbes in the hindgut, and so it is generally not necessary as a supplement.

Levels of thiamine are highest in brewer’s yeast and rice bran, with the lowest concentrations found in forages.

Some research has found that thiamine is still required in the diet due to reports of inadequate synthesis, despite it being produced in the hindgut. Studies suggest that exercising horses, especially, may require double what a horse at maintenance needs to support increased carbohydrate metabolism. Positive effects have been seen with the supplementation of thiamine on markers of carbohydrate metabolism and thiamine status of exercising horses, so it may be beneficial to supplement performance horses with thiamine.

Directions for Use:
Body Weight Scoops Dose
< 200 kg 1/2 scoop 2.5 g
200 – 500 kg 1 scoop 5 g
> 500 kg 1.5 scoops 7.5 g
1 scoop = 5 cc = 5 grams

Caution:

Store in a cool, dry place, protected from direct sunlight. Keep tightly closed when not in use.

Feeding vitamins others than vitamins A, D, E, riboflavin, pyridoxine, and thiamine to horses may not have a beneficial effect.

Shelf Life:

12 month from date of manufacture.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by Health Canada or the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
GUARANTEED ANALYSIS
Per gram serving
Nutrient Values Units Per 5 G
Thiamine (min) 9,800 (mg/kg) 49 mg
Riboflavin (min) 8,000 (mg/kg) 40 mg
Biotin (min) 4,000 (mg/kg) 20 mg
Folic Acid (min) 950 (mg/kg) 4.75 mg
Niacin (min) 59,400 (mg/kg) 297 mg
Pantothenic Acid (min) 29,700 (mg/kg) 148.5 mg
Pyridoxine (min) 4,950 (mg/kg) 24.75 mg
Vitamin B12 (min) 60 (mg/kg) 0.3 mg
Choline (min) 150,000 (mg/kg) 750 mg

INGREDIENTS: Dextrose, Choline, Biotin, Niacin, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Pyridoxine, Folic Acid, Silica.

Register & manufactured by: Mad Barn Inc., Petersburg, ON, Canada.

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* Recommended serving size of 1 grams per 100 kg (220 lb) of body weight
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Disclaimer: Recommended feeding rate varies depending on your horse's condition and current diet. Consult with a nutritionist to determine the appropriate inclusion rate for your horse.

Customer Questions About This Product

    Since B1 B2 and B12 are incompatible with eachother, are they coated for protection and efficacy in the Mad Barn B Pak?
  1. 0 votes
    Q Since B1 B2 and B12 are incompatible with eachother, are they coated for protection and efficacy ...... Read more
    A Hi Vanessa, they are not coated. Incompatibility or instability of these vitamins is mostly an issue when they are in liquid form that could be susceptible to fluctuating pH, or with exposure to light. It is recommended to keep the product in the sealed, dark bag to maintain efficacy.
  2. How should I feed the B-Vitamin Pak
  3. 0 votes
    Q How should I feed the B-Vitamin Pak
    A Our B-Vitamin Pak contains a full B-Vitamin profile, but it is not a complete equine mineral and vitamin, so it should be used as a top-dress in addition to a balanced equine diet.
  4. Can the B-Vitamin Pak help to calm down a stressed out horse?
  5. 0 votes
    Q Can the B-Vitamin Pak help to calm down a stressed out horse?
    A We generally recommend B-vitamin supplementation for horses that travel frequently, are exercising at a heavy level, or those with compromised immune system due to an illness, etc. If your horse's diet is already balanced with a complete vitamin and mineral product, they may not require extra B-vitamins, but supplementation may help lower stress.
  6. Why does supplementing with a vitamin B complex improve mood? And why it is particularly effective for horses on a high grain diet?
  7. 0 votes
    Q Why does supplementing with a vitamin B complex improve mood? And why it is particularly effectiv...... Read more
    A B-vitamins play a role in producing chemicals in the brain and maintaining tight junctions, so depending on the horse's vitamin status b-vitamin supplementation may have a profound impact or none on behaviour and/or mood. The majority of b-vitamins are produced in the hindgut by the bacterial population. High grain diets tend to cause dysbiosis and subsequent reduction in b-vitamin production. It is common for nutritionists to indicate horses do not need supplemental b-vitamins, due to the fact the microbial population produces them. Studies consistently show that supplementing 20 mg/day of biotin will improve hoof structure (which is why Mad Barn mineral and vitamin products all provide 20 mg of biotin/day), indicating endogenous production levels are not sufficient for optimal health with our current feeding and management practices. Similarly, if you supplement thiamine and note an improvement in your horse's mood/behaviour than clearly b-vitamin levels were insufficient prior to supplementation.

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