Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

Riboflavin is vitamin B2, a water-soluble nutrient required for normal cellular energy metabolism. Veterinary supplementation is used to correct deficiency or inadequate intake and is often supplied within B-complex products. Deficiency can affect growth, epithelial tissues and peripheral nerve function, with clinical patterns differing among species.

Group

Water-soluble vitamin

Mechanism of Action

Riboflavin is converted to flavin mononucleotide and flavin adenine dinucleotide. These cofactors participate in oxidation–reduction reactions, mitochondrial electron transfer and multiple pathways of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. Replacement restores flavin-dependent enzyme activity in deficient patients, supporting energy production and normal tissue maintenance.

Dose Rates

Dogs

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Vitamin B2 supplementation	10–20 mg/animal	PO	Every 24 h
Vitamin B2 supplementation	1–4 mg/animal	SC	Every 24 h

Cats

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Vitamin B2 supplementation	5–10 mg/animal	PO	Every 24 h
Vitamin B2 supplementation	1–2 mg/animal	SC	Every 24 h

Sheep

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Vitamin B2 supplementation	2–4 mg/animal	IM, SC	Every 24 h	Lambs.
Vitamin B2 supplementation	10–20 mg/animal	IM, SC	Every 24 h	Adults.

Cattle

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Vitamin B2 supplementation	6–10 mg/animal	IM, SC	Every 24 h	Calves.
Vitamin B2 supplementation	20–40 mg/animal	IM, SC	Every 24 h	Adults.

Horses

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Vitamin B2 supplementation	6–10 mg/animal	IM, SC	Every 24 h	Foals.
Vitamin B2 supplementation	20–40 mg/animal	IM, SC	Every 24 h	Adults.

Pigs

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Vitamin B2 supplementation	10–20 mg/animal	IM, SC	Every 24 h

Indications

Treatment of vitamin B2 deficiency in veterinary patients.
Nutritional replacement when inadequate dietary intake or another defined deficiency risk produces an insufficient riboflavin supply.
Treatment of riboflavin-deficiency-associated growth or peripheral nerve disorders in poultry and other susceptible species.

Adverse effects

Urine discoloration; routine supplementation is generally well tolerated.

Preparations

Preparation	Form	Strength	Route
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) 10 mg	Tablet	10 mg / tablet	PO
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) 250 mg	Tablet	250 mg / tablet	PO

Monitoring and Administration

Supplement based on nutritional need. Protect from light; combined B-vitamin injections must be assessed by all ingredients. Thiamine is vitamin B1.

Riboflavin occurs as a component of multivitamin/parenteral-nutrition mixtures. Combination strengths vary; rapid-infusion reactions may arise from accompanying thiamine.