Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

In experiments, B6 deficiency increased urinary oxalate and calcium oxalate crystals in kittens, so getting enough B6 matters for urinary tract health as well.

Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, is a water-soluble B vitamin that cats use in protein and amino acid metabolism. The Merck Veterinary Manual says cats have higher requirements than dogs for niacin and pyridoxine, which fits a diet high in protein. Complete cat foods add B6 to reach their nutrient targets. If your cat has a medical condition, ask your veterinarian before adding any supplement.

Source: merckvetmanual.com

Pyridoxine hydrochloride is the stable form of vitamin B6 that manufacturers add to cat food. Cats process a lot of protein, and B6 is needed for the enzymes that handle amino acids. The added amount brings the food up to its target level after cooking and storage losses.

The Merck Veterinary Manual reports that cats have a higher requirement for pyridoxine than dogs do. A common explanation is the cat's high-protein diet: B6 is a cofactor for many enzymes that break down and convert amino acids, and cats keep these enzymes very active. That is why cat foods carry B6 at levels set for cats.

Source: merckvetmanual.com

Pyridoxine is one of several related compounds that make up vitamin B6. In pet food, it is usually added as pyridoxine hydrochloride, a stable salt. The body converts it into pyridoxal phosphate, the active form. So when a label lists pyridoxine hydrochloride, it is the vitamin B6 source.

Pettings gives vitamin B6 4 out of 5 and lists it as a vitamin. It appears on 149 of the 149 dry cat foods we list. Every dry food in our list includes it. Each food's page shows how it scores overall.