Vitamin C for Dogs: How It Works for Your Pet

Humans require vitamin C in their diet to keep healthy and thrive, but what are the benefits of vitamin C for dogs?

Vitamin C is a water-soluble nutrient with several benefits not just for your dog but also for you. With its antioxidant characteristics, vitamin C helps to support a healthy immune system and is necessary for your dog’s growth.

There are four types of vitamin C: Calcium Ascorbate, Ascorbic Acid, Ester-C and Sodium Ascorbate. Which one should we use with our dogs? Well, let’s dive deeper into this. We will share everything that you need to know about your dog and its needs for this supplement.

Table of Contents:

1. What Is the History оf Vitamin C?
2. What Is Vitamin C?
3. What Is Vitamin C’s Role in Your Dog’s Health?
4. Antioxidants and Bioflavonoids
5. Vitamin C Deficiency in Dogs: Signs аnd Symptoms
6. Vitamin C for Dogs from Natural Sources
7. What Is the Appropriate Vitamin C Dosage for Your Dog?
8. Types of Vitamin C
9. Is It Possible to Overdose on Your Dog with Vitamin C?
10. The Takeaway
11. Nutrition Strength Vitamin C for Dogs

What Is the History оf Vitamin C?

In early times, sailors who did not have access to fresh foods for extended periods often dealt with “scurvy”. That was an uncomfortable ailment that resulted in bleeding gums, loose teeth, a general state of weakness, and, in extreme cases, death. This issue was not resolved until the late eighteenth century.

Captain James Cook is the first European to set foot on Hawaiian soil. He advised the British Admiralty how to keep sailors from becoming scurvy by getting additional fruit or lime juice to their daily rum rations. That is how they got the enduring title “Limeys.”

In the early 1900s, ascorbic acid was extracted and recognized as the vitamin that prevented scurvy. Humans are one of the few species that cannot produce vitamin C on their own, according to researchers. To avoid disease, they must obtain it from outside sources such as vegetables, fresh fruits, or vitamin C tablets on a regular basis.

Canines, unlike people, have the capability to make vitamin C on their own. As a result, veterinarian nutritionists have long believed that supplementing vitamin C in a dog’s food is unnecessary.

Until a few years ago, relatively few dog food manufacturers added vitamin C to their products. If they did, it was for the vitamin’s preservation properties rather than for nutrition.

Vitamin C supplement for dogs may not be essential when dealing with healthy, happy animals. But current research indicates that when dogs are unwell or stressed, their supply of vitamin C is rapidly decreased. A 1942 research linked skin disorders in dogs to low vitamin C levels.

Other research has discovered that dogs with fevers and dogs that exercise to their limits have low vitamin C levels in their blood. Examples are sledge dogs after a lengthy race or hunting dogs during hunting season.

Check out our Nutrition Strength Vitamin C for Dogs here.

What Is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a simple carbohydrate having an ene-diol structure. As a result, it is a common and necessary water-soluble electron donor in nature. It is synthesized by all life forms.

Higher-order primates, guinea pigs, and some bat, fish, and bird species are exceptions. In all of the latter, the gene encoding the last step in the synthesis of ascorbic acid has evolved into a nonfunctional form.

That happened due to the accumulation of mutations and/or deletions. As a result, many animals rely on a sufficient amount of vitamin C from their food.

In all its known biological functions, vitamin C acts as a reductant. While being oxidized to an ascorbyl radical, a reasonably stable free radical, it gives an electron to a substrate. Effective retention mechanisms have been developed to reduce vitamin C loss through metabolism and excretion. That also includes ascorbate recycling.

What Is Vitamin C’s Role in Your Dog’s Health?

Wendell O. Belfield, DVM, one of the most well-known and zealous proponents of vitamin C supplementation for dogs, discusses how he initially began to explore with (and appreciate) the impact of vitamin C in his veterinary practice in his book, How to Have a Healthier Dog.

Following a particularly painful incident in which he was unable to save the life of a beloved family dog suffering from distemper, he began investigating viral infections. During his study, he came across an article about a doctor in the 1940s who utilized huge dosages of vitamin C to effectively cure viral infections such as polio and hepatitis. Belfield began to wonder if C might be utilized to treat canine viral infections.

Another client arrived at Belfield’s office one day in 1965 with a distemper-infected dog. Belfield decided to give the dog a vitamin C shot. It reacted drastically, surviving what he had been taught in veterinary school was a terminal condition with no effective remedies.

Following this accomplishment, Belfield continued experimenting with vitamin C therapies for a variety of canine ailments. His experiences and investigations have persuaded him of the vitamin’s amazing potency for dogs.

In his Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements, Michael T. Murray argues that vitamin C improves immune function by enhancing white blood cell function and activity. It also increases interferon. That is the body’s inherent antiviral and anticancer substance.

Antibody levels in the blood are increased too. These are proteins binding to and destroying foreign material such as bacteria, viruses, and toxins.

Vitamin C is commercially available by itself or combined with other nutrients in several forms. See below for more on that.

Antioxidants and Bioflavonoids

Vitamin C works as an antioxidant in the body. Oxidation of food by an animal is a natural process that provides both the heat and the energy needed to keep the body running.

However, too much or too little oxygen in the system can produce hazardous byproducts known as free radicals. They can destroy cell structure, weaken immunity, and change DNA sequences.

As an antioxidant, vitamin C serves as an oxygen interceptor (preventing cells from being damaged or changed by oxidation) and a free radical scavenger. It not only prevents oxidation but will, for instance, return oxidized vitamin E to its original state by stealing an oxygen molecule away from the E molecule.

So, vitamin C is a restorative substance that inhibits tissue and collagen degeneration by working in relation with the other vitamins and minerals that protect the body and its systems.

Bioflavonoids are found in a variety of vitamin C sources. These are naturally-occurring plant pigments that the body can use to manufacture other nutrients.

For example, beta-carotene is a bioflavonoid that the body uses to make vitamin A. Bioflavonoids typically found in vitamin C products include:

• Hesperidin;
• Rutin;
• Acerola;
• Rose hips;
• Citrus bioflavonoids;
• Bioflavonoid complex.

Adding shredded carrots or apples to your dog’s meals daily is a wonderful way to improve his bioflavonoid intake. Peaches and fresh, ripe melons are two fruits that many dogs adore.

Vitamin C Deficiency in Dogs: Signs аnd Symptoms

Stress, both physical and mental, is the leading cause of vitamin C deficiency in dogs. Lactation, gestation, growth, hard labor (dogs employed for tracking, herding, hunting, etc.), accidents, vaccines, ear cropping, or sickness can all cause physical stress.

Weaning, relocation, or rigorous training can all cause emotional stress. The relationship between stress and vitamin C levels in dogs is so strong that researchers may use the degree of vitamin C depletion in the dog’s blood to determine the dog’s stress level.

On the other hand, many studies show that dogs, who supplement with vitamin C, are more resistant to disease and can recover from injuries or illness better.

Pets suffering from a deficiency in vitamin C can easily become anemic due to a lack of sufficient blood clotting factors. Hair loss and skin problems, such as allergies and wounds that will not heal may also result.

Neurological problems, immune system disorders, liver damage, retarded growth and reproductive failure are some other signs of vitamin C deficiency. We can suspect two types of deficiency:

• Mild vitamin C deficiency. It can cause nosebleeds, slow wound healing and bleeding gums. Bloody urine, eyesight loss and night blindness are other possible results of vitamin C deficiency.
• Severe vitamin C deficiency. It can lead to scurvy, which causes severe joint pain or stiffness, depression and bruising. Scurvy is usually caused by a severe lack of vitamin C. Dogs with scurvy may also experience rapid hair loss, skin lesions, bloodshot eyes and swollen joints.

Thanks to their strong sense of smell, dogs can smell vitamin C deficiency. Signs include a fruity odor along with signs of depression. Breathing may also be difficult and panting, and tongue flopping may occur.

Vitamin C for Dogs from Natural Sources

The diet can provide an adequate supply of vitamin C. Dogs potentially exposed to stress, infection, free radicals or poor blood circulation are more likely to need vitamin C supplementation.

The following list of superfoods are the purest form of vitamin C ascorbic acid. They are appropriate for your pet’s dietary needs. These example are packed with incredibly helpful nutrients, including vitamin C. Consider adding these whole foods to your dog’s diet in addition to their pet food for a vitamin C boost.

• Carrots;
• Kale;
• Pumpkin;
• Sweet potatoes;
• Seaweed;
• Blueberries;
• Yoghurt;
• Broccoli;
• Brussels sprouts;
• Cantaloupe;
• Kiwifruit;
• Orange juice;
• Tomatoes;
• Pineapple;
• Raw red peppers.

You can also give an oral supplement of vitamin C for puppies every day. Seek help from your veterinarian if you have questions about giving your dog vitamin supplements.

What Is the Appropriate Vitamin C Dosage for Your Dog?

Vitamin C supplementation can help reduce the risk of developing osteoarthritis, which is one of the most common conditions that will eventually require treatment by your veterinarian.

According to the University of Mississippi’s College of Veterinary Medicine, vitamin С dosage for dogs is 0.3 mg/lb (0.2 grams/kg) per day for optimal health and healing rates. Vitamin C supplementation is especially important if:

• Your dog is older than six years, has a poor diet or low-quality food, or is in a stressful lifestyle (working dog, hunting dog, performance dog);
• Your pup has any type of illness (viral, bacterial or parasitic) and / or compromised gastrointestinal system (stomach ulcer, colitis);
• Your pet lives in a multi-dog household and / or has been exposed to other dogs (parvovirus) and / or kennels with unknown health conditions.

Types of Vitamin C

Each type of vitamin C, from mineral ascorbates to oil-soluble versions, has varied advantages and absorption rates for your dog.

The majority of the powders, pills, and tinctures are taken orally. Here are the different types of vitamin C that you may give to your dog:

• Ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid, which is the most similar to naturally occurring vitamin C, is distinguished by its acidic flavor and crystalline form. This type of vitamin C, which is commonly found in human vitamin C supplements, is not bioavailable to your dog. That means it does not absorb well into their system. If given to your dog in high concentrations, it can result in diarrhea. Consider giving lesser dosages numerous times a day to avoid causing digestive upset.
• Ascorbyl palmitate. This is the only oil-soluble form of vitamin C, and it can operate in tandem with antioxidants. When compared to the ascorbic acid form of vitamin C, ascorbyl palmitate is more effective when taken orally.
• Calcium ascorbate. This kind of vitamin C is pH-neutral, making it easy to absorb and friendly on your dog’s system. It helps provide relief from stress and arthritis. Plus, it has the fewest side effects.
• Ester C calcium ascorbate. Ester C calcium ascorbate, like calcium ascorbate, is a pH-neutral compound of calcium and vitamin C. This non-acidic version is also less likely to upset your pet’s gut.
• Sodium ascorbate. Sodium ascorbate is a pH-neutral powder. It lasts twice as long in your dog’s body as ascorbic acid. It is one of the greatest kinds of vitamin C to offer your dog since it easily enters into his system. It is also shown to benefit pups with Addison’s disease.

Is It Possible to Overdose on Your Dog with Vitamin C?

Vitamin C overdose is unlikely, but if it does happen, signs may include:

• Vomiting or diarrhea;
• Lethargy;
• Weight loss.

Your dog should be closely monitored if you give him a high-dose vitamin C supplement for a long time. Extremely large doses of vitamin С tablets for dogs can make your pet feel bloated and nauseated.

High doses of vitamin C can also increase the risk of urinary tract stones in dogs. So check with your vet about safe levels before giving your dog any supplements.

The Takeaway

High-quality foods, canned or raw, provide the best source of supplemental nutrients. Vit C for dogs is one of the most paramount antioxidant supplements to consider for your pet’s health.

It can reduce the risk of infections and diseases while improving your dog’s overall immune system function by increasing their resistance to stress and diseases.

Vitamin C is readily available in food sources, but supplementation can provide a boost for your dog. You can choose from different forms to administer to your pet but look for the purest forms of vitamin C.

Nutrition Strength Vitamin C for Dogs

Check out our Nutrition Strength Vitamin C for Dogs here.

Nutrition Strength’s Vitamin C for Dogs chewable supplement is formulated with carefully chosen immune-boosting ingredients, which have been shown to promote cardiovascular health and to help strengthen the body’s antioxidant defense systems.

Vitamin C has been shown to play an essential part in the protein metabolism and is required for the biosynthesis of collagen.

A great way to support your four-legged friend’s well-being, our premium vitamin c tablets for dogs could benefit your pets by helping to:

• Promote cardiovascular health.
• Stimulate synthesis of collagen.
• Boost the immune system.
• Strengthen free radical defenses.
• Regenerate other antioxidants in your pet’s body.

Our premium vitamin C supplement for dogs is made to help ensure that your pet gets sufficient amount of ascorbic acid, which has been shown to be essential to preserving health and preventing disease in all mammals.

Vitamin C functions as a cofactor for enzymes, which are involved in the biosynthesis of collagen, carnitine and norepinephrine and acts as a powerful antioxidant. Moreover, vitamin C is the first line of defense against free radicals in the water-soluble component.

The ingestion of a large quantity of supplementary vitamin C has been shown to lead to improvement in neutrophil functions, such as chemotaxis, phagocytosis and superoxide production in cases of recurrent furunculosis and impaired neutrophil functions. Vitamin C has been shown to be very important to maintaining health and preventing disease in all mammals.

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