Can Dogs have Vitamin C?
Well, can dogs have vitamin C? Sure! As humans, we know we need to take a balanced diet that nourishes our bodies with the right vitamins and minerals.
But then, can dogs have vitamin C? Of course, being that its not that harmful as it’s just a combination of some vitamins and minerals is what makes us healthy. And that goes for dogs and cats too.
There are so many vitamins and minerals that can help you give your dog a long, healthy life. One of those nutrients that we need is vitamin C.
What is Vitamin C?
This is an ascorbic acid, an essential vitamin that may be able to boost your dog’s immune system and keep bones strong. Vitamin C is water-soluble, meaning the nutrients disperse to your dog’s body tissues.
Just like with the other nutrients, you can ask, “Is vitamin C bad for dogs?” No! Vitamin C is a critical antioxidant that dogs and cats need.
The great thing is that dogs can actually synthesize their own vitamin C. But, of course, ill or stressed dogs may need a little help generating enough to stay healthy.
Is Vitamin C Good for Dogs?
Like other nutrients, you might wonder, “Is vitamin C bad for dogs?” No! Vitamin C is a vital antioxidant that cats and dogs need.
The good news is that dogs are able to make their own vitamin C. But dogs who are sick or stressed may need some extra help in making enough to stay healthy.
Even though this vitamin is found naturally, it is important to ensure that your dog’s diet includes the right proportion of vitamin C.
While deficiency in vitamin C is rare among dogs and cats, knowing the symptoms will help you detect issues earlier. One extreme issue of vitamin C deficiency in humans is scurvy — which will delay wounds healing.
What are the Forms of Vitamin C for Dogs?
There are certain forms of vitamin C in dog supplements. Mineral ascorbates, or mineral salts of ascorbic acid, are best known.
For buffering the acidity of pure vitamin C, these forms are occasionally mixed with other nutrients. They become readily absorbed and less prone to upset your dog’s stomach with a non-acidic blend:
1. Calcium Ascorbate
Calcium ascorbate is one of the dog’s vitamin C forms. Calcium ascorbate includes about 80-90% vitamin C and 10% calcium. Such a ratio makes this supplement ideal for sensitive stomachs.
2. Sodium Ascorbate
The second most common form of vitamin C is sodium ascorbate. Similar to calcium ascorbate, sodium ascorbate contains little sodium (111 mg) per 1,000 mg.
3. Other types of vitamin C include:
- Magnesium ascorbate
- Zinc ascorbate
- Molybdenum ascorbate
- Chromium ascorbate
- Manganese ascorbate
- Ester C calcium ascorbate
Are there Benefits for Dogs?
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant with many health benefits for your dog. If your dog suffers from hip dysplasia or has an autoimmune condition, your dog may need vitamin C supplements.
If you give your dog high quality pet food they might not need a supplement of vitamin C. But then, more recent studies have found that ill and stressed dogs are low in vitamin C levels required to keep them healthy. Some things that can add extra stress to your dog are:
- Being pregnant or nursing
- Growing from puppyhood into adult dogs
- Hunting, herding, running
- Receiving vaccinations
- Injury, tail-docking, or ear cropping
- Being ill or diseased
- Moving or changing furniture
- Excessive training
- Storms, fireworks, loud sounds
Vets actually can determine if they have a deficiency in your dog’s bloodstream by a mere blood test. If your dog is vitamin C deficient or under a lot of mental or physical stress, then a daily amount added to your dog’s food could prove helpful.
Bottom Line
But, can dogs take vitamin C? Short answer: yes — dogs can gain a lot from supplementing vitamin C when needed. Since dogs produce vitamin C naturally, dogs don’t need as much vitamin C as a human would.
Start with 18 mg of vitamin C per pound of your dog’s body weight and split the dose into a number of portions and administer it throughout the day with food.
Too much vitamin C can cause diarrhea, bladder stones, urinary tract infections, and other GI problems. The antioxidant properties of this vitamin are able to decrease the risk of disease and keep your dog’s joints and bones healthy.
No matter which vitamin C you choose, the benefits of vitamin C could be a huge impact on your dog’s health.
