Do Dogs Need Vitamin C?

One thing we have been hearing all our lives is that vitamin C is important to us. Our bodies can’t produce it so we need it from different sources like citrus fruits and berries. So it’s not so silly to wonder if dogs also need vitamin C. It’s one of our building blocks, but how about dogs? Let’s talk about ascorbic acid!

Dogs and Humans Are Different

Dogs unquestionably need vitamin C just like humans and other animals. Ascorbic acid is an important antioxidant. According to American Council on Science And Health, “…dogs and cats, possess a functioning enzyme that is able to convert gulono-1,4-lactone to ascorbic acid.” Meaning that, unlike humans, dogs can produce vitamin C in their liver. Their liver will continuously synthesize and provide their daily need for Vitamin C.

Vitamin C Supplements for Dogs?

You can easily find articles published by holistic supplement companies saying that supplementation is always good. Be critical of those informational sources. There is no need to give vitamin C supplements to your healthy family dog. You also do not have to worry about giving your dog vitamin C-rich foods like berries. A healthy balanced diet with animal protein and fats is optimal for dogs. But there are a couple of exceptions:

• Working dogs that endure a lot of physical stress.
• Dogs that compete in different sports.
• If a dog has liver problems, remember to consult your local vet first.

Stress consumes dogs’ vitamin C reservoirs and therefore working and competing dogs can benefit from vitamin C supplements.

Benefits of Vitamin C

• It strengthens the connective tissues
• Improves immunity and enhances the function of minerals and other vitamins
• Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) aids the absorption of calcium and non-heme iron

Oxford English Dictionary defines vitamins as “any of a group of organic compounds which are essential for normal growth and nutrition and are required in small quantities in the diet because they cannot be synthesized by the body”.

A healthy dog has a metabolism that will synthesize vitamin C in the liver. Therefore if you look at the definition, vitamin C is not an actual vitamin for a dog.

Can a Dog Overdose on Vitamin C?

It’s a water-soluble vitamin, meaning it doesn’t store in the body. That is also the reason why it’s highly unlikely that a dog can get an overdose thus it’s not impossible.

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Conclusion

The answer is yes! A Dog needs vitamin C just as much as humans and other animals. However, unlike us, a dog is capable of producing vitamin C on its own.

Healthy family dogs with balanced diets do not need vitamin C supplements but there are a couple of exceptions that I listed above.

Vitamin C is quite harmless and there isn’t a high risk of overdosing due to its water-soluble capability.