Vitamin C for dogs – as effective as everyone thinks?

Did you know that most animals can produce ascorbic acid, i.e. vitamin C, from glucose? This also applies to dogs. Only guinea pigs do not have this ability, similar to us humans. If we do not regularly consume vitamin C through food or supplements, this can lead to a vitamin C deficiency.

But what about our four-legged friends? Why is vitamin C so important for dogs and does it require external supply despite its own production? That's exactly what we took a closer look at in this article.

What is Vitamin C for Dogs?

Vitamin C for dogs is a water-soluble vitamin also known as ascorbic acid. As one of the most important antioxidants, it is involved in many functions of the dog's body. Vitamin C plays a special role for dogs in connection with the immune system. It should be largely responsible for strengthening it.

But vitamin C is also necessary to build collagen or as a component of bone, tooth and connective tissue. Even the breakdown of cholesterol can be noticeably improved in conjunction with the antioxidant. However, that wasn't all.

How does vitamin C work for dogs?

Vitamin C for dogs is essential when it comes to wound healing and stress regulation. If inflammation occurs, such as in the gums, it helps ascorbic acidto alleviate this more quickly.

In summary, vitamin C is involved in the following important processes in dogs:

• Strengthen the immune system
• Protection against free radicals
• Participation in the formation of Serotonin and Carnitine (along with lysine and methionine)
• wound healing
• Removal of polluting substances
• Hormone formation
• Cholesterol reduction
• Basis for strong bones and tight connective tissue
• Storage of important minerals

You see, vitamin C is essential for dogs. So the question arises: "If a dog can produce vitamin C itself, is this self-production sufficient or is there a risk of a deficiency if you don't feed the vitamin?"

Can a dog have a vitamin C deficiency?

At this point opinions differ. Some people think that healthy dogs cannot suffer from a vitamin C deficiency. Other experts take a critical view of this and cite studies and theories that provide possible evidence that supplementing with vitamin C for dogs can be useful. Regardless of age or health status.

It is always a good idea to take a look at the vitamin C supply for puppies, pregnant bitches and older four-legged friends together with your veterinarian, as their requirements can sometimes be higher.

One thing is clear, however: If your furry friend doesn't get enough vitamin C, deficiency symptoms such as poor wound healing, gum disease or an increased susceptibility to illness will occur.

It has also been found that a disorder of liver metabolism can lead to a dog becoming vitamin C deficient. The reason for this is obvious: the conversion of glucose into vitamin C in the liver. In this context, we come to another point that speaks for an additional supply of vitamin C in dogs. Compared to other animals such as mice, dog livers produce very little vitamin C. Interestingly, the concentration in dog milk is four times higher than in a dog's blood. But vitamin C is also contained in many other foods. But do these fit with typical dog nutrition?

What is vitamin C contained in?

If you have decided to support your dog with vitamin C, you now face the challenge of putting the theory into practice. Vitamin C is mainly found in fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits, which doesn't suit a dog's meat-heavy diet.

However, there are still a few foods that are suitable, such as potatoes or rose hip peels, that you can add to meals. Depending on the quality of the food, it may also contain vitamin C for dogs. There are also other ways to provide your dog with vitamin C.

How can dogs be supplied with vitamin C?

Many dog ​​owners have had positive experiences with supplemental vitamin C in dogs suffering from osteoarthritis or hip dysplasia. Since the vitamin is intended to strengthen bones, it had a relieving effect on the typical symptoms of chronic diseases. Puppies also apparently benefit from vitamin C during their growth phase through a more stable immune system and strong bones. Vitamin C is often given to dogs as a treatment.

However, if you want to ensure a long-term supply of all essential vital substances, ours is NUTRIENTS 365 to recommend. In addition to vitamin C, the natural immune system booster in capsule form also contains the other vitamins A, D, E and K as well as the entire complex of vitamin B.

Magnesium, calcium, zinc, selenium, lecithin and omega-3 fatty acids are also contained here. Thanks to the completely natural recipe, a sensible complete supply of everything that the dog's body cannot produce, unlike vitamin C, is guaranteed. The holistic formulation is rounded off with the best of ginseng.

Is there a risk of vitamin C overdose in dogs?

In principle not. Since vitamin C is water-soluble for dogs, any excess is simply excreted by the body.

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