Dog Diet Series: Episode 5 - Vitamin C for Dogs, Benefits, Deficiency and Overdose Symptoms, Food Sources

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that plays a great role in maintaining dog's health. Dogs can naturally produce vitamin C in their liver. However, there are times when a dog needs to get its share of this vitamin from foods. This post covers:

• Benefits of vitamin C
• Stages when dogs may need vitamin C from foods
• Symptoms of vitamin C deficiency
• Symptoms of excess vitamin C
• Natural food sources of vitamin C for dogs.

Benefits of Vitamin C for Dogs

Here are some of the key benefits of vitamin C for dogs:

• Boosts immunity
• Helps to treat inflammation
• Supports wound healing and tissue repair
• Helps with healthy joint function
• Slows aging process
• Keeps teeth and gums strong

Do Dogs Need Vitamin C Foods?

While dogs can produce their vitamin C, they may still need extra vitamin C if they are:

• ill or recovering from illness
• highly stressed
• senior dogs
• exposed to toxins or heavy physical exertion

Generally, these are the times when the demand for vitamin C may exceed what the body can produce. When situation so demands, natural sources can be safely included in small quantities.

To check our video on Vitamin C for dogs, kindly visit the YouTube video here:

Signs of Vitamin C Deficiency in Dogs

Vitamin C deficiency in dogs is rare but it may occur during the above-mentioned  situations. The signs to watch for vitamin C deficiency in dogs include:

• Weakness or low energy
• Frequent infections
• Joint stiffness or discomfort
• Poor wound healing
• Bad breath or bleeding gums

Can Too Much of Vitamin C Be Harmful to Dogs?

Being water-soluble, vitamin C usually gets flushed out through urine. In case of large amounts of this vitamin, dogs may experience:

• Diarrhea
• Stomach discomfort
• Kidney stones (in some dogs)

Human supplements are a no-no for dogs unless your veterinarian advises otherwise.

Natural Food Sources of Vitamin C for Dogs

Some of the safe vitamin C foods for dogs that you can feed them occasionally (with veterinarian's approval) include:

Indian gooseberry (only Indian gooseberry): Grated and just very small quantity.

Oranges: Peeled and deseeded, just one or two small segments occasionally 

Papaya: Peeled and deseeded, few cubes

Strawberries: Just 1 strawberry for small dogs, 2 to 3 for medium-sized dogs and up to 5 strawberries for large dogs. 

Blueberries: 2 to 3 blueberries for small-sized dogs and around 8 to 10 for large dogs.

Broccoli: Steamed, in small quantities

Bell Pepper: Cooked, in small pieces 

Leafy Greens: Cooked

It is highly recommended to start with very small quantities and look for any signs of sensitivity. 

Vitamin C is essential, but as with every nutrient, balance is key. 

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Always consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new food to your pet.