Vitamin C for dogs: Supplementary facts

Updated 16/09/2024

Is vitamin C for dogs a thing? While trends of supplements for dogs come and go, it’s always worth knowing which vitamins for dogs are worth barking about. Vitamin C is such an essential part of our human diets, surely it should be snuffle babies too, right?

Let’s learn what vitamin C for dogs means, whether it’s one of the best dog vitamins, and where the fluff you can find it at the pet store or supermarket. What are you waiting for, tuck in!

What is vitamin C for dogs?

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is important for overall health in pups. It can boost a dog’s immune system, help with their growth and repair cycles, and is even thought to help degenerative diseases like hip dysplasia. Dogs are actually capable of creating their own vitamin C, unlike us humans who need it in our diets. However, this doesn’t mean it can’t be added to their list of possible dog vitamins.

How much vitamin C should dogs have?

As we said above, dogs don’t need an extra intake of vitamin C in their diet, but it can be a harmless addition to their food (once checked over with their vet) in different forms. Your dog will never need high doses of canine vitamin C, but a little bit found naturally in certain foods can be good.

Benefits of vitamin C for dogs

Again, the benefits of vitamin C will differ from doggo to doggo, your vet might even suggest not adding any extra dog vitamins to their diet at all. But, if they don’t think it’ll cause any pause for thought, here are some of the plus-sides of dogs and vitamin C:

• Boosts their immune system 
• Supports overall joint health
• Great for their skin health
• Helps create healthier, glossier coats
• Has anti-inflammatory properties
• Helps to fight infections

Never use a vitamin or dietary supplement as an alternative form of medicine. If you’re ever worried about your dog’s overall health or behavior, make an appointment with the vet immediately.

Foods containing vitamin C for dogs

You can find vitamin C for dogs in many different fruits and veg which are generally considered doggo safe food. We say ‘generally’ as you must always talk to your vet first before feeding anything new to your doggo - the same goes for additional dietary supplements. But, if your vet gives you and your pup the go-ahead, these are a few tasty treats pups can enjoy that contain high amounts of vitamin C:

• Blueberries
• Raspberries
• Strawberries
• Broccoli
• Kale
• Spinach
• Sweet potatoes
• Pumpkin
• Bell peppers 
• Fish

Remember, portion control is really important for puppers, particularly if they’re puppies or in their Golden Years. Always err on the side of too little rather than too much. 

Meet our veterinary expert, Liam

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Liam Bullock BVSc (Hons) MRCVS.

As a small animal vet, Liam has spent time working in both first-opinion and referral-level practices. After gaining a strong affinity for educating owners about their pets, Liam decided to dedicate some of his non-clinical time to tutoring students, who were preparing for exams or struggling at school. By combining a passion for teaching others, and a keen interest in raising awareness about animal health issues, Liam decided to begin writing veterinary content. This now also allows him to raise awareness of important animal health issues outside of the consultation room.

Do you have any vet-proofed ways of giving your bark baby a boost of vitamin C? Share it with other pet people on our Community Forum or find out what other pet parents are using as a dietary supplement. You don’t have to be a member to join the conversation! Of course, if you are and you’re a Standard or Premium member, you have unlimited access to our free 24/7 vet advice line if you have any questions about dog supplements or other pet problems.