Vitamin C

Vitamin C for Dogs

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin with essential roles in collagen production, immune defense, and antioxidant protection. Unlike humans, dogs can synthesize their own vitamin C in their liver, which means they typically do not require it from their diet. However, the question of whether supplementation offers additional benefits—especially in dogs experiencing stress, aging, or chronic inflammation—remains a topic of discussion.

While vitamin C is best known for its antioxidant properties, helping to neutralize free radicals and support cellular health, it also plays a role in joint function, wound healing, and overall tissue maintenance. Some pet parents and veterinarians consider vitamin C supplementation for older dogs, active or working dogs, and dogs recovering from illness or injury, as these conditions may increase oxidative stress and deplete the body’s natural stores.

Why Vitamin C Matters for Dogs

• Collagen Production & Tissue Health – Vitamin C is required to synthesize collagen, the protein that supports healthy skin, joints, and connective tissues. Without adequate collagen production, tissues can weaken over time, affecting mobility and resilience.
• Antioxidant Protection – As an antioxidant, vitamin C helps counteract oxidative stress, a process that damages cells and contributes to aging, inflammation, and chronic disease.
• Immune Support – The immune system relies on vitamin C to function efficiently, especially in response to infection, injury, or stress.

While vitamin C is important for many biological functions, dogs naturally regulate their own levels, making routine supplementation unnecessary for healthy individuals.

Digging Deeper: How Vitamin C Works in Dogs

Vitamin C is more than just a simple antioxidant—it plays an active role in protecting cells, maintaining tissue strength, and supporting overall metabolic function. Unlike some nutrients that are used once and discarded, vitamin C has the unique ability to recycle itself, enhance the function of other antioxidants, and directly contribute to essential biological processes.

Collagen Formation & Tissue Strength

Collagen is the scaffolding that holds the body together, giving structure and flexibility to skin, joints, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissues. Vitamin C is essential for the enzymes that shape and stabilize collagen, ensuring that these fibers stay strong and resilient. Without enough vitamin C, collagen formation weakens, which can slow down tissue repair and affect mobility over time.

Self-Regenerating Antioxidant Power

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, but what makes it especially unique is its ability to regenerate itself. After neutralizing a free radical, vitamin C can be reactivated by enzymes in the body, allowing it to keep working instead of being discarded. This continuous cycle extends its protective effects, helping to reduce oxidative stress and slow down cellular damage.

Vitamin C & Vitamin E: A Synergistic Effect

Vitamin C works alongside vitamin E, another important antioxidant that protects fatty tissues. When vitamin E neutralizes oxidative damage, it becomes inactive—but vitamin C reactivates it, allowing it to keep working. This partnership helps protect cells from damage, particularly in the brain, nervous system, and cardiovascular tissues.

Iron Absorption & Oxygen Transport

Vitamin C also plays a role in iron absorption, helping convert iron into a more bioavailable form for the body to use. This supports oxygen transport, energy production, and red blood cell function—especially important for active dogs and those with increased metabolic demands.