Can Dogs Make Ascorbic Acid?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Most mammals, including dogs, can synthesize enough ascorbic acid for their requirements

, and ascorbic acid may be reversibly oxidized to dehydroascorbic acid in the body (2), indicating that it is a dispensable nutrient for these species.

Can dogs and cats make vitamin C?

While humans require C from the diet,

the bodies of cats and dogs can make their own vitamin C

, so you won't see deficiency in our cats and dogs so even more reason not to supplement.

Can dogs have Nature Made vitamin C?

Giving Your Dog Vitamin C


Vitamin C is also a preventative and immune booster

. Some vets recommend giving the vitamin to dogs both before and after vaccination and to pregnant and lactating dogs or have been exposed to contagious diseases.

Is ascorbic acid made in a lab?

What is the difference between Vitamin C and ascorbic acid? Vitamin C and ascorbic acid are chemically identical. The vitamin C that occurs naturally in an orange or lemon is the same molecule as

synthetic ascorbic acid developed in a laboratory

.

Can humans produce vitamin C?


The body is not able to make vitamin C on its own

. It does not store vitamin C. It is therefore important to include plenty of vitamin C-containing foods in your daily diet. For many years, vitamin C has been a popular household remedy for the common cold.

Do animals need vitamin C?

The most notable species requiring vitamin C is us. Along with humans,

nonhuman primates, guinea pigs, bats, and some fish and bird species require vitamin C as they cannot produce it themselves

; therefore, they must consume vitamin C in the foods that they eat to meet this requirement.

Is human vitamin C safe for dogs?

Safe


Vitamin C, niacin, biotin, and folic acid are also safe for dogs

. Omega 3 fatty acids, namely fish oil, are also beneficial for dogs. But the gel caps made for humans can be a bit much for a dog to swallow.

Is vitamin C toxic to dogs?


High doses of vitamin C change the pH of urine and make it more acidic than normal. For some dogs, this could push them into forming calcium oxalate bladder stones

. This potentially serious complication could cause bloody urine, or a urinary blockage which requires emergency surgery to remove the obstruction.

What happens if my dog eats vitamin C?

Too much vitamin C, especially if given in one dose, will

cause diarrhea in dogs

.

Can dogs have ascorbic acid in applesauce?


Yes

. Apples contain antioxidants, dietary fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Can I give ascorbic acid to my cat?


Cats are typically ok to take between 150mg and 500mg of vitamin C a day

. NOTE: Remember to check with your vet before adding any new supplements into your pet's diet.

Is vitamin C an acid?

Overview. Vitamin C (

ascorbic acid

) is a nutrient your body needs to form blood vessels, cartilage, muscle and collagen in bones. Vitamin C is also vital to your body's healing process.

What are the side effects of ascorbic acid?

  • diarrhea.
  • nausea.
  • heartburn.
  • fatigue.
  • flushing.
  • headache.
  • difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
  • gas.

Which is better vitamin C or ascorbic acid?

In some research reports, the result can be found that extracts containing

ascorbic acid

(e.g. citrus extract in vitamin C serum) are better absorbed by the additional molecules than pure ascorbic acid6.

Which is better ascorbic acid or ascorbate?

Mineral

ascorbates are less acidic than ascorbic acid

, and are thought to be gentler on the stomach and digestive system when taken in large amounts.

Is ascorbic acid and vitamin C same?


Most food supplements contain vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid

. This is the proper name for vitamin C and the form found naturally in foods.

What foods contain C ascorbic acid?

  • Citrus (oranges, kiwi, lemon, grapefruit)
  • Bell peppers.
  • Strawberries.
  • Tomatoes.
  • Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower)
  • White potatoes.

Which fruit is highest in vitamin C?


Raw citrus fruits

are very high in vitamin C. One medium orange provides 70 mg of Vitamin C, while one grapefruit provides about 56 mg. Citrus fruit juices contain even higher amounts of vitamin C, with a 225 mg glass of orange juice providing around 125 mg of vitamin C.

What is ascorbic acid made from?

Ascorbic acid can be sourced from

citrus fruits

or prepared from corn glucose by a method based on the historical “Reichstein process”. The ascorbic acid that we use is derived from citrus fruits.

What does vitamin C do for animals?

Vitamin C is synthesized in the liver in most species, including dogs and cats, and is widely distributed through body tissues. Vitamin C has an important physiologic role in numerous metabolic functions including

tissue growth and maintenance, amelioration of oxidative stress, and immune regulation

.

Why is vitamin C called ascorbic acid?

Later on, Szent Györgyi and Haworth chemically identified “C” as ascorbic acid, and named it so because

ascorbic means “anti-scurvy.”

Over the next century, what we now know as vitamin C became one of the most popular drugs in human history.

What type of vitamin C can I give my dog?

If you need to supplement your dog with vitamin C, the best form is the salt forms of vitamin C, known as

mineral ascorbates (calcium ascorbate and sodium ascorbate)

. Ascorbates are easily absorbed anywhere in the dog's intestinal tract.

Can I give human vitamins to my dog?

Human Vitamins Are Not Dog Vitamins

Human vitamins are not designed for dogs, and

you shouldn't give them to your dog unless your veterinarian has okayed a specific duration and quantity of supplementation

.

Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.