Unlike humans, most mammals, including dogs, cats, and horses, naturally produce Vitamin C in their liver. However, factors such as age, illness, stress, toxin exposure, and inflammation can deplete their stores, making supplementation beneficial.

Irwin Stone referred to Vitamin C as “the healing factor” in treating animals when their natural production or transport of ascorbate is insufficient for healing. While the majority of animals synthesize their own Vitamin C, some use up to 30% of their energy converting glucose into ascorbate.

So why supplement? 

✔ Production Issues: Sometimes, an animal's body can’t produce enough Vitamin C to counteract oxidative stress caused by infections or viruses, leading to illness.

✔ Transport Issues: In some cases, animals experience “localized scurvy”—their body struggles to deliver enough Vitamin C to a specific area fast enough for normal healing.

By supplementing Vitamin C, particularly in times of illness or stress, you can support your pet’s immune function, recovery, and overall health.

Veterinary research and anecdotal evidence suggest that Vitamin C can help with:

• Joint health & arthritis – Aids in collagen formation and reduces inflammation.
• Immune support – Helps fight infections and viruses.
• Allergy relief – Acts as a natural antihistamine.
• Wound healing – Speeds up tissue repair.
• Detoxification – Supports liver function and neutralizes toxins.
• Heart health – Strengthens blood vessels and improves circulation.

Types of Vitamin C for Pets

1. Ascorbic Acid

• The most common form of Vitamin C.
• Best mixed into food or water to prevent stomach irritation.
• Can be used for general immune support and detoxification.

2. Liposomal Vitamin C – The Best Absorption! This is our go-to for Parvo!

• Liposomal Vitamin C is encapsulated in tiny fat bubbles, increasing absorption and bioavailability.
• More effective at reaching cells without causing digestive upset.
• Great for pets needing higher doses or dealing with chronic conditions like arthritis or immune dysfunction.

A Conservative Guide to Supplementing Vitamin C to Pets

🐶 For Dogs:

• Start with 125mg-500 mg for small dogs, 500mg-1000mg for medium dogs, and 1000mg-3000mg for large dogs.
• Liposomal C can be mixed with food for better absorption.

🐱 For Cats:

• Cats may require 100-250 mg per day, depending on their health status.
• Sodium ascorbate or Liposomal C are the gentlest options.

🐴 For Horses:

• Horses benefit from 5-10 grams per day, especially for joint health and performance.

⚠️ You can’t overdose yourself or your pets on Vitamin C, but taking too much may cause loose stools. If this happens, simply reduce the dose until symptoms subside. However, during illness, reaching this point—known as a Vitamin C Flush—can be beneficial for detoxification and recovery.

Why Choose Liposomal Vitamin C for Your Pet?

Liposomal Vitamin C is a game-changer in pet health because it:

✔ Bypasses digestion, preventing stomach upset.

✔ Absorbs directly into cells, making it more effective.

✔ Delivers higher doses safely without gastric distress.

For pets with chronic conditions or high stress, Liposomal C is the superior choice for maximizing health benefits.

Using Vitamin C orthomolecularly—at doses that support optimal health rather than just preventing deficiency—can make a significant impact on your pet’s well-being. Whether it’s boosting immunity, reducing inflammation, or supporting recovery, Vitamin C is a natural powerhouse for pets of all ages. 🐾✨

Shop:

Fine Powder Vitamin C

Liposomal Vitamin C

Resources:

Vitamin C and Animals 

http://www.doctoryourself.com/titration.html

Dosing animals: When treating animals orally, you can reference the charts in Dr. Cathcart's paper titled "titration to bowel tolerance". The chart and table show that 1 gram of AA per pound of body weight per day will treat the most severe conditions in humans. Usually animals respond to much lower per lb doses given over 12 hours. If you start giving them vitamin C every hour at a dose that would total, say, 1/4 to 1/2 gram per lb divided by 12, then usually the animal will be in good shape in a few hours and you can stop. The goal with animals with disease conditions is to dose them until their symptoms go away (every day if needed). Once they go away, ideally their own production system takes over and is adequate. Older animals or animals with chronic conditions just need to be supplemented several times a day at an amount that seems to support their optimal health, because their own production systems become weaker as they age.