Vitamin C
supplement · base score 1 · also listed as ascorbic acid
What is it?
Vitamin C is a supplement added for a specific benefit. Graded good: a real, recognisable ingredient that adds nutritional value, so it lifts a product’s score.
At a glance
- Category
- supplement
- Grade
- good
- Base score
- 1 (from −1 to 1; higher is better)
- Found in
- 52 products
- Also listed as
- ascorbic acid
Common questions about vitamin c
Is Vitamin C good for dogs?
Yes, we grade it as a good ingredient: recognisable and nutritionally useful, so it lifts a product’s score. Bear in mind that no single ingredient decides quality; the whole recipe and its balance matter more.
How many UK dog foods contain vitamin c?
52 UK products list vitamin c as an ingredient in our database. The full list is shown below, sorted by rating.
What else is vitamin c called on labels?
Manufacturers list it under several names: ascorbic acid. We match all of these to the same glossary entry when we read a label.
How does Open Dog Food grade vitamin c?
We grade it good, our highest grade, reserved for recognisable ingredients that add real nutritional value. Every ingredient is converted to its dry-matter share and scored from our glossary before a recipe gets its 1-100 rating; the full method is on our methodology page.
Why is vitamin C added to dog food?
Vitamin C, also labelled as ascorbic acid, is sometimes added to dog food as an antioxidant and to help stabilise other nutrients. Dogs can produce their own vitamin C, so it is usually included as a supplementary ingredient rather than an essential dietary addition.
Is vitamin C safe for dogs?
Vitamin C is generally recognised as safe in the small amounts used in commercial dog foods. Some dogs may be sensitive to it, particularly those prone to urinary issues, so speak to your vet if you have concerns.
