Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin used by the body for several purposes. Also known as ascorbic acid, it is an organic acid with antioxidant properties, which means it helps protect cells and tissues from damaging oxidation. It is essential in the formation of collagen and other fibrous tissue. Collagen is the main supportive protein of bone, teeth, skin, tendon, cartilage, and connective tissue. Whenever tissue has to develop, grow, or repair itself after injury, collagen is formed to hold everything together. Vitamin C is important in the structural and functional integrity of capillary walls. It has also been thought to prevent hip dysplasia, an abnormal tissue development, common in the bones of the canine. It does not cure the condition, but it does seem to allow the dog to cope better with the condition.
Vitamin C has been used with varying degrees of success in helping prevent the formation of some bladder stones in dogs. Vitamin C makes the urine more acidic, and maintaining an acid urine helps discourage the creation of most stone types. Sources of vitamin C include red bell peppers, citrus fruit, sweet potatoes, kale, broccoli, peas and spinach. Unlike humans, dogs synthesize their own vitamin C, so supplements are generally not necessary for healthy dogs.