Why Your Guinea Pig Needs Vitamin C But Your Dog Doesn't

Image of two guinea pigs.

We all need to eat a complete and balanced diet. We feed our dogs and cats food developed by companies that study their nutritional needs, but if you study the list of ingredients, Vitamin C is not listed. When we prepare our own meals, we have to make sure we consume a source of Vitamin C such as orange juice. Ever wonder why most pets don't need this vitamin?

The vast majority of animals in the world make their own Vitamin C and don't need to consume any. Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid. This vitamin is important for several enzyme reactions in the body. It is a factor in pathways making collagen and other substances that are important in healing and preventing bleeding from capillaries. It is an antioxidant and is also required to make adrenaline and dopamine.

Some species of animals have lost the ability to make Vitamin C however. A genetic defect occurred in guinea pigs, fruit bats, capybaras, some reptiles, and many primates, including humans. This defect causes the inability to make the enzyme L-gulonolactone oxidase in the liver. This enzyme allows the body to convert glucose to ascorbic acid, or Vitamin C.

These animals must consume Vitamin C in order to be healthy. That why it is important that people, and these other animals drink orange juice or eat other foods high in Vitamin C.

As far as pets are concerned, dogs and cats make their own Vitamin C and do not need to consume any. It is important, though, to feed guinea pigs a diet high in ascorbic acid. That is why you should feed them a pelleted diet made for guinea pigs and not one made for rabbits. The guinea pig diet contains Vitamin C while the rabbit food does not.

If you have any questions regarding nutrition for your pet, you can ask your veterinarian for help.



Exclusive Offer

HEARTWORM SEASON IS BACK!!!
We have Proheart6- a 6 month injection!
or
Buy 12 Heartgard Plus
Get $12 Rebate
Buy Iverhart Max
Buy 6pack- get $5 off Mail-in rebate/Buy 12 pack get $12 Mail in rebate!

Flea and tick season is here!!!
Buy a 6pk Frontline GOLD
Get 2 DOSES FREE
Buy a 3pk Frontline PLUS or GOLD
Get 1 DOSE FREE
Buy a Seresto Collar get $15 mail in rebate
Buy 6 months Cheristin
Get $10 Mailed-In Rebate
Bravecto- a 3 month flea and tick oral medication for dogs or topical for cats!!!
$15 rebate for 2 doses


Location

Find us on the map

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

7:00 am

7:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:00 am

7:00 pm

Wednesday:

Doctor's Day Off. Patients seen on a drop-off basis

8:00 am - 6:00 pm Technician Available

Thursday:

7:00 am

7:00 pm

Friday:

7:00 am

6:00 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am

1:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Closed