{"id":675,"date":"2024-05-31T17:21:40","date_gmt":"2024-05-31T17:21:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/networkprocurement.net\/?p=675"},"modified":"2024-07-05T16:17:01","modified_gmt":"2024-07-05T16:17:01","slug":"6-foods-high-in-vitamin-c-for-cats-vet-approved-nutritional-info-facts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/networkprocurement.net\/index.php\/2024\/05\/31\/6-foods-high-in-vitamin-c-for-cats-vet-approved-nutritional-info-facts\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Foods High in Vitamin C for Cats: Vet-Approved Nutritional Info & Facts"},"content":{"rendered":"
Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which means that it helps prevent oxidative damage. It\u2019s required to make collagen and for the healthy function of the immune system. Oxidative damage is related to many health problems in people and is becoming a topic of interest in veterinary medicine as well. However, most of the claims of vitamin C\u2019s benefits in combating certain health issues in humans, have proven unrewarding, and these anecdotes cannot be extrapolated to cats, based on the current research findings.1<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n Cats produce vitamin C within their body, which humans cannot do. Therefore, cats don\u2019t need vitamin C in their diet. However, vitamin C supplementation is sometimes recommended by vets for sick or immunocompromised felines. Without a vet\u2019s advice, supplementation may be harmful, as too much vitamin C can lead to calcium oxalate formation in the urinary tract, increasing the risk of oxalate stones,\u00a0 and may even have a pro-oxidant effect.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Before considering any kind of vitamin C supplementation in cats, it’s crucial to consult with your vet. Cats produce their own vitamin C and rarely require extra in their diet. An excess of vitamin C may cause gastrointestinal issues or excretion through the kidneys and the urinary bladder in the form of calcium oxalate, which may predispose some cats to the formation of stones, anywhere from the kidney to the urethra. This may lead to a urinary blockage, which is common in male cats and can be life-threatening.<\/p>\n Too much vitamin C may actually have a pro-oxidant effect, meaning it promotes cell damage. A cat rarely needs vitamin C supplementation, and your veterinary surgeon should be your first port of call.<\/p>\n With that said, the following foods are rich in vitamin C. This list is purely for your interest, as these foods are more likely to be needed by humans who rely on vitamin C in their diet. Check with your vet to see if these fruits and vegetables may be an occasional treat for your cat.<\/p>\n Another downside of giving your cat fruit or veg is the fact that they do not need it. Cats are obligate carnivores and thrive on an animal protein-rich diet. Carbs are not something they need, and excess carbs may lead to gastrointestinal issues or calorie excess, predisposing them to weight gain over time. These choices may not be suitable for diabetic cats or cats with ongoing gastrointestinal or other health issues, so again, consult your vet.<\/p>\n Offering occasional fruit or veg treats to your cat, besides a new flavor, is not going to provide them with significant health benefits. And that\u2019s okay. This is because your cat can only safely consume a small amount of these treats, so the nutritional value is too small to be considered valuable. Your cat\u2019s balanced and complete diet will provide them with all the micronutrients they require to thrive.<\/p>\n <\/p>\nDo Cats Need Vitamin C?<\/h2>\n
The 6 Foods High in Vitamin C for Cats<\/h2>\n
1.<\/span> Strawberries<\/h3>\n