Effective Antioxidants for Dogs

Antioxidants are used to slow down the aging process. They play an important role in protecting the body from damage caused by free radicals, reduce the risk of chronic degenerative conditions like arthritis, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Antioxidants can also help to enhance the immune system of the body.

One of the main sources of free radicals is nuclear radiation, sun, ultra violet rays, x-rays and exposure to chemicals like pesticides, insecticides and herbicides. These free radicals are molecules that have a missing electron, when free radicals enter the body, it grabs molecules away from other cells in the body, nucleic acids (RNA & DNA cells), enzymes, proteins, fat compounds and many other cell membranes, ultimately causing damage to the body. Antioxidants give one of their electrons to the free radical effectively neutralizing it. Antioxidants support the immune system by increasing the number of antibodies which circulate in the blood stream. More antibodies means increased resistance to harmful viruses, bacteria and parasites.

As our community is modernized, food is entered into the processes more prone to producing free radicals. Many dog foods are produced and promise certain healthy ingredients, yet may still contain free radicals from their food additives and preservatives. Make sure the food and treats you give your dog are not heavily processed and that they contain antioxidant nutrients. Nature is the only source of antioxidants so it’s better to be knowledgeable of what are good sources, and what vitamins and nutrients should a dog food contain.

Vitamin C. The primary function of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is the production of collagen, which forms the basis for connective tissue in bones, teeth, and cartilage. It also plays an important role in wound healing, immunity, and the nervous system, it also acts as a water-soluble antioxidant. Because vitamin C is water soluble, its antioxidant functions take place in aqueous body compartments. It also helps protect low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) against free radical damage. As an antioxidant, it helps protect against cancer, CVD, and certain effects of aging. Important sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwifruit, papaya, and vegetables such as red peppers, broccoli, and brussel sprouts. Vitamin C can easily be destroyed during cooking and storage; therefore, food handling and preparation can have a significant effect on vitamin C content.

Vitamin E. The most abundant form of vitamin E is -tocopherol, and this is the only form that is active in humans and animals. Vitamin E supplements are available in natural forms from soybean or wheat germ oil. Unlike other vitamins, which are involved in metabolic reactions, it appears that the primary role of vitamin E is to act as an antioxidant. Vitamin E is incorporated into the lipid portion of cell membranes and other molecules, protecting these structures from oxidative damage and preventing the propagation of lipid peroxidation. Vitamin E appears to have protective effects against cancer, heart disease, and complications of diabetes. As an antioxidant, vitamin E plays a protective role in many organs and systems. Vitamin E is necessary for maintaining a healthy immune system and it protects the thymus and circulating white blood cells from oxidative damage. Also, it may work synergistically with vitamin C in enhancing immune function. The best sources of vitamin E are certain vegetable oils (including wheat germ oil, hazelnut oil, sunflower oil, and almond oil), wheat germ, whole grain cereals, and eggs.

Carotenoids. Carotenoids (also referred to as carotenes) are a group of more than 600 highly colored plant compounds. The most prevalent carotenoids in North American diets include -carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and -cryptoxanthin. Only three are converted to vitamin A and considered pro-vitamin A carotenoids. The only specific effect of carotenoids in humans is to act as a source of vitamin A in the diet, but they also have important antioxidant actions. The latter are based on the caretenoids ability to quench singlet oxygen and trap peroxyl radicals, thereby preventing lipid peroxidation. As a result, carotenoids protect against the development of cancer, CVD, and ocular disorders. Carotenoids also affect cell growth regulation and gene expression. Diets low in carotenoids may lead to increased risk of cancer and heart disease. Lycopene is the most potent antioxidant for quenching single oxygen and scavenging free radicals. Primary sources of -carotene include carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, cantaloupe, pink grapefruit, spinach, apricots, broccoli, and most dark green leafy vegetables. -carotene is not destroyed by cooking. Lycopene is abundant in tomatoes, carrots, green peppers, and apricots. Lycopene is concentrated by food processing and therefore may be found in high concentrations in foods such as processed tomato products (e.g., spaghetti sauce and tomato paste). Lutein is found in green plants, corn, potatoes, spinach, carrots, and tomatoes, and zeaxanthin is found in spinach, paprika, corn, and fruits.

Selenium. The most important antioxidant mineral is selenium. Selenium is essential for the function of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase, and it is also important for healthy immune and cardiovascular systems. Low selenium intake has been also associated with cancer, heart disease, arthritis, asthma, and cataracts. Dietary intakes depend on the content of the soil where plants are grown or where animals are raised. Good sources of selenium include organ meats and seafood. Because plants do not require selenium, concentrations of this antioxidant in plants vary greatly, and food tables that list average selenium content are unreliable for plant foods. In the United States and Canada, the food distribution system ensures that regions with low selenium concentrations in the soil do not have low selenium dietary intakes.

Antioxidants are found in foods of rich colors: dark red grapes, ruby red grapefruit, dark green leafy vegetables, broccoli, beets, green beans, peas, and dark orange vegetables like yams, carrots, and dark orange squashes. Choose the darker colors as opposed to the lighter in all varieties available. Some dog supplements also promotes and boosts immunity with their rich antioxidant nutrients. Dog supplements should rich in Vitamin A, including Beta Carotene, Vitamin E and Coenzyme Q-10. Anti-oxidant Amino Acids (Glutathione, Glutamic acid, Cysteine, and Glycine). Other anti-oxidant minerals (Zn, Cu, Mn, Mg, Mo).

Hannah Serrano is a passionate writer and webmaster of http://www.americaoutdoor.com, an informative website about dog beds and petsafe containment systems for dogs, pets and animals.