Antioxidants for Dogs

Antioxidants for dogs are some vitamins, minerals, and other chemical compounds that can stop cellular damage caused by free radicals. This page takes a close look at different antioxidants and their specific functions. It also discusses how dogs can benefit from these supplements. Some natural antioxidant supplements are recommended.

You have probably heard of "antioxidants" and are perhaps using some antioxidants as daily supplements for optimal health.

We use antioxidants to slow the aging process by protecting the body from damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants can also support immune function, and reduce the risk of chronic degenerative conditions such as cancer, arthritis, and heart disease.

Like people, dogs can also benefit from antioxidants. More and more veterinarians are paying attention to the health benefits that antioxidants have on our dogs and very often they recommend supplementation of antioxidants for dogs.

But what exactly are antioxidants? And what are "free radicals"? This page takes a look at the following topics:

What are Free Radicals?
What are Antioxidants?
Do Our Dogs Need Antioxidants?
What are Some Specific Functions of Antioxidants?
Can Herbs be Used as Antioxidants for Dogs?
What are Some Good Products of Antioxidant Supplements for Dogs?

What are Free Radicals?

Free radicals are molecules, atoms, or ions with unpaired electrons. Normally, in an atom (or molecule), electrons come in pairs and they spin in opposite directions to balance each other.

Free radicals, with their electrons missing, react with other molecules in the cells (such as protein or DNA) and rob them of an electron in order to restore stability. This process is called oxidation and can ultimately cause damage to a cell.

Oxidation occurs inside each and every cell of all living animals and humans because free radicals are produced as a result of normal bodily processes such as the release of adrenaline. Environmental factors (such as nuclear radiation, x-rays, UV rays from the sun, tobacco smoke, food additives, chemical pollutants such as pesticides, insecticides, and herbicides) can also cause free radicals to release.

It is believed that oxidation and the release of free radical can cause cell damages resulting in numerous diseases and speed up the aging process.

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What are Antioxidants?

Antioxidants are some vitamins, minerals, enzymes or other chemical compounds that can stop the process of oxidation. The antioxidant works by giving up one of its electrons to the free radical, thereby neutralizing it and preventing it from attacking DNA or causing lipids to oxidize. Once it gives up an electron, the antioxidant loses its antioxidizing function and has to be replaced by other antioxidants.

Vitamins A, C, and E, Carotenoids, Selenium, Coenzyme Q10, and Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) are all powerful antioxidants.

The best sources of antioxidants from natural foods include fresh fruits (e.g. berries - blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, wolfberries; pomegranates; dark red grapes), vegetables (e.g. dark green leafy vegetables; broccoli; beets; green beans; peas; carrots), and whole grains.

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Antioxidants for Dogs - Do Dogs Need Them?

The answer is a definitive "Yes" for the following two main reasons:

These days many dogs are exposed to environmental pollutants and harmful chemicals such as pesticides, insecticides, and cigarette smoke. These pollutants and chemicals cause free radicals to release and cause oxidation in the dogs' bodies.
Many dogs do not eat enough fresh veggies and fruits to get the antioxidants needed for their bodies. In particular, those who are fed commercial pet food need supplements of antioxidants because such pet food contains a minimal amount of antioxidants.

All dogs can benefit from supplements of antioxidants. In particular, aging dogs and those with the following health problems should definitely take some kind of antioxidants for dogs:

Arthritis and joint problems such as hip dysplasia
Skin allergies
Eye problems such as cataracts
Respiratory problems such as asthma
Autoimmune disorders
Chronic infections resulting in suppressed immunity
Heart disease
Cancer

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Specific Functions of Antioxidants for Dogs

Although all antioxidants are beneficial to dogs, some specific antioxidants are particularly effective in assisting in the treatment of certain dog health problems. It is therefore helpful to understand more about the various specific functions of antioxidants so that you are in a better position to choose an appropriate supplement for your dog's specific needs.

Antioxidants	Functions:	Beneficial For Dogs With:
Vitamin A	Helpful for the growth and repair of body tissues Assists in the maintenance of healthy skin and mucous membrane Good for the eyes	Eye problems (e.g. cataracts) Respiratory problems (e.g. asthma) Skin problems (e.g. eczema)
Vitamin C	Promotes wound healing Strengthens blood vessels Maintains healthy skin Strengthens immune system and helps prevent and resist infections	Chronic infections Allergies Weakened immune systems Skin problems (e.g. eczema)
Vitamin E	Slows down cellular aging caused by oxidation Strengthens cells by bringing nourishments to them Strengthens capillary walls Assists in the maintenance of healthy skin	Skin irritations and allergies Heart problems Cancer
Selenium	Slows down cellular aging caused by oxidation Promotes and preserves tissue elasticity Assists in the maintenance of healthy membrane tissue	Cancer (prevention & treatment) Inflammations and infections (e.g. IBD) Heart problems
Carotenoids	Effective scavengers of a free radical called "singlet oxygen" thereby preventing lipid peroxidation Prevent degenerative diseases Strengthen and protects eye membranes Reduce incidence of cataracts	Eye problems (e.g. cataracts) Cancer (prevention & treatment) Allergies Respiratory problems
Alpha Lipoic Acid	Scavenges hydroxyl radicals, singlet oxygen and hypochlorous acid Removes heavy metals by chelation Regenerates other antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, and Coenzyme Q10 Anti-aging	Cancer (prevention & treatment) Beneficial to aging dogs
Coenzyme Q10	Strengthens the heart muscle Prevents cellular damage caused by oxidation Improves carbohydrate metabolism Maintains gum health	Heart disease Gum disease Immune problems Beneficial to aging dogs
Grape Seed Extract (The bioflavonoids in GSE, proanthocyanidins, are powerful antioxidants)	Cancer prevention Prevents cellular damage caused by oxidation Supports and maintains healthy skin condition Improves blood circulation Prevents premature aging	Heart problems Skin problems Cancer Beneficial to aging dogs

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Antioxidants for Dogs - Herbs

Besides the above vitamins and chemical compounds that can be supplemented to your dog as antioxidants, certain herbs that contain antioxidants and can also be used for your dog's health. Common herbal antioxidants for dogs include:

Culinary Herbs
Herbs such as turmeric, oregano, thyme, ginger, parsley, and celery seed are powerful antioxidants that contain lots of vitamins. These herbs are convenient to use because they can easily be given to your dog by sprinkling them on your dog's food.

Milk Thistle
Another herb that is a powerful antioxidant is milk thistle. The major constituent of milk thistle, Silymarin, is an effective antioxidant especially for the liver. It blocks the entrance of harmful toxins and helps to remove these toxins from liver cells. It can also regenerate injured liver cells by inducing new DNA and RNA synthesis. Therefore, milk thistle is particular helpful for dogs with liver problems.

Green Tea
Green tea contains the highest concentration of powerful antioxidants called polyphenols. Green tea has been found to be helpful in the prevention of heart disease and cancer.

Mushrooms
Mushrooms, in particular Reishi, Shiitake, and Maitake mushrooms, have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for a long time. They contain high levels of polysaccharides which have been proven to be able to boost the immune system. These mushrooms also have antioxidant properties and can be used for cancer prevention and liver support.

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Antioxidants for Dogs - Good Natural Products

Here are some excellent natural products of antioxidants for dogs that can be used to help keep your fur baby healthy:

Genesis Resources Canine CAS Options for Dogs

This formula supplies a wide range of antioxidant ingredients such as mushrooms, vitamins A, C, E, Coenzyme Q10, selenium and green tea. Many dog parents have found this formula to be effective in helping to treat and prevent cancer. Dogs with other health problems such as autoimmune disorders, including allergies, liver and kidney problems, cardiovascular dysfunctions, and immune system stress can also benefit from this supplement.

Small Animal Antioxidant for Cats and Dogs

This formula contains vitamins A, C, E, beta-carotene, selenium, grape seed extract, lipoic acid and silymarin - all powerful antioxidants for your dog.

Vetri-Science Coenzyme Q10

This coenzyme Q10 supplement is good for supporting the cardiovascular and periodontal function of dogs.

Only Natural Pet Whole Food Antioxidant Blend

This product is a synergistic blend of herbal and natural antioxidants (such as milk thistle, turmeric, green tea, ALA) as well as other whole foods (such as acai, raspberry, black cherry) to allow for an overall healthier dog. It promotes general health and assists in healthy aging. Good for older dogs.