Antioxidants in a Dog's Diet

You might constantly hear others discuss the importance of antioxidants to humans. If you're a canine enthusiast, you might frequently hear that these nutrients can do canines' bodies good. Many canine food formulas available on the market include antioxidants, so pay close attention to them.

  1. Antioxidant Basics

    • Antioxidants keep canines in optimal condition by reducing the havoc that free radicals bring upon the cells. Antioxidants in the body can protect dogs against free radicals by counteracting them. These harmful molecules can lead to numerous hazardous consequences within the body, from the ruination of cells to their alteration. Free radicals operate by purloining elements of different molecules -- think protein or fat, for example. Antioxidants, however, have the ability to stop free radicals in their tracks by settling them.

    Benefits

    • Antioxidants in the canine diet are frequently associated with lots of different benefits. These include deferring aging, strengthening the immune system and reducing inflammation. If you're interested in giving your pet a boost of antioxidants, talk to your veterinarian regarding possible use of nutritional supplements, whether beta-carotene, vitamin E or anything else. Also ask the veterinarian about nutritional commercial dog foods that feature lots of antioxidants.

    Preservatives

    • Not only are antioxidants often linked to strong health in general, they also frequently function as preservatives in canine food formulas. They are commonly used as components in dog food with the purpose of stopping things from going bad. Antioxidants halt oxidation of fats. After oxidization occurs in fats, their nutritional value begins to diminish and they also begin to take on highly unpleasant flavoring -- not good. Since doggie foods often have lots of fat, oxidization is always a major possibility.

    Older Animals

    • As dogs get older, they often do well when fed foods that have lots of antioxidants. Apart from keeping the influence of aging to a minimum, antioxidants are thought to have the ability to make the immune system a lot tougher, as well -- a major benefit for elderly pooches.

    Fruit

    • Several yummy fruits are chock full of antioxidants that are beneficial for your doggie. If you want to give your canine some fruit as a treat, a few safe options are blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. Before giving any fruit to your cutie, however, get the approval of your veterinarian. Keep fruits as occasional rewards for your pet, and always only offer them to him in wee amounts. Always diligently wash fruit prior to feeding any to your dog, as well.