Why Antioxidants Are Important For Your Canine's Health

We tend to think of oxygen as a necessary ingredient for our health and longevity. As beneficial as it is, it can also prove harmful - for us and our pets. Oxygen compounds normally consist of molecules with paired electrons. Molecules that are missing an electron are known as free radicals. They seek out electrons and steal them from other molecules, causing a chain reaction. This leads to cellular damage, similar to a banana that is left exposed to the open air too long. In effect, the rapid spread of free radicals can potentially shorten your dog's life.

Below, we'll take a look at a few important antioxidants that control the spread of free radicals. In doing so, they help ensure the health of your pooch. Most of these ingredients can be found in commercial dog foods available at pet supply shops and grocery stores.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E supports the normal function of your canine's muscles as well as his reproductive, nervous, and immune systems. It prevents fats within the body from oxidizing. The more polyunsaturated fats in your pooch's body, the more vitamin E he should consume. As an antioxidant, it is available in natural and synthetic form, though experts claim natural vitamin E has a much higher efficacy than its synthetic counterpart.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C can be produced by your pooch's body, but not in sufficient amounts to battle oxidative stress. This is especially true for dogs that are active. For example, if you take your canine on daily hikes, bike rides, and runs, you should purchase dog food that contains a high level of vitamin C.

Taurine, Carotenoids, And Other Valuable Minerals

Taurine is essential for cats, but not for dogs. However, it is an amino acid; it offers several benefits for canines, which is why it is included within many commercial brands. Taurine helps the performance of your pooch's heart, reproductive system, and eyes.

Carotenoids are found in plant-based foods, such as carrots and spinach. Given that your dog is mostly a meat-eater, providing these type of foods is unlikely to excite him. That said, carotenoids are still beneficial and used in many dog food formulations.

Besides taurine and carotenoids, your pooch should have a healthy source of minerals, such as copper, zinc, and manganese. All three have powerful antioxidant properties that can prevent the spread of free radicals. Like the others, they are normally included in pet foods, though the content level may vary by brand.

Dog Foods And Antioxidants

A lot of commercial pet food manufacturers will include synthetic antioxidants within their products in order to stabilize them, and give them a longer shelf life. This requires a quick clarification. Pet foods with natural antioxidants cannot extend the life of the product. However, they provide greater benefits for your canine. Synthetics are still beneficial for your pooch, but the main advantage of using them is to preserve the food product from deterioration.

In the end, antioxidants play a key role in your canine's health. When you buy his food, look for vitamins E and C, along with taurine, carotenoids, and a select group of important minerals.

Treat your dogs to All Natural Dog Treats and Dog Bones!!