Canine Antioxidant Formulas

Canine antioxidant formulas are beneficial for your pet as antioxidants neutralize free radicals and prevent them from reacting with other cells in your pet’s body. Antioxidants are chemical compounds such as vitamins or enzymes that prevent free radicals from reacting with other cells.

Free Radicals

Free radicals are produced during bodily processes and also due to pollutants such as tobacco smoke, x-rays and food additives or preservatives. They are molecules that have a missing electron and combine with molecules of other cells in a process called oxidation. Free radicals and oxidation can damage cells resulting in disease and aging.

Sources of Antioxidants:

  • Dark red grapes
  • Red grapefruit
  • Green leafy vegetables
  • Broccoli
  • Beet
  • Peas
  • Beans
  • Carrots 
  • Whole grains

Are Antioxidant Supplements Necessary for Dogs?

Dogs are generally given commercial dog food that contains preservatives and additives. The products have less vegetables and fruits. In addition, they are exposed to a lot of pollutants such as cigarette smoke, pesticides and insecticides. Therefore, all dogs benefit from the administration of antioxidant supplements.

These supplements are essential for dogs suffering from diseases such as:

  • arthritis
  • skin allergies
  • eye problems
  • heart disease
  • cancer
  • asthma
  • autoimmune disorders

Antioxidants are also beneficial to dogs that show signs of nervousness, stress or anxiety.

Ingredients of Canine Antioxidant Supplements

Antioxidant supplements are available in tablet forms that can be administered orally or mixed with the pet’s food. Each tablet contains:

  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin C
  • Selenium
  • wheatgrass
  • alfalfa
  • barley grass
  • green tea powder
  • grape seed extract
  • alpha lipoic acid
  • carotenoids
  • coenzyme Q-10

Inactive ingredients include desiccated chicken liver, superoxide dismutase and wheat sprout. All the ingredients are human grade and the supplements are free of yeast as the latter is an allergen for canines.

Dosage

For pets under 50 pounds, you may administer 2 tablets daily. If your pet is between 50 and 100 pounds, you should give him 4 tablets daily and if he is more than 100 pounds in weight, you should give him 6 tablets daily.

Herbal Antioxidants for Dogs

You can also include certain herbs in your pet’s diet that contain natural antioxidants. Such herbal antioxidants are turmeric, oregano, ginger, parsley and thyme. These can be added to your pet’s food and all of them contain lots of vitamins.

More Herbal Antioxidants

Milk thistle should be given to dogs with liver problems as it contains silymarin that’s beneficial for the canine liver. Silymarin helps to remove toxins from liver cells and facilitates the regeneration of damaged liver cells. Green tea should also be administered to dogs suffering from cancer and heart disease as it contains large amounts of polyphenols. Mushrooms are herbs that have antioxidant properties. They are beneficial for liver support and the prevention of cancer and heart disease. They also boost the dog’s immune system.

As the benefits of antioxidants are becoming known, more and more vets are prescribing supplements to maintain good health in dogs and fortify their immune system.

 

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