Antioxidants promote health. They are really important at all ages, but particularly as your dog approaches his or her senior years of life. Just like humans, as our dogs ages, they become more susceptible to oxidative damage especially if they have eaten kibble their whole lives, have been vaccinated too much, have taken a bunch of meds, have been chronically ill, lack exposure to fresh air and exercise.
Oxidative stress is formed by a biochemical process called oxidation. "Oxidation is actually a reaction that occurs as a normal metabolic process in the body, but also releases by-products called free radicals. Free radicals roam around the body, robbing electrons from stable molecules. And this is what leads to cell damage known as oxidative stress" (Herbsmith). Oxidative stress also damages cellular mitochondria and this damage has been linked to the most common diseases today including heart disease, diabetes, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis and neurological diseases. To learn more about just how important mitochondria are, check out our blog here.
Obviously, the less oxidative stress and damage in the body, the better. This is where antioxidants can be extremely beneficial to add to your dog's diet. Antioxidants are compounds that are made in our bodies and found in foods, particularly bright colored fruits and veggies that contain properties that naturally protect cells against damaged caused by oxidative stress. You will not find a significant amount of antioxidants in any type of kibble because antioxidants promote health and kibble ingredients destroy it.
In addition to feeding a healthy, nutrient-dense and species-appropriate diet (raw or home-cooked is the way to go), you may want to consider adding the following supplements to your dog's diet to optimize health and boost antioxidant intake. I've linked brands I have personally used on my dog and have researched it extensively to make sure the product is as clean as possible and doesn't contain toxins, allergens or filler ingredients.
Astaxanthin
- Astaxanthin: Powerful antioxidant that comes from microalgea and is a red pigment that belongs to a group of compounds called carotenoids. It supports joint health by reducing inflammation and pain; immune health by protecting against free radicals; brain health by crossing the blood-brain barrier and provides nutrients; serves as an anti-inflammatory to protect the eyes and supports heart health by reducing inflammation in the heart, specifically a reduction to C-Reactive Protein (CRP).
- Berries are nature's antioxidant. Adding blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries to your dog's meal is an affordable and effective way to boost antioxidant intake.
- Colostrum is a powerful antioxidant associated with birth. It can be used at any stage of your dog's life and supports immune health; joint health; digestive health; can even fight cancer via a protein called lactalbumin that can cause cancer cell death and supports wound healing.
- Egg Shell Membrane is the delicate eggshell membrane (the thin layer between the egg white and the shell) and contains glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin and collagen
- Golden Paste is a powerful antioxidant that made of turmeric, MCT or coconut oil, filtered water and black pepper. It is a natural anti-inflammatory, is believed to have anti-cancer properties and anti-bacterial properties, can reduce blood clots, offers natural pain relief
- Green Lipped Mussels come from the waters of New Zealand and contain omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, amino acids and enzymes. They are a natural source of glycosaminoglycans (GAGS) that are the main components of cartilage and synovial fluid found in joints. They support joint mobility, cartilage maintenance, cardiovascular health and help maintain healthy skin too
- Green Tea is an antioxidant and contains polyphenols called catechins that provide the medicinal benefits that provide anti-inflammatory and immune support, support brain health nd fight cancer.
- Senilife: Senilife is a nutritional supplement for the signs of brain aging in elderly dogs, which can provide an improved quality of life for the elderly pet, delay the appearance of age related behavior problems, and reduce the need for age related dependencies to the owner. It contains a blend of antioxidants including phosphatidylserine, pyridoxine (vitamin B6), gingko bilobal extract, resveratrol (grape extract) and d-alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E), which help promote optimal brain function.
- Vitamin D s a cell membrane antioxidant and helps the body absorb and retain important minerals like calcium and phosphorus that your dog needs to optimal bone health. Research also suggests that vitamin D can reduce cancer cell growth, help control infection and reduce inflammation.
Aging is inevitable, but being sick doesn't have to be part of the equation. Antioxidants promote healthy. There are many ways to optimize the health of our dogs and it starts with the food we feed them. Feeding a healthy, nutrient-dense and species-appropriate diet will contain way more antioxidants than kibble and will help your dog stay healthy naturally for as long as possible. Consider adding antioxidant supplements for an additional boost. If you need some guidance on what to feed your dog, please click here. If your dog is sick and you need some guidance on helping them feel better, please visit Bobzilla's Happy, Healthy Life Made Simple.
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