Antioxidants for Cats

We've all heard about how beneficial antioxidants are, from talk shows to magazines covering promising "superfoods" that will reverse aging and cure health conditions, but what are antioxidants exactly? Are they as magical as TV doctors claim them to be? And do our pets need them, too?

We'll do a deep dive into the world of antioxidants, exploring what they are, how they work, and their pros and cons. Should you be supplementing your cat's diet with antioxidants? Read on to find out!

In short, antioxidants are substances, including (but certainly not limited to) vitamins, phytochemicals, and enzymes, that protect the body from damage at a cellular level. But to truly understand antioxidants, we will need to (briefly) explain free radicals, molecular biology, peroxidation, and the immune system. Heavy stuff, right? 

Consider this analogy:

Imagine your cells are factories, and all the parts of the cell are the workers, ensuring all the cells' parts are working efficiently and doing their assigned jobs. Now imagine unbound free radicals are mischievous workers who steal tools and materials (electrons) from other workers, messing up the workflow, destroying the factory, and producing defective goods.

On a cellular level, these free radicals form when molecules break apart, and since molecules crave the stability of a pair, they bounce around a cell looking to steal atoms to bind to and break more bonds in their wake.

Free radicals cause a LOT of problems. They steal electrons from other parts of the cell, disrupt essential biological processes, damage the DNA and other cellular components, and cause the cells to malfunction. When this happens, it can trigger an immune response, leading to inflammation, which can increase the risk for certain illnesses and even cancer!

But the havoc doesn't stop there. These free radicals bounce around the cell (much like a pinball machine) until the cell dies in a process called peroxidation. Peroxidation is a normal and healthy part of cellular biology that rids the body of old or damaged cells, bacteria, and other dangerous foreign bodies. But this chain of events can progress and cause cell death in otherwise healthy cells (talk about a downward spiral!)

Now, think of antioxidants as the attentive supervisors of the factory. They offer a helping hand (electrons) to the free radicals to bind to, and help stabilize them and get things back in working order by repairing the cell and minimizing further damage.

Now that we have a general idea of what antioxidants are and how they work let's look at some kinds of antioxidants:

• Carotenoids (like lutein, lycopene, astaxanthin, and beta-carotene)
• Trace minerals (like copper, selenium, and zinc)
• Amino acids (like taurine and N-acetylcysteine)
• Enzymes (like Co Q-10)
• Botanicals
• Flavonoids
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin K
• SAMe

Below are some of the ways antioxidants help keep our kitties healthy.

They prevent cell damage

Antioxidants offer extra electrons to neutralize dangerous free radicals inside cells and prevent the damage they cause. Moreover, they can help prevent cell death and limit or even stop these chain reactions from spreading to other cells.

They safeguard cell membranes

Not only do cell membranes protect the cell, but they are essential to communication between cells. By preventing the breakdown of lipids (which the cell membrane is primarily comprised of), antioxidants like Vitamin E and Taurine help safeguard cells from peroxidation and ensure communication doesn't become disrupted.

Boost the immune system and reduce inflammation

One study that compared the fragility of immune cells of cats fed a diet high in antioxidants versus cats who ate a basic commercial cat food found that cats with higher levels of antioxidants had more resilient immune cells. What's more, it was found that cats given vitamin E supplements produced more immune cells than those given a standard diet. Some antioxidants like carotenoids and flavonoids even have anti-inflammatory effects!

Protecting DNA

Not only can free radicals damage the internal structures of cells, but they can also damage the DNA, which can lead to mutations and even illnesses. By binding to these free radicals, they protect the DNA from damage.

They help your cells repair damage and regenerate

Though they can't directly repair damaged cells, antioxidants aid in cellular processes and protect cells while they regenerate and repair damage.

The appropriate dosage of each kind of antioxidant needed for cats can vary and is still being studied, and there are so many different antioxidants!

Below are the recommended doses for some of the most common antioxidants people supplement with for cats:

• SAMe - 9 mg/lb a day total (either given once daily or divided into 2 doses before food)
• Vitamin E -30 units by mouth every 24 hours
• Vitamin C - 55 mg/ lb twice daily
• Vitamin D3 - 1.75 mcg per 1000 kcal (calories of food)
• Co Q 10 - 1 mg per lb / day
• Taurine - 100 mg / day
• Zinc - 75 mg/ lb per day
• Beta-carotene -0.5 mg/lb of food daily
• Selenium - 35 mg/lb per day
• N-Acetyl - N-Acetyl - (also known as N-Acetylcysteine or NAC) is a medication that is often used intravenously in emergency settings for cats who have ingested poisonous substances or those under respiratory distress. It is, however, available over-the-counter in supplement form. While there is a standardized dosage for IV injectable form, there isn't a standard recommendation for NAC supplements.

Keep in mind, the guaranteed analysis on most pet food labels won't list the amount of antioxidants included, but you'll usually be able to spot antioxidants in the ingredients list. If their food does not contain the antioxidants they need, you may have to supplement! 

Adding antioxidant-rich whole foods to your pet's diet is a great way to add some flavor and a boost of nutrients to their meals. Throwing in an ounce of cooked chicken or a strawberry with food is a great way to give your furbaby some variety and extra antioxidants.

• Meats and poultry
• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Seaweed
• Pumpkin
• Shellfish
• Fish
• Eggs

There are tons of different types of antioxidant supplements available for cats. They come in capsules, liquids, powders, food toppers, and even treats. These products are often combined with other supplements like adaptogens, tannins, and alkaloids, and are often marketed to help or prevent certain conditions with blends labeled as heart health, immune support, allergy support, joint support, skin and coat, etc.

Supplementing with antioxidants can be super beneficial for cats, especially as they age since there is a natural decrease in their immune function starting around age 6. 

According to a review of a study by the WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition, "it is feasible to achieve sustained increa,ses in circulating levels of antioxidants through dietary supplementation in cats. This is true of vitamins C and E, taurine, and the carotenoids ß-carotene and lycopene."

Unfortunately, research on the benefits of antioxidants in cats is limited, but from the studies that are available, it appears that antioxidants have a positive impact on the feline immune system.

How often should I give my cat antioxidant supplements?

It's always recommended to talk to a vet before giving any supplements to your pets since supplements may interact with certain medications or negatively impact certain pre-existing health conditions. Antioxidants may be given as needed, or once or twice a day, depending on the type of supplement and the concentration. Dosing of antioxidant supplements will also depend on the type of supplement and your pet's weight.

Refer to the product packaging for specific dosing instructions, and if you use a powdered or liquid antioxidant, make sure to measure it carefully when administering it to your pet.

Potential side effects

Antioxidants are usually well-tolerated by cats, and side effects are rare, but there is always a possibility of an adverse effect when trying new supplements. Side effects will depend on the product you use, as well as any additional ingredients in it, and may include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Nausea

Other considerations

While antioxidants are generally safe, there are some things to consider when using them,

• Make sure you are using the correct dosage when supplementing with fat-soluble vitamins, like vitamins A, D, E, and K, since these aren't as easily removed by the body and can cause toxicity if given in high doses.
• Avoid supplementing with alpha-lipoic acid in cats since it can cause dangerous drops in blood sugar, convulsions, and even liver damage. Some people use it in small doses, but to be on the safe side, it's best to avoid it altogether.
• Some experts have seen evidence of a negative reaction with cases of cancer. Still, more research is needed on this matter since there are conflicting opinions about the use of antioxidants in cancer patients, and most of the information we have on the subject is from human studies.
• Antioxidants aren't perfect. They can help prevent the spread of cell damage and can even make cells conducive to healing, but they can only do so much to reverse severe damage from free radicals.

Antioxidants are available as a variety of supplements that safeguard cells from free radical damage by offering up spare electrons to help stabilize free radicals (and prevent the damage they cause!) Antioxidants come in many forms, including (but certainly not limited to!) vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and plant compounds.

You can add more antioxidants to your furbaby's diet by offering fresh meats, poultry, eggs, fish, or some blueberries or seaweed if your cat is a more adventurous eater. There are tons of antioxidant supplements on the market to help supplement your cat's diet as well. Rarely these supplements can cause tummy upset, but most cats do well on them.

When supplementing, there are some things to remember, though. Be careful to follow the instructions on the packaging since fatty vitamins can cause toxicity if overused. Secondly, alpha-lipoic acid can be dangerous for felines, so it's best to avoid it.

Finally, antioxidants aren't miracle drugs, and they do have their limitations. While they can help minimize cellular damage and help cells heal, they cannot reverse significant damage.