Antioxidants for Dogs

As a doting pet parent, you’re always looking to provide your dog with the best care possible. Nutrition, of course, is a vital part of that. You may have heard of antioxidants and that they can be beneficial to your dog’s health.

But what exactly are antioxidants for dogs and what do they do? Do you need to consider antioxidant supplements for dogs or can they be obtained from natural food sources? 

You’ll find the answers to these questions and more below. Read on to learn about antioxidants for dogs and how they can help your pet live a healthy and vibrant life, including these key takeaways:

• Antioxidants are substances that neutralize free radicals, which are harmless at low levels but have undesirable effects at excessive amounts
• Too many free radicals in the body can lead to oxidative stress, which can lead to increased risks of cancer and chronic diseases
• Antioxidants can help keep a dog healthy by protecting their cells and organs from oxidative damage
• A wide variety of foods contain antioxidants for dogs, especially colorful fruits and vegetables
• Antioxidant supplements for dogs might help working, aging, or sick dogs, but even healthy pets might benefit from a supplement
• The dosage of antioxidant supplements for dogs will depend on the type of supplement and the individual dog. Always consult your vet before starting any supplements
  
  
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Antioxidants are substances that neutralize free radicals, which are compounds produced during oxidation. Oxidation is the chemical process that causes iron to rust, sliced fruits to brown, and oils to become rancid. It’s also a normal process that happens in your dog’s body (and yours). 

Oxidation occurs when your dog exercises or breaks down food, so free radicals are constantly present in their body. At low levels, they’re harmless and even play a role in regular body functions such as fighting off pathogens. 

A certain amount of free radicals is actually necessary for keeping your dog healthy. However, an extreme amount of exercise, inflammatory diseases and exposure to pollution, cigarette smoke or sunlight can lead to an accumulation of free radicals.

This can cause oxidative stress, which can damage cells and DNA, and lead to increased risks of cancer and chronic diseases.

Antioxidants such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium have the ability to counteract the harmful effects of free radicals. Here are some of the benefits of antioxidants for dogs.

Improved Eye Health

The antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin (a carotenoid), support healthy vision by offering protection against free radical damage to the eye. They may help prevent Glaucoma and Cataracts as well.

Better Heart Health

Antioxidants promote cardiovascular health by protecting the heart and circulatory system from oxidative stress. Vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids reduce oxidative stress in blood vessels and promote proper circulation, while selenium helps keep the heart muscles healthy. 

Aiding with Joint Health

Joint issues like arthritis are common in older dogs. Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the joints, improving comfort and mobility. Vitamin C is also crucial in the formation of collagen, the building block of cartilage and other connective tissues. 

Support For Immune System

Antioxidants help boost the immune system by protecting immune cells from oxidative damage and enhancing the production of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. A strong immune system enables your dog to keep infections and illnesses at bay. 

Anti-Aging Properties

Over time, an older dog may not be able to process and eliminate free radicals as efficiently as before. With their protective properties, antioxidants can help maintain cellular health, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and potentially resulting in better health.

The best antioxidants for dogs can be found in a variety of foods, especially fruits and vegetables. The vibrant colors in fruits and vegetables usually indicate the presence of antioxidants, so the more colorful it is, the more likely it’s packed with the good stuff.

Good examples of antioxidant foods for dogs include:

• Vitamin A — carrots, bell peppers, green beans, eggs, fish
• Vitamin C — bell peppers, broccoli, cranberries, raspberries, green beans, potatoes
• Vitamin E — spinach, pumpkin, vegetable oils
• Beta-carotene — carrots, sweet potatoes, mangoes, squash
• Lycopene — tomatoes, watermelon, red cabbage
• Lutein and zeaxanthin — spinach, kale, collard greens, egg yolks
• Polyphenols — goji berries, blueberries, turmeric, spinach, apples, pomegranates 
• Selenium — brown rice, bananas, lentils, meats, seafoods
• Zinc — broccoli, herbs, meats, seafoods, eggs

There’s increasing evidence that antioxidants obtained from natural whole food sources are more effective than those taken in tablet or capsule forms.

This is likely because antioxidants tend to work best in combination with other antioxidants, nutrients, and phytochemicals, so it’s a good idea to include antioxidant-rich foods in your dog’s diet.

Add small amounts of fruits and veggies to your dog’s normal food or offer them as snacks. Cooking and/or chopping fruits and vegetables up into small pieces can make them easier and more appealing for your dog to eat. You can also add them to homemade treats.

Try several different foods to see what your pup enjoys the most and feed them a variety so they get a mix of antioxidants. 

The recommended amount of each kind of antioxidant for dogs can vary and is still being studied.

Dr. Maureen McMichael, a professor at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, recommends the following amounts:

• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) — 500 to 1,000 mg every 24 hours
• Vitamin E (natural) — 400 units every 24 hours
• SAMe — 20 mg/kg per day
• N-acetylcysteine — 50 mg/kg
• Ubiquinone (coenzyme Q10) — 2 mg/kg every 24 hours

Dr. Randy Kidd, a past president of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, recommends the following amounts for a dog weighing 20 to 40 pounds:

• Vitamin A — 2000 IU a couple times a week
• Vitamin C — 250 mg per day
• Vitamin E — 100 to 200 mg

The guaranteed analysis on most dog food labels won’t list the amounts of antioxidants included, but you’ll usually be able to spot antioxidants in the ingredients list. If you’re planning on using antioxidant supplements for dogs, consult your vet about the appropriate dosage first.

Should parents consider antioxidant supplements for dogs? It could be an especially good decision for canine athletes and working dogs, who may have elevated oxidative damage due to increased production of free radicals. Older, stressed, or sick canines who may have weaker immune systems may also benefit.

Some vets feel that even healthy dogs could also use antioxidant supplements since they’re exposed to environmental pollutants and toxins that can generate free radicals. 

Antioxidant supplements for dogs can include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, herbs, botanicals, and other nutraceuticals. They come in various forms including tablets, capsules, liquids, soft chews, and powders.

Some antioxidant supplements for dogs provide a single antioxidant while others contain a blend of different antioxidants.

Studies on antioxidant supplements for dogs have found the following benefits:

• Beta-carotene significantly improved immune responses in older dogs
• Vitamin E and carotenoids may slow the progression of chronic kidney disease 
• Lutein, zeaxanthin, beta‐carotene, astaxanthin, vitamin C, and vitamin E improved retinal responses in healthy dogs 
• Polyphenols from pomegranate peel extract improved antioxidant status and may promote gut health in dogs
• Curcumin offers anti-inflammatory support to dogs with Osteoarthritis
  
  

How Often Should I Give Antioxidant Supplements For Dogs?

How often an antioxidant supplement should be given will depend on the type of supplement and your dog’s unique needs. Always consult your vet before giving any supplements to your pet.

Potential Side Effects

Antioxidants for dogs are generally considered safe and side effects will depend on the type of supplement. Possible side effects are rare but can include:

• Vitamin A Toxicity — vomiting, drowsiness, irritability, skin peeling
• Selenium Toxicity — Selenosis (a condition that causes intestinal upset), hair loss, and bone abnormalities
• Mild stomach upset
  
  

Other considerations

All vitamins, supplements, and medications have the potential to interact with each other, so it’s important to tell your vet about everything your dog is currently taking.

While antioxidants play a role in cancer prevention, some research suggests that antioxidant supplements for dogs may be counterproductive after a cancer diagnosis. Cancer cells generate free radicals rapidly and interestingly, a cell that accumulates too many free radicals can self-destruct. 

Some cells in the immune system and various therapies also produce free radicals to target cancer cells. Introducing high levels of antioxidants that neutralize these free radicals might do more harm than good.