The Benefits of Antioxidants for Dogs

Chances are, you’ve heard of antioxidants before. They’re found in many human foods and offer us a number of health benefits. The question is, do antioxidants offer those same benefits for our canine companions?

The answer is yes—antioxidants are important for keeping your pup happy and healthy throughout his or her life. Let’s take a look at some of the major benefits of antioxidants for dogs, as shared by an experienced Hudson Valley vet.

They Keep Food Fresh

Antioxidants do just what their name suggests: battle oxidation. Oxidation occurs when food is exposed to oxygen, which will break down the food’s cells over time and cause it to spoil. It’s the same reason that fruit goes brown if it’s left out for too long. Dog food is no different. By including antioxidants in dog food, manufacturers are able to keep their product safe for consumption for extended periods of time.

At home, you can also take steps to keep your dog’s food fresh by keeping it away from heat, light, and moisture. Storing your dog’s kibble in a cool, dry, dark place is your best bet.

They Boost Your Dog’s Health

Antioxidants do more than just protect your dog’s food—they’re also beneficial for his or her health because they counter the effects of free radicals in the body. Free radicals are naturally occurring agents that contain oxygen, and they can damage both healthy and unhealthy cells that already exist in your dog’s body. Antioxidants help to keep free radicals at bay, keeping your dog’s cells healthier for longer and stopping the degeneration of tissues.

Other benefits include improved immune system function, better vision (thanks to antioxidants like leutine and zeanxathin), and even increased endurance. Antioxidants also protect the heart and circulatory system from free radicals, thereby lowering the risk of heart disease. Even the risk of cancer can be lowered thanks to the power of antioxidants.

They Combat the Effects of Aging

Antioxidants may be especially important for our older animal companions. The older your dog gets, the more his or her cells will suffer damage to their structure. That means that the cells, and the organs that they make up, don’t function as well as your dog ages. Since antioxidants combat that cell damage, they’re vital for maintaining your dog’s bodily systems as he or she enters the golden years.

Want to learn more about the role antioxidants play in your dog’s nutrition and wellness? Need a specific dietary recommendation? Contact your Hudson Valley, NY vet for assistance today.