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 A Pet Parent’s Guide To The Best Antioxidants For Dogs
 A Pet Parent’s Guide To The Best Antioxidants For Dogs

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A Pet Parent’s Guide To The Best Antioxidants For Dogs

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Antioxidants are chemicals that the body uses to combat free radicals. And free radicals are substances that might harm the body if they exceed a certain level. Antioxidants are also beneficial for your pets, especially your dogs. Your dog needs antioxidants to help promote a healthy immune system. Hence, every IAMS™ dog formula contains optimal levels of these nutrients.

Antioxidants are naturally occurring essential nutrients that help maintain your dog’s health by slowing the destructive oxidative process of cellular molecules. IAMS™ research has been focusing on advancing antioxidant nutrients for senior dogs — and the benefit is improved immune function. Discover how the antioxidants in IAMS™ products can benefit your dog’s health in a number of ways.

 

Benefits of antioxidants for dogs

Antioxidants are found naturally in fruits and vegetables. Common antioxidants include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and certain compounds called carotenoids (like lutein and beta-carotene). When antioxidants are a part of a dog’s complete diet, they can provide the following benefits:

  • Slowing the oxidative process of cellular molecules.
  • Reversing immune-cell function in senior dogs.

 

How antioxidants work

As cells function normally in the body, they produce damaged molecules called free radicals. These free radicals are highly unstable and steal components from other cellular molecules such as fat, protein, or DNA, thereby spreading the damage.

 

This continues in a chain reaction, and causes cells to die. This process is called peroxidation. Peroxidation is useful because it helps the body destroy cells that have outlived their usefulness, and it kills germs and parasites. However, when left unchecked, peroxidation also destroys or damages healthy cells.

 

Antioxidants help prevent widespread cellular destruction by willingly donating components to stabilise free radicals. More importantly, antioxidants return to the surface of the cell to stabilise other cellular components.

 

When there are not enough antioxidants to hold peroxidation in check, free radicals begin damaging healthy cells, which can lead to problems. For example, free radical damage to immune cells can lead to an increased risk of infections.

 

Antioxidants in IAMS™ adult dog and puppy foods

Antioxidants offer countless benefits to our furry friends. And it is imperative that their food is loaded with it. Want to know why? Read on.

 

Why do dogs need antioxidants?

Antioxidants are a must for dogs as they are exposed to significantly more toxins than humans. These antioxidants work like protective agents within the dog’s body, battling free radicals that cause symptoms and diseases like skin problems.

Furthermore, giving liver antioxidants for dogs will boost liver health and eliminate toxins from their body more efficiently. The liver will convert fat-soluble toxins into water-soluble toxins to easily flush them from your pet’s body through the GI tract and kidneys.

Recent research has examined the benefits of certain antioxidants on the immune response of dogs, and the results of these studies indicated that antioxidants are important in helping dogs maintain a healthy immune system.

IAMS™ adult and puppy formulas contain optimal levels of antioxidants such as:

 

Antioxidant

Source

Function

Vitamin E

Plant oil extract and tocopherols

Optimizes immune system’s T-cell activation

Beta-carotene

Vitamin premix, corn meal, chicken by-product meal and chicken fat

Optimizes types of cells present in the blood,
increases antibody levels in the blood
 

 

Now that you know how dog food with antioxidants can benefit your dog, here’s a list of the best antioxidants for dogs: 
 

Best antioxidants for dogs

Vitamin C

  • One of the most essential vitamins for a dog's health
  • Aids in wound healing and reducing inflammation
  • Provides energy so your dog can enjoy playing outside all day

Vitamin E

  • One of the best antioxidants for dogs with cancer
  • Provides a natural boost to the immune system
  • Supports healthy blood vessels and protects against diabetes and heart disease

Beta-carotene

  • It is a fantastic dietary addition for your dog.
  • Helps boost the number of antibodies in blood and offers additional protection against diseases in older dogs

 

Polyphenols

  • Excellent antioxidants for dogs as they help maintain your pet’s health and strength for many years
  • Shields from diseases like cancer or diabetes 

 

Sources of antioxidants for dogs

You can find natural antioxidants for dogs in the following:

 

Fruits and vegetables

The antioxidant content of plant-based foods is high. Foods that are highest in antioxidants are fruits and vegetables as they are loaded with vitamins and beneficial in countless ways. Some examples of excellent sources of antioxidants are blueberries, strawberries, pears, red cabbages, and kale. Make sure to check which fruits and vegetables are safe for your dog to consume. 


Supplements

Give your dog the best vitamins you can, so your pooch stays healthy. It is crucial that dogs receive a supplement that is specifically designed for their life stage. 

 

Look for dog food with antioxidants and nutrients that are bioactive and bioavailable so that these get absorbed properly into your dog’s body. Make sure that the supplement you choose has the ideal ratio of natural elements for your pet’s needs. That can be accomplished by looking for a combination of prebiotics, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

 

For a healthy body from the inside, you can also feed your pooch IAMSTM Proactive HealthTM dog food. Find the products that are best for your dog by shopping based on your pet’s age.

Frequently asked questions about Best Antioxidants for Dogs

  1. What foods have antioxidants?
  2. Fruits, nuts, berries, and vegetables are common foods that act as good sources of antioxidants. Giving your dog an antioxidant-rich diet will aid in the battle against oxidative stress and reduce the risk of any illnesses.

  3. What foods promote healing in dogs?
  4. Foods such as organ meats, mushrooms, eggs, bone broth, and raw goat milk speed up the healing of cuts, wounds, and other injuries in dogs.

  5. Can too many antioxidants be harmful to dogs?
  6. The benefits of antioxidants for dogs are innumerable; however, it is always advisable to consult your veterinarian on the right dosage of antioxidants for your pet.

  7. What are the 3 main antioxidants for dogs?
  8. Three of the most important antioxidant vitamins are Vitamin E+C, selenium, and beta-carotene.

  9. Do antioxidants help dogs?
  10. Antioxidant-rich foods for dogs help prevent damages due to free radicals. An adequate intake of antioxidants can help boost your dog’s immunity.

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  • A Comprehensive Guide to Canine Weight Loss
    A Comprehensive Guide to Canine Weight Loss
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    A Comprehensive Guide to Canine Weight Loss

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    Have you ever wondered why some dogs seem a bit heavier than they should be? Dogs, like humans, can face weight issues, and it's crucial to ensure that they are in their best shape. In today's world of treats and limited exercise, more and more pet parents find themselves asking, 'Why is my dog fat?'. Dealing with dogs and weight loss can be tricky to work along if you don’t know how to go about on this journey of weight loss in dogs. Yet, how should you know if your dog is gaining weight and how to make your dog lose weight? 

     

    These days, dogs are grappling with weight issues. And as a dog parent, you must take a closer look at your pet’s body condition. Be curious about questions like, can you feel your dog's ribs easily? Is there a visible waistline? These observations play an essential role in assessing whether your canine companion needs assistance in the weight department. If you find your dog needing help with weight loss, then you must act promptly. Let's explore canine weight management and how to help dog lose weight.

     

    Why should dogs embark on a weight loss journey?

    Maintaining a healthy weight for your dog is not just about the appearance; it's about their overall well-being. Dogs with excess weight face health risks, including diabetes and heart diseases. Understanding why your dog is gaining weight would be the first step towards ensuring a longer and healthier life for your furry friend. Overweight and obese dogs often have shorter life spans, emphasising the need to act promptly. This is why it is essential for you to start considering weight loss by providing your pooch with a healthy and hearty lifestyle.

     

    How to make a dogs lose weight?

    Struggling with dogs and weight loss can be stressful for pet parents. However, fret not. Here is what you need to do to start your dog’s journey towards weight loss:

    • Feeding a balanced diet

    A balanced diet contains all essential nutrients required for your pooch’s healthy growth. Consulting your vet for a tailored meal plan is suggested when planning your dog’s weight loss journey. It is also important to choose high-quality, low-calorie dog food to maintain a balanced diet. Portion control should be practiced to avoid overfeeding and excessive calorie intake.

    • Regular exercise

    One of the key elements to dogs losing weight is regular and consistent exercise. Develop a regular exercise routine tailored to your dog's breed and age. Take your floof for brisk walks, play a game of fetch, or simply plunge into the pool for swimming to keep them active. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of exercise for gradual weight loss. It is also recommended to combine regular exercising with healthier food for best results.

    • Medical conditions

    Your pooch’s weight problem can also be linked to numerous medical conditions. It is best to schedule regular vet visits to rule out underlying health issues causing weight gain. Conditions like thyroid problems may contribute to weight gain in dogs. Discuss appropriate medications or supplements with your vet for well-guided canine weight loss.

    • Maintenance

    Consistently monitor your dog's progress and adjust the plan as needed. Gradual weight loss is ideal to prevent health complications. If you notice your fur baby losing or gaining too much weight within a short period, then you should get them checked by a vet. Stick to the plan even after your dog achieves their target weight for overall well-being.

    • Check progress

    While it's essential to encourage weight loss, it's equally crucial to ensure your dog doesn't lose weight too quickly or in an unhealthy manner.

     

    Beware of abnormal canine weight loss

    While shedding that extra weight is essential, you need to make sure your fur baby’s weight loss journey is healthy and effective for a longer period. Given below are a few things you should be mindful of to avoid abnormal weight loss in dogs:

     

    • Over exercise: Avoid excessive physical activity that could lead to strain or injury. Pay attention to signs of fatigue or discomfort during workouts. 
    • Stress: Changes in behaviour, appetite, or energy levels may indicate stress. You should also create a calm and supportive environment to help your dog feel secure.
    • Diseases: Sudden weight loss could be a symptom of an underlying health issue. It is also recommended to consult your vet promptly if you notice any alarming changes in your dog's weight.

     

    Helping your dog achieve and maintain a healthy weight is essential for their overall well-being. By following the aforementioned steps, consulting your vet, and observing your furry friend closely, you can contribute to a happier life together. Create a healthy weight loss plan, so your dog leads a happy life.

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