Antioxidents for Dogs

Antioxidents for Dogs are extremely important for breeds such as the Boxer which are prone to cancers.

Antioxidants work by slowing the oxidationcaused by substances called free radicals that can lead to cell damage.

Some of the most important antioxidents that are often missing or lacking in a dog's diet are:

Vitamin A (beta-carotene) - is important for the eyes bones and teeth. It is also believed to prevent certain forms of cancer. Typically a Boxer should get about 15,000 IU of beta-carotene per day. That equals about half of a normal raw carrot (or full cooked carrot).

Vitamin C - is a catalyst as well as an antioxident in its own right. It is also important to the anti-viral immune system. Often it is found as a preservative (ascorbic acid) in dog food. Unlike humans, dogs usually produce their own Vitamin C.

However, there is little risk of Vitamin C overdose as excess is excreted in th urine. The main danger associated with Vitamin C overdose is the dreaded, stinky fart.

Vitamin E - is a circulatory and red-blood cell enhancer. It is found in seed oils.

Selenium- is seldom needed as a supplement for Boxers but may be indicated when certain skin conditions. are presented. Selenium can be overdosed so should only be given as a supplement, under doctors orders. Boxers should not get more than 150 ug per day.

Milk Thistle - is well known in Europe as a liver protector and regenerator. We occasionally, on doctors orders, give one our Boxers 70mg of Legalon (Milk Thistle) because her liver had an adverse reaction to an antibiotic when she was young. We wash the red coating off it first because it is ferrous oxide (rust).

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)-is important for muscles in dog foods, its best source is liver and kidneys, though it can also be sourced from leafy vegtables.

Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)- aids in nerve regeneration and protection, again, liver is the best source of B9 for dogs. It is seldom deficient in healthy dogs, but may become so in canines with small intestinal absorption problems. The vitamin is thought to reduce the incidence the incidnces of cleft palate in puppies, if administered to the dam while she is pregnant.

Zinc- aids in immunoresponse and healing of wounds. It is also good for healthy coats. Although it is seldom a deficient antioxidents for dogs, deficiency can sometimes occur in Boxers because of their high energy and exercise levels.The best source of Zinc is fish meal.

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