Introduction

Hey there fellow dog lovers!

As pet owners, we always strive to give our furry friends the best possible care right? One way to do that is by providing them with a healthy diet. We spend time looking over the ingredients list and trying to understand what exactly is in their food, we ask for recommendations from vets and other experts, but we tend to neglect one very important piece of a completely balanced diet for our dogs.

That's where antioxidants come into play. In the past I had never really given them a second thought - I only considered how much protein, grains and additives might be included in the food I gave to my sweet Bucky.

In this blog post, I'll dive into the role of antioxidants in canine health, and why your dog needs them. Plus, I'll explain how I have used some of the most powerful antioxidants - like spirulina, beetroot, chia seeds, flaxseed, and turmeric - in my line of all natural dog treats for The Barkery. Let's get started!

Order antioxidant rich, handmade dog treats here

What are Antioxidants, and Why are They Important?

Antioxidants are molecules that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, in other words, unstable molecules that can cause harm to cells, DNA, and other structures in the body (1).

Free radicals are produced naturally as a byproduct of normal metabolic processes, but they can also be generated by external factors like pollution, radiation, and certain medications (2).

When these free radicals outnumber antioxidants, it leads to a state of oxidative stress (an imbalance between these free radicals and antioxidants), which can contribute to various health issues, including inflammation, aging, and chronic diseases like cancer (3). 

Antioxidants neutralize these free radicals, helping to maintain a balance within the body and promote overall health. It all basically sounds like an Avengers movie going on within your dog’s body right?

 

The Role of Antioxidants in Canine Health

Just like humans, dogs are exposed to free radicals and can benefit from antioxidants. Research has shown that antioxidants can support canine health in various ways, including:

1. Boosting the Immune System: Antioxidants help support the immune system by reducing inflammation and protecting immune cells from damage (4). A strong immune system is essential for your dog's overall health and ability to fight off infections and diseases.
2. Supporting Cognitive Function: Studies have shown that antioxidants can help maintain cognitive function in aging dogs (5). They help protect brain cells from oxidative damage, which may slow down the progression of age-related cognitive decline.
3. Promoting Heart Health: Antioxidants have been found to support heart health by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which are factors that can contribute to heart disease in dogs (6).
4. Supporting Joint Health: Antioxidants can help reduce inflammation in the joints, which is beneficial for dogs suffering from arthritis or other joint issues (7).
5. Protecting the Skin and Coat: Antioxidants help maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat by reducing oxidative stress and promoting cellular health (8).

 

Antioxidant-Rich Ingredients for Your Dog

Now that we know the benefits of antioxidants for our canine companions, let's talk about some amazing all-natural dog treats made with antioxidant-rich ingredients:

Spirulina: This blue-green algae is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support your dog's immune system, digestion, and overall health (9).

Beetroot: Rich in antioxidants like betalains, beetroot can help reduce inflammation and support heart health in dogs (10).

Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds are a powerhouse of nutrients, including antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber, which contribute to a healthy coat, skin, and overall well-being (11).

Flaxseed: Flaxseed is an excellent source of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and dietary fiber. It can help support heart health, reduce inflammation, and maintain a shiny coat and healthy skin in dogs (12).

Turmeric: This golden spice is known for its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to the active compound curcumin. It can help alleviate joint pain and support overall health in dogs (13).

Order Calming Chamomile for an antioxidant boost for your dog

Incorporating Antioxidants into Your Dog's Diet

To ensure your dog reaps the benefits of these antioxidant-rich ingredients, consider incorporating them into their diet with handmade, all natural dog treats from Il Cane Coccolato. We offer a range of all-natural dog treats made with these incredible ingredients, allowing you to support your dog's health while providing them with a delicious and nutritious snack.

From Anti Inflammatory Turmeric to maintain joint health and help to prevent tumors, to Chia Seed which is prepared with both chia seeds and flaxseed to improve digestion and it’s high fiber content will keep your dog feeling full for longer. Our original Fresh Breath Spirulina is made with parsley, grated coconut and spirulina to improve your pup’s digestion and the spirulina adds important antioxidants and protein, and finally our Calming Chamomille dog biscuits are prepared with gluten free coconut flour, chamomile, hemp seeds and to boost antioxidants there are bits of fresh, organic beetroot and goji berries. 

Conclusion

Antioxidants play a crucial role in maintaining your dog's health by protecting their cells from damage caused by free radicals. By incorporating antioxidant-rich ingredients like spirulina, beetroot, chia seeds, flaxseed, and turmeric into your dog's diet, you can support their immune system, cognitive function, heart health, joint health, and skin and coat health. So, why not give our all-natural dog biscuits a try? Your furry friend will surely thank you!

References:

(1) Lobo, V., Patil, A., Phatak, A., Chandra, N. (2010). Free radicals, antioxidants and functional foods: Impact on human health. Pharmacognosy Reviews, 4(8), 118-126. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249911/

(2) Phaniendra, A., Jestadi, D.B., & Periyasamy, L. (2015). Free Radicals: Properties, Sources, Targets, and Their Implication in Various Diseases. Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry, 30(1), 11-26. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12291-014-0446-0

(3) Sies, H. (2015). Oxidative stress: a concept in redox biology and medicine. Redox Biology, 4, 180-183. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.redox.2015.01.002

(4) Chew, B.P., & Park, J.S. (2004). Carotenoid action on the immune response. The Journal of Nutrition, 134(1), 257S-261S. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/134.1.257S

(5) Milgram, N.W., Araujo, J.A., Hagen, T.M., Treadwell, B.V., & Ames, B.N. (2002). Acetyl-L-carnitine and α-lipoic acid supplementation of aged beagle dogs improves learning in two landmark discrimination tests. The FASEB Journal, 16(14), 1935-1937. https://doi.org/10.1096/fj.02-0362fje

(6) Freeman, L.M., Rush, J.E., & Kehayias, J.J. (2001). Antioxidant status and biomarkers of oxidative stress in dogs with congestive heart failure. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 15(4), 366-372. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2001.tb01572.x

(7) Fritsch, D.A., Allen, T.A., Dodd, C.E., Jewell, D.E., Sixby, K.A., Leventhal, P.S., Hahn, K.A., & Brejda, J.J. (2010). A multicenter study of the effect of dietary supplementation with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids on carprofen dosage in dogs with osteoarthritis. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 236(5), 535-539. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.236.5.535

(8) Hall, J.A., Jewell, D.E., & Wander, R.C. (2001). Effects of dietary n-6 and n-3 fatty acids and vitamin E on the immune response of healthy geriatric dogs. American Journal of Veterinary Research, 62(7), 1020-1026. https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.2001.62.1020

(9) Ouhtit, A., Ismail, M.F., Othman, A., Fernando, A., Abdraboh, M.E., El-Kott, A.F., & Azab, Y.A. (2018). Chemoprevention of rat mammary carcinogenesis by spirulina. American Journal of Cancer Prevention, 6(1), 9-17. https://doi.org/10.12691/ajcp-6-1-3

(10) Krajka-Kuźniak, V., Szaefer, H., Ignatowicz, E., Adamska, T., & Baer-Dubowska, W. (2013). Beetroot juice protects against N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced liver injury in rats. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 58, 87-93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2013.04.006

(11) Ayerza, R., & Coates, W. (2004). Chia: Rediscovering a Forgotten Crop of the Aztecs. University of Arizona Press.

By providing your dog with antioxidant-rich ingredients through natural dog treats, you're taking an important step in supporting their overall health and well-being. Remember to always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog's diet to ensure the best possible outcome. Happy treating!