Feeding your dog every day is a routine task, but are you incorporating disease-fighting antioxidants for their optimal health? While most pet owners provide supplements such as probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and turmeric, there are other essential antioxidants that may not be on your radar. Discover the top 5 antioxidants for dogs and understand their importance in your dog’s diet.
First, let’s delve into what antioxidants are and their significance for dogs. Antioxidants are crucial as they slow down the aging process and enhance the immune system by combating free radical damage. When you feed antioxidants to your dog, you are helping to fight this damage.
Colostrum for Dogs: It contains immunoglobulins that destroy bacteria and fight viruses, promoting wound healing and aiding in the treatment of skin conditions, ear infections, and abscesses. The recommended dose is 1/16 tsp powdered colostrum per 25 lbs body weight twice daily, best given on an empty stomach or mixed with yogurt or broth. Use it daily for one month and then as needed. For topical use, mix with distilled water to make a paste and apply to the infected area.
Green Lipped Mussels: Originating from New Zealand waters, green lipped mussels are rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, amino acids, and enzymes. They are a natural source of glycosaminoglycans (GAGS), which are the main components of cartilage and synovial fluid in joints. Research has shown they can relieve discomfort and inflammation in dogs suffering from arthritis. The dose for dogs is about 15 mg of powder per lb of body weight per day, with the option to double the dose for severe inflammation for the first two weeks. Cold extracted green lipped mussel powder is recommended to preserve nutrients. Eggshell Membrane: A part of the egg that has shown dramatic results in improving joint health for both humans and dogs. It contains natural joint-supporting compounds such as glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin, and collagen. A study showed that the natural eggshell membrane significantly reduced joint pain in dogs. The dose is 6 mg per lb daily of the NEM brand eggshell membrane. Green Tea: Known for its antioxidant health benefits for humans, green tea can also benefit dogs, provided it is decaffeinated. It contains a wide range of vitamins and minerals, making it a valuable addition to a dog’s health regimen.Green tea is known for its antioxidant polyphenols called catechins, which provide medicinal benefits. These benefits include:
– Anti-inflammatory and immune support: Green tea’s antioxidant properties support the immune system, reduce inflammation, and support the liver and heart.
– Brain health: Green tea contains L-theanine, which crosses the blood-brain barrier and can improve and protect brain function.
– Anti-cancer: Several studies have shown green tea to be helpful in preventing various types of cancer in humans by killing cancer cells.
According to veterinarians Steve Marsden, DVM ND MSOM LAc DiplCH AHG, Shawn Messonnier, DVM, and Cheryl Yuill, DVM, MSc, CVH, both green and black teas are safe for dogs with low risk of side effects. However, caution is advised. A 2009 study ended after Beagles were fasted and given large doses of green tea extract in capsule form, resulting in the dogs’ death. A later study without fasting did not produce such harmful results, suggesting that fasting was a factor in the first study.
To ensure safety, avoid giving your dog green tea in capsule form and instead, make a tea and give it with food. Here’s how to prepare it:
– Make your own organic decaffeinated green tea: Use 1 tea bag or 1 Tbsp of loose tea per 4 cups of water.
– Steep for about 15 minutes and remove the tea bag or strain the tea.
– Cool and give 1/8 cup per 20 lbs body weight up to twice daily with your dog’s meals.
– Keep refrigerated for 2 to 3 days. If the tea turns cloudy, discard it and make a new brew.
Caution: Tea naturally contains fluoride. Studies have linked fluoride consumption to health issues. Check the fluoride content before purchasing tea. To minimize fluoride in your (and your dog’s) tea, brew it with water that’s been filtered to remove fluoride. Reverse osmosis filters can effectively remove fluoride, unlike Brita filters.
Incorporating these powerful antioxidant supplements into your dog’s diet, even in rotation, can help keep your dog active and vigorous.
Vet Med (Auckl). 2016;7:113-121
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