Antioxidant Vitamins Can Help To Protect Your Dog

Did you know the need to breath oxygen creates products that can also damage cells? These same destructive molecules are necessary when the immune system fights infection or when the body detoxifies harmful chemicals in the liver. These molecules are called "free radicals" or "reactive oxygen species" (ROS). In addition to causing cell damage and death, it is also thought that free radicals contribute to cancer, diabetes, senile deafness dementia and aging in dogs. Because free radicals are necessary the body has developed ways to minimize their damage. Antioxidant vitamins are one means to control free radical side effects.

Vitamin C and E

Vitamins C and E protect cells from damage and death caused by free radicals by protecting the fats in cell walls. They minimize the ability of free radicals to alter DNA and prevent cell cycle changes that are thought to lead to cancer. Chronic inflammatory conditions like skin allergies, arthritis, and certain bowel and kidney diseases produce large amount of free radicals. Alzheimer's disease in humans and senile deafness and dementia in dogs are also thought to be the result of chronic inflammation in the brain. Vitamin C and E are often recommended for the treatment of inflammatory conditions to minimize free radical damage.

Dogs can actually make vitamin C in their bodies during sugar metabolism. Whether this natural amount is adequate to control free radical damage is unknown. Natural production capabilities might also vary from dog to dog. Most dog foods have minimal amounts of vitamin E and few contain any vitamin C.

Naturally Occurring C and E

Citrus fruits, peppers, kale and tomatoes are all known to have large to small amounts of vitamin C. The seed oils of wheat germ, sunflowers and safflowers are the highest source of vitamin E. Nuts and nut oils contain moderate amounts while some leafy green vegetables contain small amounts of vitamin E. However, the amount of vitamin C and E in these natural sources is still insufficient unless the dog is willing to eat large amounts of these foods. With seed oils, that would substantially increase the fat calories of the diet.

Vitamin Supplements

Vitamin supplements provide greater amounts of vitamins C and E. Many fish oils also contain large amounts of vitamin E. Vitamin C and E are not known to be toxic in the dog, but they should be used carefully.

Vitamin C is converted to oxalate that is filtered from the kidneys into the urine. This urinary oxalate can promote the formation of crystals and stones in the kidneys and bladder. Many dogs are predisposed to this medical problem and excessive vitamin C supplementation could make the condition worse for these animals. Extreme doses of vitamin E interfere with the intestinal absorption of the essential vitamins, A, D and K.

Antioxidant Fortified Dog Food

The ideal choice is dog food that includes vitamins C and E. Although many commercial dog food makers are beginning to fortify their diets with these vitamins, the offerings are limited and expensive. C and E can be easily added to homemade dog food to create a healthier dog food alternative. Dog owners should look for homemade recipes that include healthy amounts of vitamin C and E.