You’ve probably heard or seen the word antioxidant floating around and it definitely sounds like a beneficial feature of your dog’s food, treats, etc., but what actually is an antioxidant? Well let’s start from the beginning.
Understanding antioxidants
To better understand what antioxidation is, you need to know what oxidation is. It is the natural process of when oxygen molecules split into single atoms that have unpaired electrons – these then become unstable free radicals that seek other stable atoms or molecules to bond to. This activity damages the stable cell, making it a free radical itself. If this continues to happen, it begins a process called oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can damage your dog's cells, leading to a range of diseases and causes symptoms of aging.
Antioxidants are molecules that snatch up toxic free radicals floating around in your dog’s body before they can harm healthy cells and tissue, thereby reducing oxidative stress and DNA damage.
Where are antioxidants found?
Well known examples of antioxidants include vitamins E and C, beta-carotene, selenium, and zinc. It's recommended to eat a wide variety of fruits and veggies because these “superfoods” are full of the disease-fighting antioxidants.
Here are a few foods that are rich in antioxidants:
- Beans: Red kidney, Pinto and Black beans(dried)
- Berries: Small red beans (or Mexican red bean-dried), Cranberries, Blueberries, Raspberries, Strawberries
- Prunes
- Apples: Red delicious, Gala and Granny Smith
- Pecans
- Plums and Black plums
- Russet potatoes (cooked)
- Cabbage
- Broccoli
- Barley grasses
CBD as an Antioxidant
Can you guess another example of a great anti-oxidant for your dog? Studies have shown CBD as a strong antioxidant and neuroprotectant. Antioxidants can help with:
- Heart disease
- Arthritis
- Allergies
- Skin conditions
- Aging
- Cognitive function
- Cancer
- Teeth and gum disease
Antioxidants provide huge health and longevity benefits for your dog.
Your dog can have a better quality of life and potentially live longer. It’s easy to squeeze in a few fruits and veggies, but if you want a more consistent quantity of antioxidants for your dog, look into giving a daily dose of CBD for your pup.