What Foods Can Cats & Dogs Safely Consume?
Antioxidants are like the body's guardians, neutralizing the harmful effects of free radicals and helping to shield the heart, brain, and other vital organs from oxidative stress. While free radicals may be attacking, antioxidants stand guard to protect our health and wellbeing.
Antioxidants play a crucial role in longevity, with high levels often found in individuals who live long, healthy lives. Studies on elderly dogs have shown that diets rich in antioxidants can significantly slow down the aging process in the brain. In a sevenyear study involving 90 cats aged between 7 and 17, those fed a diet high in antioxidants experienced improved weight, leaner muscles; thicker skin and better red blood cell quality; reduced incidence of diseases; an overall better quality of life; and, notably, a significant extension of their lifespan. The same is true for dogs; the more free radicals produced, the more antioxidants the body needs to counteract them.
Obtaining Antioxidants from Fresh Foods:
Antioxidants are naturally present in the vitamins found in fresh foods, and our beloved pets can absorb these antioxidants more efficiently from living sources.
Here are some beneficial components and their sources:
Vitamin A and carotenoids, found in liver and vibrant fruits and vegetables like apricots, broccoli, melons, carrots, peaches, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes. Vitamin C, abundant in citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli, and leafy greens. Vitamin E, present in nuts and seeds. Selenium, found in nuts, fish, chicken, beef, and eggs, all rich in protein.
Plant compounds also offer antioxidant properties, including flavonoids/polyphenols in berries, lycopene in tomatoes and watermelons, lutein in dark green vegetables like spinach, broccoli, and kale, and lignans in seedbased foods.
Additionally, there are other antioxidants to consider: Coenzyme Q10, astaxanthin, and more.
Should convenience and balance dictate that you cannot replace your pet's current dry kibble, at the very least, you can offer some fresh ingredients to help supplement their antioxidant intake.
