By Larry Pruden 

December 14th 2021

Expected Read Time: 15 Minutes

What are antioxidants?

Antioxidants are compounds that help to inhibit or reduce damage caused by oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can come as a result of an imbalance between antioxidants and uncontrolled molecules known as free radicals. Free radicals can cause cellular damage and chronic inflammation in the body. The imbalance has been shown to accelerate the aging process and have an increased risk of having certain cancers and other health conditions. (2)

In other words, you can improve your dog’s health and reduce the risk of certain cancers and other chronic health concerns, by feeding your dog foods that are rich in antioxidants. 

Blueberries have one of the highest antioxidant capacities of all popular fruits and vegetables (3). Blueberries have been shown to help improve cognitive health, and can help reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's (5).

A study done on dogs shows supplementing with blueberries can help reduce oxidative damage caused by free radicals (4).

Blueberries are high in the antioxidants anthocyanins, which is a special antioxidant that can cross the blood-brain barrier.

Kale is one of the most nutritious greens on the planet. It’s rich in vitamin A, E, K, and C and iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. It also contains an amazing amount of antioxidants including beta-carotene, quercetin and kaempferol. 

Beta-carotene helps to improve eye health, skin health, cognitive health, and can help against the development of certain cancers such as pancreatic cancer (6).

Quercetin is known for its ability to help fight allergies (7).

Kaempferol also has its own benefits such as : 
- Helps to reduce inflammation (8) 
- Improve heart health (9) 
- Helps to protect the brain (10) 

Beets, also known as beetroot, contain a great source of fiber, potassium, iron, folate, and antioxidants. Beets are particularly rich in the antioxidant called betalains.

Betalains can help prevent colon cancer (11), support the body’s natural detoxification processes and protect cells from toxins (12).

Carrots contain a good source of beta carotene, fiber, vitamin K1, potassium, and antioxidants.

Beta carotene converts into vitamin A which promotes eye health, growth and development (13).

Carrots are specifically high in carotenoids, which are powerful antioxidants that have been shown to improve the immune system and reduce the risk of many illnesses, including heart disease, various degenerative ailments, and certain types of cancer (14).

Purple cabbage is an incredibly nutrient-dense food. It is rich in vitamins C, K, and A, and has a high antioxidant content. Red cabbage contains 4 times more antioxidants found in regular cabbage (15).

Red cabbage also contains anthocyanins, which is beneficial for cognitive health, helping to reduce inflammation, and reducing the risk of heart disease.

Antioxidants play an important role in health. They’re responsible for helping to inhibit or reduce damage caused by oxidative stress.

Antioxidants can help reduce the risk of certain types of cancers and chronic diseases as well as slow down the aging process. Antioxidants can improve eye, skin, heart, cognitive health and so much more. 

If you want to raise a healthy dog and increase longevity, you need to start adding antioxidant-rich foods to your dog’s diet TODAY.