By
Alicia McWatters, PhD, CNC

Natural remedies are nature’s gifts. They can help our dogs in so many ways. For nearly every ailment or problem that a dog experiences, there is an herb, a vitamin, a mineral, a fatty acid, an enzyme, an antioxidant, a glandular, a flower essence, or a homeopathic remedy that can assist in the amelioration of the discomfort.

For those of you who are eager to learn more about these amazing natural substances, today I will tell you about several of the most useful antioxidants.

ANTIOXIDANTS

Beta Carotenes – There are more than 500 carotenes that have been identified so far. Nearly 50 of those carotenes are believed to be especially important to disease prevention and, of course, they are the precursors to vitamin A. Carotenes are generally thought to be safer than vitamin A (retinol or palmitate). Vitamin A can be dangerous when taken in high doses over long periods of time. Please be sure you have professional assistance prior to offering your dog vitamin A in the retinol and synthetic forms. Beta carotene is found in most orange, red, green, and yellow vegetables and fruits. For example: mangos, carrots, apricots, yams, sweet potatoes, spinach, collards, red peppers, cantaloupe, and papaya. Carotene is known to protect the eyes, skin, liver and lung tissue from damage and to boost the immune system.

Lycopene – This healing substance is another carotenoid that is believed to be an even more powerful antioxidant than beta carotene. Lycopene acts as an anticancer agent and is found in large quantities in tomatoes and red grapefruit. It is also available in the supplement form to add to food. For those dogs that have cancer, I recommend that this substance be used both from the food source and a lycopene supplement.

Proanthocyanidins (PCOs) – PCOs are derived from pine bark and grapeseed extracts. These substances are bioflavonoids, which have a high degree of antioxidant activity and may be helpful for conditions, such as allergies, arthritis, cardiovascular system problems, and stress reduction. Red grapes with seeds are the best source of PCOs for your dogs. A supplement containing PCOs can also be beneficial when indicated.

Quercetin – This is a bioflavonoid that is fast becoming one of the most popular natural substances for many health conditions, as it is a very strong antioxidant. Quercetin is especially helpful for allergies, cancers, arthritis, some viruses, and may delay the onset of cataracts and ameliorate diabetes. It is contained in grapes, Italian squash, garlic, onions, citrus rind, blue-green algae and so forth. These foods, plus quercetin in the supplement form may be added to the diet.

Silymarin – This bioflavonoid is extracted from the milk thistle plant and artichokes. It is often used to treat liver conditions and is known as the liver herb. Silymarin assists with liver detoxification and stimulates the growth of new cells. The only way that milk thistle can be useful to a patient with liver disease is to provide this herb in a standardized extract form. I do not recommend that this herb be given to your dog unless liver disease has been confirmed as it can cause unexpected damage to a healthy liver. Fresh artichoke may be served to your dogs or an artichoke extract supplement may be useful.

Lutein – This is a carotenoid that may have the potential to make a difference in the eyesight of dogs that have cataracts. Lutein is found in many fresh foods such as mustard greens, collard greens, kale, spinach, corn, and beet.

Curcumin – This potent antioxidant is derived from turmeric. It may be helpful for many types of cancers as well as liver and heart disease. It has also been used to successfully treat arthritic conditions. It can be offered to dogs in a powdered form mixed into their fresh foods.