Sources Of Antioxidants For Cats
Through food, different sources of antioxidants can be obtained, both for cats and dogs. Specifically, antioxidants are beneficial and play a very important role in protecting the body from living things.
These compounds slow down the destructive oxidative process of cellular molecules. For this and other reasons, they are essential to support immune responses in domestic felines. Do you know what antioxidants are for cats? Here we show you.
What are antioxidants for cats?
Antioxidants, in general, are nutrients that are found in food and protect the body against free radicals. Free radicals cause cell damage, but antioxidants fight their negative effect.
Therefore, antioxidants are beneficial for cats, as they play an important role in reducing cell damage. Additionally, they have been shown to maintain a healthy immune system in cats.
Aging negatively influences the immune response of living beings. For this reason, it is advisable to provide antioxidants in the diet of elderly animals, as this strengthens their immune system.
How do antioxidants help?
During the normal functioning of the body’s cells, harmful molecules are produced. These molecules are the cause of damage in the body and are the free radicals named above.
Free radicals are very unstable molecules that also use components necessary for other molecules. Among the components that can modify free radicals are fats, proteins or DNA.
However, the body has a series of molecules that fight free radicals. These are the so-called antioxidants, which prevent widespread destruction by stabilizing these harmful molecules.
For this reason, its potential in the treatment of skin problems or allergies in cats has been demonstrated. They are also useful in cardiovascular and respiratory problems or in disorders of the immune system.
Examples of antioxidants
The best known antioxidants are those mentioned below:
- Vitamin E : neutralizes free radicals, which are responsible for causing cell damage.
- Selenium : essential component used by antioxidant enzymes that are beneficial.
- Vitamin C : inactivates free radicals. It also regenerates vitamin E levels, restoring its antioxidant activity.
- Carotenoids : include compounds such as lutein or beta-carotene. In addition, they work together with vitamin E, looking for free radicals to neutralize.
Sources of antioxidants for cats
Antioxidants are nutrients that are naturally present in the body and in some plants such as fruits or vegetables . Thus, a suitable food is one of the best sources of antioxidants for cats. Specifically, depending on the type of food, a series of antioxidants or others may be ingested.
Krill
This small marine inhabitant is a crustacean found in all the world’s oceans. They are microorganisms that make up the fundamental link in the trophic chain of ocean ecosystems.
Krill contains one of the most powerful antioxidants, astaxanthin. Different studies have shown that astaxanthin strengthens the immune system, counteracting the effects of conditions such as diabetes.
Fish
Fish is a great source of antioxidants, such as vitamin E and selenium. Cats are recommended to consume a small amount of fish twice a week.
Salmon, mackerel or herring are examples of fish rich in vitamin E. On the other hand, salmon also contains the mineral selenium and the amino acid taurine, essential antioxidants for cats.
Fruits and vegetables
Both fruits and vegetables are sources of a wide variety of antioxidants. Among the most common antioxidants are vitamin C in citrus fruits, broccoli, or green vegetables. Also, carrots or tomatoes are examples of sources of vitamin A and carotenoids.
Lean and grass-fed meat and poultry
Both poultry and other types of meat are indisputable sources of selenium. If, in addition, the cattle have been fed with grass, their meats will contribute different carotenoids.
Seaweed mix
Seaweed contains a large amount of nutrients and antioxidants that are beneficial to animals. They provide antioxidants such as vitamins A, C and E, as well as different minerals (selenium, copper or zinc).
In addition, it is advisable to include a mixture of species of seaweed in the cat’s diet. In this way, the animal will ingest a greater variety of antioxidants.
Where can I get antioxidants?
The market offers a wide variety of products for pets. If you want to follow a diet rich in antioxidants, you can find feed or wet food that includes them.
On the other hand, if you prefer to follow an adapted and individualized diet, it is advisable to consult an expert. Only he can inform us about what foods are suitable for the animal, taking into account details such as its health.
In conclusion, it is advised that the diet includes several antioxidants in moderate amounts. In this way, better results are obtained than if high doses of a single type are administered continuously over time.
Therefore, antioxidants are beneficial and necessary in a cat’s usual diet. However, before modifying its diet it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.
