How Antioxidants Protect Your Pet Against Free Radicals

As a loving pet owner, you’re likely already aware of the basics of pet nutrition—protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. But are you aware of the important role of antioxidants in your pet’s diet? Like humans, our four-legged companions are exposed to free radicals—unstable molecules that can cause cellular damage and contribute to aging and diseases. In this post, we explore what free radicals are and how feeding quality pet food can help protect against the damage they can cause.

What are free radicals?

Free radicals are atoms, molecules, or ions with unpaired electrons. They are the leftover byproduct of energy production in the body and can have beneficial and harmful effects on biological processes. Free radicals become a problem for our pets when they become excessive, which can result in the progression of diseases and premature aging.

How can I protect my pet against the harm caused by free radicals?

Foods high in fat and low in antioxidants can result in an overproduction of free radicals in our pet’s bodies. Store-bought foods that use synthetic preservatives to stabilize “shelf life” can also contain free radicals.

All TLC Pet Food formulas are naturally preserved and packed with important antioxidants. Antioxidants not only help to boost our pet’s immune systems, but they also help to neutralize free radicals, preventing the harmful effects too many free radicals can cause. All TLC Pet Food is made fresh and delivered right to your door, reducing the risk of oxidation (which contributes to the development of free radicals).

All TLC Pet Food formulas include:

Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a necessary antioxidant promoting heart and immune system health.

Vitamin E: Vitamin E helps to maintain a healthy immune system. As pets age, antioxidants like Vitamin E can help reverse the age-related decrease in immune responses.

Carrots: Carrots offer cardiovascular and antioxidant health benefits from their high source of beta-carotene.

Tomatoes: Tomatoes increase blood circulation, act as an antioxidant, and are a natural source of Vitamin K.

Rosemary extract: Rosemary is a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which are thought to help boost the immune system and improve blood circulation.