Free radicals cause hastening of aging process and eventual death. Free radicals damage our cells, our major organs and joints until the body literally is worn down and dies. Its a physiological phenomena that occurs in all living beings. Many research studies exist that link free radicals to cancer, arthritis, hepatitis, diabetes, cardiac disease, immune system disorders, liver failure, kidney failure, allergies, asthma, varicose veins, circulatory problems and stress.

We cannot stop the damage that free radicals do to our pets bodies, but we can slow down the speed with which it progresses. By implementing a few inexpensive, not very time consuming, easy changes, you can make noticeable health improvements in your pet.

Antioxidants are substances that inhibit oxidation and scavenge free radicals. The body produces its own antioxidants to control the formation of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules. They are unstable because of an unpaired electron. Its nature is to be paired. In their search to become stable oxygen molecules again, these free radicals cause cellular breakdown and cellular mutation. The body is set up to handle the "normal" production of free radicals by producing its own antioxidants like CoEnzyme Q10 and l-cysteine. The natural antioxidants produced by the body function to control the free radicals that are formed in the body. An excess of free radicals leads to illness and degenerative conditions because the body cannot keep them under control.

Although we know the importance of antioxidants in keeping a well functioning body going, there is much to still find out. I personally recommend the use of anti-oxidant supplementation for dogs and cats. It can only help your pet be healthier. Articles abound on the role of antioxidants in preventing disease and slowing the aging process. Many of my holistic colleagues agree that antioxidants are beneficial to your pets health.

Free radicals are produced naturally in the body in the process of metabolizing nutrients. We unfortunately have in our world today all of those additional environmental elements that contribute to the formation of free radicals. Free radicals form when the body is exposed to environmental pollution like smog, car exhaust, radioactivity, rancid oil, spray cans, cleaning products, deodorant sprays, herbicides, overexposure to the sun, fuels, cigarette smoke, and pesticides; not to mention free radical sources that we unconsciously give our pets and ourselves everyday. Chlorinated water is a source of free radicals. I do not recommend giving tap water to your pets. Ideally, a water filtration system capable of removing chlorine, lead, nitrates, cryptosporidium, giardia, E. coli, salmonella and cholera as a minimum requirement is necessary. Many systems are available so inquire about the kind and type of filter utilized and what substances it specifically removes.

Food additives and preservatives permeate our food sources. I looked in the pet food aisle of a chain supermarket recently. Dog and cat food took up the entire length of the aisle on one side and all the shelves. Not a single brand of dog or cat, dry or wet, light, maintenance, senior blend, kitten or puppy chow, more active or less active, brands was preservative free. This does not give the consumer much in the way of healthy offerings to our pets. Even the most good hearted owner can be fooled. Pet food labels can be very deceiving. Avoid preservatives such as BHT, BHA and ethoxyquin and by-products at all costs.

Dietary sources of antioxidants include broccoli, peppers, zucchini, nuts, seeds, barley grass, string beans, peas, wheat grass, potatoes, yams, mustard greens, broccoli rabe, honeydew, cantaloupe, parsley, mackerel, and salmon. Raw fruits and vegetables are best. Some animals find them more palatable if steamed or boiled slightly. Cats often prefer vegetables that are diced or sliced very thin or mashed. Some prefer their food pureed. Dogs are more apt to eat a piece of raw carrot or potato, cats to taste a piece of salmon or cantaloupe.

I do recommend antioxidant supplementation for pets of all ages.

A prime antioxidant formula will contain barley, alfalfa sprouts, spirulina, kelp, vitamin B12, amino acids, enzymes, vitamins and minerals. It is best that products do not contain starch, sugar, gluten, colorings or preservatives.