Antioxidants for Hunting Dogs

Posted on September 24, 2004 by Martin Coffman, DVM 

Throughout the world of nutritional research, antioxidants are a hot topic. The reason is simple: dietary supplementation of antioxidants can have benefits. Hunting and field trial dogs are no exception. Research has documented the benefit of supplemental antioxidants in performance dogs. In that research, athletic dogs with high blood levels of vitamin E were found more likely to complete their competitive event. However, supplementation with extremely high levels of antioxidants was not recommended because high levels of fat-soluble vitamins like E can have negative effects. For maximum benefits of Vitamin E supplementation, a moderate level, e.g. 200-400 IU's per day was recommended as the most appropriate choice for hard working dogs.

This research has encouraged the addition of an "antioxidant package" in dog foods designed for hunting and field trial dogs. The benefits of the addition of antioxidants like B-carotene, lutein, and vitamin E for hunting dogs are numerous. For example, antioxidants help prevent widespread cellular destruction by "free radicals". As cells function normally in the body, they produce damaged molecules---each missing a single electron. This missing electron causes the molecule to become highly unstable. In order to stabilize these free radicals, electrons are stolen from nearby cellular molecules like fat and protein or even DNA.

Multiple free radicals can be formed in a chain-reaction that can lead to damage of entire cells. This process, called "peroxidation", while designed to help the body get rid of germs, parasites, and worn-out cells, can also destroy healthy cells if it becomes disproportionate. Antioxidants help prevent this widespread cellular damage because they willingly donate electrons to the free radicals thereby protecting normal cells.

It is important to supply the hunting dog with enough antioxidants to hold this peroxidation in check. If the process becomes excessive, the immune cells can be damaged and the dog may be more susceptible to infection. Outdoor dogs are exposed to many disease-causing bacteria and viruses, so a healthy immune system is crucial.

Antioxidants also support the immune system of puppies. The challenge of vaccinations and disease-causing agents can be overwhelming for the developing immune system in young puppies. With the addition of antioxidants, a high-quality puppy diet can aid in the development of a strong immune system, which can help maintain good health and protect against viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Data from a research study show an increased response to vaccination in puppies fed diets with added antioxidants. Puppies fed the diet with additional antioxidants had over twice the vaccination titer of puppies fed the diet without antioxidants added. Research conducted in adult dogs documented an enhanced immune response also. As hunting dogs age, their immune response capabilities may decline. Recent research documented that including antioxidants in the diet can reverse the age-related decrease in immune cell function in senior dogs. It was interesting to note in this research, again, that excessive supplementation was not beneficial. A level of 250 IU vitamin E/kg enhanced the immune cell response while adding 500 IU/kg did not achieve this benefit.

The important points to remember about antioxidants for hunting and field trial dogs are:

• Antioxidants are important, naturally occurring nutrients that help maintain health by neutralizing the effects of free radicals

• Antioxidants may also be important for improving the immune response and vaccine recognition in young puppies

• Senior hunting dogs benefit from antioxidants because these nutrients can reverse the age-related decline in immune response. But, more is not always better when supplementing antioxidants.

• Supplementation by capsule can be useful but dog foods that have an "antioxidant package" added to maximize the beneficial role of these important nutrients for your hunting or field trial dog in a convenient manner.

Suggested Reading
1. Reinhart GA, Hayek MG, et al. The beneficial role of antioxidants in canine athletes, Internat Canine Sprts Med Symposium, Jan 2000, Orlando FL.

2. Hayek MG. Dietary vitamin E improves immune function in cats. In: Reinhart GA, Carey DP, eds. Recent Advances in Canine and Feline Nutrition, Vol III: 2000 Iams Nutrition Symposium Proceedings. Wilmington OH: Orange Frazer Press, 2000; 555-564.

3. Chew BP, Park JS, Kim HW, Wong TS, Cerveny C, Park HJ, Baskin CR, Hinchcliff KW, Swenson RA, Reinhart GA, Burr JR, Hayek MG. Effects of Heavy Exercise and the Role of Dietary Antioxidants on Immune Response in Alaskan Sled Dogs in Reinhart GA, Carey DP eds. Recent Advances in Canine And Feline Nutrition, Vol. III, 2000 Iams Nutrition Symposium Proceedings. Wilmington OH: Orange Frazer Press 2000; 531-540.

Dr. Coffman is the current President of the American Canine Sports Medicine Association, a group of veterinarians and other scientists with a special interest in athletic dogs. He is a Senior Scientist with the Iams Company's Research Division