Antioxidants for Dogs Eyes – Holistic Support For Healthy Vision
Before identifying the proactive steps you can take through their diet by including antioxidants for your dog’s eye health it helps to understand the most common issues your dog is likely to have with their eyes.
Identifying Common Canine Eye Ailments
Dogs are susceptible to various eye conditions, with cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy standing out as the most frequent concerns [1]. Proactive measures are crucial for prevention, often offering better outcomes than treatments following the onset of disease.
The Protective Power of Nutrition
A robust nutritional plan is the first line of defence in protecting against vision impairment in dogs. The detrimental duo of inflammation and oxidation is implicated in most canine eye conditions, emphasising the importance of an antioxidant-rich diet.
Antioxidants: Vital Warriors Against Ocular Degeneration
To shield your dog’s eyes from oxidative stress, a diet abundant in antioxidants is vital. These substances combat free radicals that inflict oxidative damage, with low dietary antioxidant levels being linked to a heightened risk of cataracts and macular degeneration, and possibly influencing glaucoma incidence [2]. Adequate antioxidant intake is protective against these age-related eye diseases.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin: The Dynamic Duo
Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids that specifically support the macula—a crucial component of the retina involved in high-resolution vision. They possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, filtering out harmful light spectrums. High dietary levels of these carotenoids are associated with a decreased risk of cataracts and macular degeneration, and they may also slow the progression of these diseases [3,4].
Vitamins for Vision
The carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin stand out in the prevention and risk reduction of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other eye diseases [1,2,3,4]. Vitamins A, C, and E also contribute significantly, with vitamin A being essential in retinal health. In particular, vitamin A is crucial for the function of retinal pigment epithelial cells, while vitamins C and E are known for their roles as antioxidants [5].
Dietary Sources for Ocular Nutrients
To increase intake of lutein and zeaxanthin, dogs should consume leafy greens such as spinach and kale, along with other vegetables like parsley, peas, lettuce, carrots, potatoes, and broccoli. Fruits such as oranges and nutrient-packed items like baobab, fava beans, and egg yolks are also beneficial.
Inflammation Reduction and Vision
An anti-inflammatory diet also plays a pivotal role in vision health. Omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA and DHA, not only have anti-inflammatory effects but also maintain cellular membrane integrity and protect against retinal oxidative damage. High levels of Omega-3 intake are shown to reduce the risk of macular degeneration and could slow its progression [6]. These fatty acids are also associated with the potential reduction of dry eye syndrome [7].
Omega-3 Rich Foods
Incorporating Omega-3 fatty acids into your dog’s diet can be done through the inclusion of seaweed and oily fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines, which are particularly rich in EPA and DHA.
Bonza’s Nutrient-Dense Canine Diet
Bonza provides a plant-based canine food formula that integrates anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich ingredients. It’s a dense source of lutein and zeaxanthin, as well as vitamins A, C, and E, and Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. The inclusion of PhytoPlus®, Bonza’s proprietary phytonutrient blend, ensures a diet designed to combat oxidative stress and inflammation, supporting your dog’s eye health optimally.
Bonza is amongst the best, if not the best, antioxidant dog food available today. With a variety, and breadth, of proven antioxidant ingredients that will contribute to your dog’s best nose to tail health.
