Understanding free radicals can help you choose the right cat food and provide the best care for your pet. Free radicals are a by-product of energy production within the body. A dog or cat's body can normally handle free radicals, but if the amount of free radicals becomes excessive or if sufficient antioxidants are not available to help, these free radicals could have detrimental effects on your pet's health.

What are free radicals? Free radicals are highly reactive, oxygen-containing molecules that can damage cell membranes, enzymes and even DNA. Your pet's nervous and immune systems are especially vulnerable. Free radicals are now considered a factor in the progression of disease and premature aging in dogs and cats.

What are antioxidants? Antioxidants (like the name anti-oxident-) neutralize these reactive oxygen containing molecules. Antioxidants for your dogs and cats are nutrients within food that help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. They are key when it comes to keeping your pet healhty. Common antioxidants include vitamins C and E. An abundance of antioxidants of different types are found in colorful fruits and vegetables. The right combination of antioxidants in cat or dog food can help make a difference in health.

How antioxidants help. The body's normal antioxidant defenses provide some protection against free radicals Dog and cat food rich in antioxidants, including vitamins E and C, beta-carotene and selenium, provide support for your dog or cat's natural defenses.