Understanding free radicals can help you choose the right pet food and provide the best care for your pet. Free radicals are a by-product of energy production within the body. A pet'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, damage can happen.
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.
What are antioxidants?
Antioxidants are nutrients within food that help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Common antioxidants include vitamins A, C and E. An abundance of antioxidants are found in fruits and vegetables. The right combination of antioxidants in pet food can help make a difference in good health.
How antioxidants help.
The body's normal antioxidant defenses provide some protection against free radicals, but get this: each body cell usually gets hit about 10,000 a day! The addition of antioxidant rich food, including vitamins E and C, beta-carotene and selenium, provide support for your pet's natural defenses.
Tasty Tips
Most effective in combinations.
Combining specific levels of the key antioxidants vitamins E+C, selenium and beta-carotene help support the immune system and contribute to vitality, health and longevity.
How Hill's pet foods make a difference.
The unique combination of antioxidants in Hill's Superior Antioxidant Formula can significantly reduce cellular oxidation by free radicals.¹ Antioxidants within the formula work together to support overall health and provides for the whole body as your pet ages.
¹Jewell DE, Friesen, K., Larson, L., Sharp, T., and Schultz R. Journal of Animal Science 2003. (81 Suppl 1) 261.
Vitamin E
Helps neutralize free radicals that cause damage.
Vitamin C
Inactivates free radicals. Regenerates vitamin E, restoring its antioxidant activity.
Selenium
An essential component of beneficial antioxidant enzymes.
Beta-carotene
Scavenges free radicals and works together with vitamin E.
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Water
Water is the most important nutrient of all and essential for life. Animals can lose almost all their fat and half their protein and still survive, but if they lose 15% of their water, it will mean death.
Put your pet on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your pet on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.