E Vitamin Functions

Of all E Vitamin functions, the vitamin E antioxidant function is one of the most important.

The vitamin helps stabilize the molecular structure of different cells and makes them stronger so that they can withstand destructive oxidation processes.

In many instances the E vitamin functions to repair damage that may have occurred from environmental free radicals. We are familiar with Vitamin E use in human diets, but it also plays a vital role in pet food products.

Did you realize that many of the most damaging dog health conditions for our dogs are linked to dog food ingredients?

Many people see this as a true fact, and not merely an exaggerated claim.

Vitamin E effects in Dog Food

Oxidation of the fat molecules in many dog foods is a common problem.

Fat is easily spoiled when it comes in contact with air over a period of time. As the oxidation of fat occurs the nutritional benefits are severely decreased and the food becomes unappetizing to our pets.

What is even lesser known to many people is the fact that this process can make dog food products totally unsafe for consumption by animals.

Using the E Vitamin functions relating to anti-oxidation will help prevent such problems from occurring.

Dog food formulas almost always include some fairly high amounts of fats. In order to maintain the integrity of these essential nutrients some type of preservation must be used.

Canned foods are protected from air induced oxidation, but bagged dog food products do not have this luxury.

It becomes a "Catch 22" situation; the food must be preserved, but which preservatives will create the least problems for the animals consuming these products?

Undoubtedly this is a chance for E Vitamin functions to be highlighted.

Combinations of Vitamin E, Vitamin C and Selenium provide a powerful blending of natural ingredients that can fight the oxidation caused by free radicals.

BHT, BHA and Ethoxyquin

Among the list of artificial preservative ingredients are BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), BHA( butylated hydroxyanisole) and ethoxyquin.

Of these chemical formulas it is the ethoxyquin that has created the most worry. Some scientific studies have shown that this ingredient does elevate certain liver enzymes.

But, only if ingested in large amounts.

In normal concentrations the clinical significance is extremely low and regarded as having very low risk for your dogs health.

These studies were conducted by Monsanto, which just happens to be a leading manufacturer of Ethoxyquin. Although the company purports their findings to be of little importance, the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine has still requested the amount of Ethoxyquin be reduced in pet foods by at least 50%.

Vitamin E Effects and Dog Health

The good news is that there are some natural preservatives available that can be used in dry dog food to help prevent oxidation damage including Tocopherol and Ascorbic acid. Tocopherol is a form of Vitamin E and Ascorbic Acid is also known as Vitamin C.

The natural antioxidant properties of E Vitamin functions can provide safe preservative actions for many dog foods.

Although these may be healthier for pets to eat, dry dog food can not be protected from oxidation for as long a period of time as it can with the use of artificial preservatives.

Selenium Vitamin E

You do have a viable alternative to purchasing dry dog foods containing BHT, BHA or ethoxyquin. You can choose to purchase some of the brands that are listed as preservative free or all natural.

However, you will need to be cautious about the products you are selecting. Since there are no strict interpretations regarding the use of such terms, the dog food may still contain some levels of artificial colors, food dyes or preservatives.

You must closely inspect the label to find out if any undesirable ingredients are included. Be sure that the pet food is utilizing E Vitamin functions as part of its preservation formula.

Dry dog food with low levels of artificial preservative products should not pose a high risk to most dogs.

On the other hand you can "feel bad about it" - and i find this enough as a reason for you to bying dog food without artificial preservation.

You can find a number of both dry and canned dog foods now available that use only natural preservatives such as Vitamin C and selenium Vitamin E .

When you purchase these types of products you need to make sure that they are consumed by your pet within 6 months of the original manufacturing date.

This will ensure that you are using dog food that contains Vitamin E functions that are operating at peak efficiency.

More Vitamin E relevent pages

What does vitamin E do?
Vitamin E benefits
Vitamin E foods
How is vitamin E used

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