Dog Foods for Brain Health: Throughout All Life Stages
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View 2 More +Whether you have a young puppy just beginning its journey or a senior dog that is starting to slow down, it’s essential to find food that does more than just fill its tummy.
Sometimes we can only focus on the proper nutrients to give our dog a strong body and healthy coat, which of course, is super important! But we sometimes forget about ensuring that our dog has a diet that will benefit the health of its brain.
A Decrease in Brain Function
Before we begin, we’re going to address the decrease in your senior dog’s brain functions, particularly with memory issues. A real concern is a disease similar to dementia, known as canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD).
Dogs with CCD show brain inflammation and abnormal deposits of amyloid, a protein, in the brain. Dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier, a protective membrane, could also play a role in CCD, in the same way it does for Alzheimer’s.
Oxidation
The brain undergoes many metabolic processes that use oxygen and produce free radicals. The free radicals can then damage the proteins, cells, and DNA through oxidation.
Certain natural compounds called antioxidants can neutralize these free radicals, preventing the damage they do to the brain and maintaining a healthy balance. Antioxidants provide the best nutrients that help decrease the free radicals and oxidation reactions in the brain tissues (hence, antioxidants), which supports healthy brain function.
Oxidative stress occurs when the free radicals outnumber the antioxidant ability of the body. Interestingly, oxidative stress is induced in times of stress and anxiety.
The Brain Food for All Life Stages
The following are foods and supplements that are all great for your dog’s brain health because they are full of nutrients and are safe for your dog to eat. Dogs of all life stages will benefit from them.
Brain Foods for Dogs
Proper nutrition for puppies and young dogs is vital since it will support their growing bodies, and of course, their brain health. It can also set them up for protection against conditions as they grow older.
In order to support dogs in the prime of their life, they do need antioxidants on a daily basis. It will ensure their body and brain health is kept at an optimum level.
Geriatric dogs will truly benefit from antioxidants and other nutrients. It can improve their brain function despite the onset of CCD. They need an extra boost for their immune systems as well as to help maintain brain health, and these foods should help.
Antioxidants
These important nutrients function as antioxidants and support healthy brain function.
Other Nutrients
Most high-quality dog food should have these nutrients, but if you’re considering adding any extra as a supplement, be sure to speak to a vet first to ensure it’s right for your dog.
Food Sources
Antioxidants occur naturally in a variety of plants, but of course, there are a number of fruit and vegetables that aren’t good for dogs. So, you need to find food full of antioxidants that are also compatible with a dog’s diet.
Consult with a veterinarian before you start adding new food to your dog’s daily meals. Additionally, when adding new food to your dog’s diet, be sure to do so very slowly.
Here is a short list of nutrient-dense foods that are jam-packed with antioxidants and are also safe for your pup to enjoy:
You could also consider purchasing commercial food with brain-supporting nutrition for an adult or senior dog. Hill's Prescription Diet b/d Brain Aging contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Neurocare Dry Dog Food antioxidants, MCTs, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Again, speak to a vet before changing your dog’s meals and adding any new food.
Other Ways to Exercise Your Dog’s Brain
Other than feeding your dog or adding supplements that are rich in antioxidants, there are other methods you can use to improve your dog’s brain health.
So, how do you keep your dog out of your flower gardens?
Just be sure to keep to a routine as this can make your dog feel more confident and comfortable.
Conclusion
Proper nutrition combined with physical and mental exercises should help your dog keep their cognitive functions healthier for longer and benefit their health in many ways. Antioxidants are clearly essential for brain health and can be included in quality dog foods and supplemented as treats in the diet. Speak to a vet about adding new foods and supplements to your dog’s diet.
We all really want to spend as much time as possible with our dogs, and we certainly want them to have sharp minds for their entire lives. We hope these suggestions will help you both enjoy your time together from puppy to the golden years.
Other Dog Reads:
Sources
Featured Image Credit: Karsten Winegeart, Unsplash
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Kathryn was a librarian in a previous lifetime and is currently a writer about all things pets. When she was a kid, she hoped to work in a zoo or with wildlife in some way, thanks to her love for animals. Unfortunately, she's not strong in the sciences, so she fills her days with researching and writing about all kinds of animals and spends time playing with her adorable but terribly naughty tabby cat, Bella. Kathryn is hoping to add to her family in the near future – maybe another cat or two and a dog.
