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8 - Breed Nutrition

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Antioxidants help protect the<br />

cell membranes and nucleus<br />

by neutralising free radicals,<br />

which resemble tiny<br />

meteorites that constantly<br />

bombard the cell.<br />

A synergistic cocktail of antioxidants<br />

A diet high in varied antioxidants until the end of the growth phase appears to be very worthwhile<br />

for a breed like the Cocker, with a relatively long life expectancy. Antioxidants help protect the eye<br />

cells against light-accelerated oxidation (Valero et al, 2002; Taylor et al, 2002), and they also support<br />

the immune system. Cocker 25 contains a complex of antioxidants that act in synergy. In addition<br />

to lutein and zeaxanthine, it is enriched with taurine, vitamins E and C, and extracts of green<br />

tea and grapes, which are rich in polyphenols.<br />

Taurine: amino acid essential to the heart and retina, which also has an antioxidant role.<br />

Vitamin E: many studies show the positive influence of a vitamin E supplement in the food acting<br />

as an antioxidant.<br />

Vitamin C: favours the regeneration of vitamin E, which enables it to neutralise free radicals for<br />

longer. Dogs do synthesise vitamin C themselves, but an extra intake through the diet helps provide<br />

a higher antioxidant level.<br />

Grape and green tea polyphenols*: polyphenols are a family of major antioxidants that work<br />

inside the cells. They protect the membranes and the cell DNA.<br />

Ultraviolet<br />

Pollution<br />

Stress<br />

Poor diet<br />

Action of antioxidants<br />

O2<br />

Free radicals<br />

Taurine, vitamin E and vitamin C<br />

act on the cell membrane<br />

24<br />

Polyphenols<br />

act on the nucleus<br />

Lutein and zeaxanthine<br />

act on the inside of the cell

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