How Selenium Improves Your Dog’s Health

Understanding the Role of Selenium in Your Dog’s Health

So, you’re probably wondering, just what exactly does selenium do for your beloved fur companion? First and foremost, selenium functions as a powerful antioxidant in both dogs and humans. This means it is essential for protecting your pup’s body from harmful compounds called free radicals which may cause cell damage.

Don’t underestimate the power of this trace mineral! Selenium helps the body produce glutathione peroxidase, a special enzyme that’s seriously beneficial for your dog. Without enough selenium, your furry friend’s body can’t make enough of this protective enzyme, leaving them more susceptible to oxidative stress.

But that’s not all. When selenium plays nice in the sandbox with vitamin E, these two nutrients can boost each other’s effects. Together they provide unparalleled protection for cell membranes in the body. In other words, selenium helps vitamin E to function more effectively, and we all know the importance of vitamin E to overall health.

When it comes to your best friend’s health, selenium also plays a crucial role in their thyroid function. It’s a necessary component of the hormones produced by the thyroid gland, which help regulate metabolism in dogs. An unhealthy thyroid can affect your dog’s weight and energy levels. Thus, maintaining a balanced selenium level can aid to keep Fido’s metabolism in optimal condition.

Finally, selenium supports the immune system in dogs. This means it can help your four-legged friend stay stronger in the face of illness, reducing the chance of them getting sick in the first place. It even aids older dogs in battling age-related health challenges.

While selenium is clearly a powerhouse element in your dog’s health, it’s important to remember that they only need a small amount. Too much can lead to selenium toxicity, a condition that can be harmful. Therefore, providing your dog with a balanced diet, or introducing a well-measured selenium supplement under veterinary supervision, is one key element towards ensuring they’re living their best, healthiest life.

What Dog Foods are Packed with Selenium

Ideally, your furry friend should be getting enough selenium from its diet. After all, most commercial dog foods make an attempt to formulate the product to meet your pet’s nutritional needs. However, the key to remember here is that not all dog foods are created equal. The concentration of selenium can vary from brand to brand and even product to product within the same line.

The crucial aspect to understand is that manufacturing processes for commercial dog food can impair or even completely eradicate numerous nutrients and enzymes initially present in the raw ingredients. Consequently, these nutrients are reintroduced in a synthetic form by the manufacturers, to compensate for the loss incurred during the manufacturing stages.

Just as it is with us humans, dogs also struggle to fully digest and utilize synthetic vitamins and nutrients. Therefore, getting these essentials from their food directly is far more beneficial.

The best solution to this dilemma is:

As many of you know, I feed a raw food diet, which is, in my opinion, superior to commercial dog food. Unkcooked raw meat is what a dog’s digestive system is designed for. Their system is similar to a wolf’s, and both are classified as carnivores.

It’s commonly expressed by veterinarians and commercial dog food brands that dogs have progressed from being carnivores to omnivores. However, in my view, this claim seems to lack substantive scientific evidence to fully support it.

I am not going to go on with to convince those that do no agree with me. If you are willing to and interested, please read this article: Dogs & Cats are Carnivores. They are not Omnivores like human beings. 

If you feed your dog a raw food diet, will it get enough selenium?

Right off the bat, it’s essential to clarify that just because you’re feeding your dog a raw food diet doesn’t necessarily mean they’re getting enough selenium. This is a common misconception, and it’s an important one to address. Feeding a raw diet introduces a variety of non syntetic nutrients to your dog’s meal plan, but it doesn’t guarantee an adequate intake of selenium. Why is that so? The reason lies in the type of raw foods being served.

Selenium content can largely vary from one raw food item to another. Foods like chicken, turkey, and beef contain a decent amount of selenium. However, without a proper balance and variety, your dog might not receive the recommended daily dosage. For instance, fruits and vegetables – a common part of some raw diets – generally have lower selenium levels compared to meats and fish.

If you are in the in the group, as I am,  that believes in feeding their dogs a raw food diet without any vegetables or fruits. This perspective isn’t without its controversies. The thrust of your argument hinges on the fact that dogs, as carnivores, aren’t equipped to extract nutrients from plant-based materials given their lack of the necessary enzymes needed for the breakdown of plant substances. Hence, their ability to make use of these nutrients is limited. I am not telling you not to add veggies and fruits, I never have, I just do not seee the nutritional benefits. A small amount of leafy greens may benefit the gut bacteria, but will not provide nutrients to a dog ‘s or cat’s body; again, this is my opinion.

Just like any other diet, a raw food diet needs to be well-balanced and carefully planned. When constructing the diet, ensure it contains sources rich in selenium such as organ meats like liver and kidneys and certain types of fish.

You might be wondering, which fish are chock full of selenium for your dog? Well, tuna, halibut, and sardines are some of the selenium superstars of the sea. Adding these nutrient-packed fish to your dog’s diet can be an excellent way to boost their selenium intake.

By doing the above, not only are you supplying your furry friend with selenium, but you are also offering a meal packed with other essential nutrients necessary for a dog’s and cat’s immune system to stay healthy.

What is the recomennded dosages for selenemium for dogs.

Safe Upper Limits

• According to AAFCO, the maximum amount of selenium in dog food should not exceed 2.0 mg/kg on a dry matter basis, which is about 18 times the recommended minimum.
• On a caloric basis, the maximum suggested selenium content is 0.57 mg per 1000 calories of food, about 19 times the minimum.
• However, the National Research Council has not determined a definitive safe upper limit for selenium in dogs.

The most common questions I get about raw feeding:

• Is raw feeding safe for my dog?
  Switching to a raw food diet can be beneficial, but it’s crucial to ensure proper handling and preparation. Raw diets can pose risks if not managed carefully, such as bacterial contamination. Consultation with your an animal naturopath or holistic vet may be beneficial if you are new to the diet or if your pet has any health issues. In my opinion raw food is he safest food you can feed for your dog or cat and btw…. I have never gotten sick from it.
• What nutrients does raw food provide?
  When balanced correctly, a raw diet offers a rich array of natural nutrients, including proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals like selenium. However, ensuring your dog receives the correct amount of each nutrient requires careful planning. The key is to provide you pet with the resources to stay healthy. That’s done with feeding a variety of meats and organ meats.
• Will my dog get enough vitamins and minerals?
  This depends on the variety and quality of ingredients used. Supplementing raw diets with specific nutrients might be necessary, especially elements like minerals. This is recommended in order to cover any nutritional gaps that may be missing in the food you feed.
• Can I make homemade raw food for my dog?
  Yes, but it’s essential to have a balanced recipe. Including different sources of protein, vegetables, and supplements can help maintain a well-rounded nutrient profile. Additionally, specific attention should be paid to selenium sources, ensuring your dog doesn’t face any deficiencies. If you are new to raw feeding I wrote a book for you: https://theanimalnaturopath.com/thomas-sandberg-raw-feeding-book-for-beginners/

Need help with your pet?

Do you have health issues that you cannot resolve with conventional therapies? Are you looking for a natural approach to help your pet live a long healthy life?

This is possible, and what I do. My approach is to restore the immune system in dogs and cats so they can achieve homeostasis. That is the best protection against pathogens that can lead to diseases.