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Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Systems in Dogs

 

Evidence-based evaluation of oxidative stress, redox balance, and antioxidant defense systems in dogs, including disease associations, biomarkers, and dietary modulation.

Evidence Position Summary

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  • Oxidative stress is a central mechanism in canine disease, driven by an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defenses.

  • Elevated oxidative stress is associated with gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, infectious, metabolic, and neoplastic diseases.

  • The canine antioxidant system includes enzymatic defenses (e.g., SOD, catalase, glutathione peroxidase) and dietary antioxidants.

  • Nutritional strategies can modulate oxidative damage and improve clinical outcomes, though responses vary by condition.

  • Evidence supports antioxidant interventions, but optimal dosing, combinations, and long-term outcomes remain incompletely defined.

What This Evidence Page Covers

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This page evaluates peer-reviewed evidence on oxidative stress and antioxidant systems in dogs, including:

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  • Mechanisms of oxidative damage and redox imbalance

  • Biomarkers used to assess oxidative stress

  • Disease associations and clinical relevance

  • Dietary antioxidants and nutritional modulation

 

Evidence includes both mechanistic and clinical studies, with emphasis on recent veterinary and translational research.

Veterinary Diet Decision Framework for Dogs

A clinical resource from VetFarmacy’s Evidence Library

 

Oxidative stress research in dogs spans multiple systems and disease states, making interpretation challenging.


This clinical resource explains how veterinarians evaluate antioxidant strategies using structured, evidence-based criteria.

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Download the professional framework used to assess:

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  • antioxidant-rich diets and formulations

  • oxidative stress biomarkers and interpretation

  • nutrition in chronic and inflammatory disease

  • functional ingredients and nutraceuticals

  • diet safety and clinical applicability

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​Free evidence-based PDF • Created for veterinarians,

veterinary students, and science-minded pet owners

Evidence Breakdown

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Mechanisms of Oxidative Stress and Redox Balance

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  • Oxidative stress results from an imbalance between ROS production and antioxidant defenses (Rodríguez et al., 2011)

  • Cellular damage affects lipids, proteins, and DNA, contributing to disease progression (Blanca et al., 2024)

  • Antioxidant systems include enzymatic and non-enzymatic defenses critical for maintaining redox homeostasis (Lavryshyn et al., 2016)

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Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Dogs

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Oxidative Stress in Disease States

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Physiological and Environmental Influences

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Dietary and Nutritional Modulation

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Antioxidant Therapy and Clinical Outcomes

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  • Antioxidant supplementation may improve outcomes in infectious and inflammatory diseases (Chethan et al., 2023)

  • Clinical studies suggest benefits in reducing oxidative damage during illness (Hagen et al., 2019)

  • Combined nutritional and pharmacologic approaches are increasingly explored (Zhukova et al., 2024)

Primary Literature Summary

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  • Oxidative stress is a common pathway across multiple canine diseases.

  • Biomarkers enable assessment but show variability across individuals and conditions.

  • Diet significantly influences oxidative balance and antioxidant capacity.

  • Antioxidant interventions show therapeutic potential, though evidence remains heterogeneous.

  • Further research is needed to define optimal clinical strategies and long-term outcomes.

Clinical Interpretation (Non-Prescriptive)

 

Current evidence supports oxidative stress as a key contributor to disease pathophysiology in dogs, with nutrition playing a meaningful role in modulating redox balance.

 

However, clinical application should consider:

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  • disease-specific mechanisms

  • variability in antioxidant response

  • differences in diet formulation and bioavailability

 

Veterinary decision-making should prioritize evidence-based antioxidant strategies, nutritional adequacy, and individualized patient assessment.

How Veterinarians Evaluate Antioxidant Diets and Strategies

 

Evidence on antioxidant nutrition is complex and often condition-specific.
This framework explains how veterinarians interpret oxidative stress research and apply it clinically.

 

The framework helps answer:

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  • Which diets meaningfully support antioxidant defenses?

  • When is antioxidant supplementation clinically justified?

  • How are oxidative stress biomarkers interpreted?

  • What defines an evidence-based antioxidant strategy?

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Professional veterinary nutrition resource • Free download

Key Takeaways

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  • Oxidative stress is a central mechanism in canine disease and aging.

  • Biomarkers provide insight but require context-specific interpretation.

  • Nutrition plays a critical role in supporting antioxidant defenses.

  • Antioxidant strategies show promise but must be evidence-based and individualized.

  • Clinical application requires careful evaluation of risk, benefit, and diet quality.

Scope & Limitations Notice

 

This summary reflects current peer-reviewed evidence on oxidative stress in dogs and is subject to limitations in study design, population variability, and emerging research. Findings may not apply uniformly across all clinical cases and are not a substitute for individualized veterinary care.

References

  • Atuahene, D., Costale, A., Martello, E., Mannelli, A., Radice, E., Ribaldone, D., Chiofalo, B., Stefanon, B., & Meineri, G. (2023). A supplement with bromelain, Lentinula edodes, and quercetin: Antioxidant capacity and effects on morphofunctional and fecal parameters (calprotectin, cortisol, and intestinal fermentation products) in kennel dogs. Veterinary Sciences, 10. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10080486

  • Blanca, P., Luisa, F., Guadalupe, M., & Fátima, C. (2024). Oxidative stress in canine diseases: A comprehensive review. Antioxidants, 13. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13111396

  • Bonatto, N., De Oliveira, P., Mancebo, A., Costa, L., Bosculo, M., Bosco, A., Ciarlini, P., Floriano, B., De Barros, L., & Almeida, B. (2021). Postprandial lipemia causes oxidative stress in dogs. Research in Veterinary Science, 136, 277–286. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.03.008

  • Burgio, M., Forte, L., Prete, A., Maggiolino, A., De Palo, P., Aiudi, G., Rizzo, A., Carbonari, A., Lacalandra, G., & Cicirelli, V. (2024). Effects of heat stress on oxidative balance and sperm quality in dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2024.1445058

  • Candellone, A., Girolami, F., Badino, P., Jarriyawattanachaikul, W., & Odore, R. (2022). Changes in the oxidative stress status of dogs affected by acute enteropathies. Veterinary Sciences, 9. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9060276

  • Chethan, G., De, U., Singh, M., Chander, V., Raja, R., Paul, B., Choudhary, O., Thakur, N., Sarma, K., & Prasad, H. (2023). Antioxidant supplementation during treatment of dogs with parvovirus enteritis ameliorates oxidative stress and attenuates intestinal injury: A randomized controlled trial. Veterinary and Animal Science, 21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vas.2023.100300

  • Chen, H., & Segev, G. (2024). Evaluation of oxidative stress in dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 38, 3105–3110. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.17230

  • Cristóbal, J., Duque, F., Usón-Casaús, J., Martínez, M., Míguez, M., & Pérez-Merino, E. (2023). Oxidative stress in dogs with chronic inflammatory enteropathy treated with allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells. Veterinary Research Communications, 48, 901–910. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11259-023-10265-0

  • Dodds, W. (2020). Biomarkers of oxidative stress in dogs. Medical Research Archives, 8. https://doi.org/10.181

  • 03/mra.v8i5.2112

  • Hagen, D., Ekena, J., Geesaman, B., & Viviano, K. (2019). Antioxidant supplementation during illness in dogs: Effect on oxidative stress and outcome, a pilot study. Journal of Small Animal Practice. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13050

  • Heaton, P., Reed, C., Mann, S., Ransley, R., Stevenson, J., Charlton, C., Smith, B., Harper, E., & Rawlings, J. (2002). Role of dietary antioxidants to protect against DNA damage in adult dogs. The Journal of Nutrition, 132(6 Suppl 2), 1720S–1724S. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/132.6.1720s

  • Jiménez, A., & Strasser, R. (2024). Effects of adverse life history on oxidative stress and cytokine concentration in domestic dogs. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 28, 578–590. https://doi.org/10.1080/10888705.2024.2405168

  • Jewell, D., Motsinger, L., & Paetau-Robinson, I. (2024). Effect of dietary antioxidants on free radical damage in dogs and cats. Journal of Animal Science, 102. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skae153

  • Khoshvaghti, A., Baziyari, N., Dehghani, M., & Vaziri, F. (2024). Oxidative stress markers in canine parvovirus infection. Journal of the Hellenic Veterinary Medical Society. https://doi.org/10.12681/jhvms.35205

  • Lavryshyn, Y., Varkholyak, I., Martyschuk, T., Guta, Z., & Ivankiv, L. (2016). The biological significance of the antioxidant defense system of animals body. Scientific Messenger of LNU of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnologies, 18, 100–111. https://doi.org/10.15421/nvlvet6622

  • Macotpet, A., Suksawat, F., Sukon, P., Pimpakdee, K., Pattarapanwichien, E., Tangrassameeprasert, R., & Boonsiri, P. (2013). Oxidative stress in cancer-bearing dogs assessed by measuring serum malondialdehyde. BMC Veterinary Research, 9, 101. https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-6148-9-101

  • Muršec, A., Poljšak, B., Svete, N., & Erjavec, V. (2025). Antioxidant strategies for age-related oxidative damage in dogs. Veterinary Sciences, 12. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12100962

  • Pasquini, A., Luchetti, E., Marchetti, V., Cardini, G., & Iorio, E. (2008). Analytical performances of d-ROMs test and BAP test in canine plasma. Veterinary Research Communications, 32, 137–143. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11259-007-9014-x

  • Peștean, C., Pocquet, H., Dumitraș, D., Morohoschi, A., Ștefănuț, L., & Andrei, S. (2024). Correlation between oxidative stress markers and periodontal disease in dogs. Veterinary Sciences, 11. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11030099

  • Perez-Montero, B., Fermín-Rodríguez, M., Portero-Fuentes, M., Sarquis, J., Caceres, S., Illera, J., Portal, D., Juan, L., Miro, G., & Cruz-López, F. (2024). Serum total antioxidant status in dogs: Reference intervals and influencing factors. Veterinary Clinical Pathology, 53, 399–408. https://doi.org/10.1111/vcp.13381

  • Porato, M., Noël, S., Pincemail, J., Albert, A., Cheramy-Bien, J., Goff, L., & Hamaide, A. (2023). Selected biomarkers of oxidative stress in healthy Beagle dogs: A preliminary study. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1063216

  • Pugliese, M., Biondi, V., Merola, G., Landi, A., & Passantino, A. (2022). Oxidative stress evaluation in dogs affected with canine monocytic ehrlichiosis. Antioxidants, 11. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11020328

  • Rodríguez, C., Menge, F., & Cerón, J. (2011). Oxidative stress in veterinary medicine. Veterinary Medicine International, 2011. https://doi.org/10.4061/2011/812086

  • Schlieck, T., Petrolli, T., Bissacotti, B., Copetti, P., Bottari, N., Morsch, V., & Da Silva, A. (2021). Addition of essential oils and vitamin E as antioxidants in dog feed: Effects on food quality and health. Archives of Animal Nutrition, 75, 389–403. https://doi.org/10.1080/1745039x.2021.1960091

  • Sergina, S., Ilyukha, V., Baishnikova, I., & Antonova, E. (2019). Age-related changes in the tissue antioxidant system of canids. Journal of Evolutionary Biochemistry and Physiology, 55, 55–63. https://doi.org/10.1134/s0022093019010071

  • Sivel, G., & Yagci, B. (2022). Evaluation of oxidative stress in dogs with demodicosis. Turkish Journal of Veterinary Research. https://doi.org/10.47748/tjvr.1119988

  • Tomsič, K., & Svete, N. (2022). Effects of anesthetics on oxidative stress in dogs: A mini-review. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2022.987536

  • Úsuga, A., Rojano, B., Duque, J., Mesa, C., Restrepo, O., Gómez, L., & Restrepo, G. (2023). Dry food affects the oxidative/antioxidant profile of dogs. Veterinary Medicine and Science, 9, 687–697. https://doi.org/10.1002/vms3.1064

  • Vatnikov, Y., Rudenko, A., Shchurov, I., Vilkovyskiy, I., & Yarovenko, E. (2024). Oxidative stress in dogs with cardiorenal syndrome caused by endocardiosis. RUDN Journal of Agronomy and Animal Industries. https://doi.org/10.22363/2312-797x-2024-19-3-497-506

  • Zhukova, I., Kostyuk, I., Denisova, O., Bobrytska, O., Vodopianova, L., Kochevenko, O., & Tokareva, V. (2024). Etiology and pathogenesis of oxidative stress in dogs and pharmacological correction with natural antioxidants. Veterinary Science, Technologies of Animal Husbandry and Nature Management. https://doi.org/10.31890/vttp.2024.09.10

How Veterinarians Evaluate Dog Diets

 

VetFarmacy developed a clinical reference guide that explains how veterinarians assess diets that affect oxidative stress, inflammation, and chronic disease.

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Inside the PDF, you’ll learn:

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  • how oxidative stress research is interpreted clinically

  • how antioxidant diets are evaluated

  • how supplements and functional ingredients are assessed

  • how therapeutic diets are compared using evidence

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By Dr. Athena Gaffud, DVM
Founder of VetFarmacy | Evidence-Based Veterinary Nutrition

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Free educational resource • No spam

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