CoQ 10, for Dogs & Cats, also called Coenzyme Q 10 or Ubiquinol

CoQ 10,  also known as coenzyme Q 10 or ubiquinol, is as fantastic for pets as it is for people. Research has shown that CoQ 10 is especially beneficial for the brain & heart . Some humans with heart disease who were taking CoQ 10 also had improvement in gum health, so possibly dogs & cats with gum disease may benefit. 

 

CoQ 10 Antioxidant & Anti-inflammatory

Because CoQ 10 functions as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, the diseases it may help are those where oxidation and inflammation play a role:

·         Back pain

·         Bladder disease

·         Brain damage

·         Cardiac disease caused by diabetes

·         Cardiac fibrosis

·         Cardiac mitral valve disease

·         Chronic kidney disease

·         Cognitive dysfunction and senility

·         Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

·         Kidney disease

·         Liver toxicity

·         Parkinson`s disease

·         Pulmonary disease

·         Seizures

 

CoQ 10 Naturaly Present in Food

Fortunately CoQ 10 is present in our diets, and whenever possible food is the best way to provide our dogs & cats with nutrient. CoQ 10 is present in meat, poultry, fish, nuts and in deeply pigmented fruit and vegetables. The problem is that if the food is processed, cooked or significantly heated, the CoQ 10 is destroyed. Thus, I recommend feeding a large portion of the diet that is raw, juiced, or lightly cooked. It is ok to warm the food to body temperature before feeding. In fact, it is ideal to serve most foods at body temperature.

CoQ 10 Supplements

More If, in addition to eating properly, your pet needs a supplement, then give CoQ 10 along with an oil as it is absorbed best in the presence of oil. Nordic Naturals has a fish oil CoQ 10 combination that is good for pets. Unfortunately, CoQ 10 is moderately expensive. Do not opt for the cheap forms because they are chemically derived rather than naturally produced.

CoQ 10 Dose for Dogs & Cats

Because lab studies have tried using enormous amounts of CoQ 10 (looking for cancer cures), we have research evidence that CoQ 10 is safe even at high doses. Humans have been given over 1000 mg without damage. A small dog or cat can safely take up to 100 mg and larger dogs, up to 400 mg. Do not think that if a small amount is good a large amount is better. Food is always best, and small amounts of a wide range of supplements is often safer than a large amount of any single supplement.