A Guide to the Health Benefits of Ubiquinol for Cats & Dogs

Top Supplements for Fido and Fluffy
Written by Ron Martin
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3 minutes

Research shows that having a pet has many benefits that can be good for your health. For example, interacting with animals has been shown to decrease levels of cortisol and lower blood pressure, reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support, and boost your mood. For all that they give, you want your furry friend to be healthy, too. 

Along with a nutritious diet and exercise, your pet may also benefit from Ubiquinol, the activated antioxidant form of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which is used in the production of cellular energy. It’s a powerful antioxidant, and protects your brain, heart, and muscles from oxidative stress.  Both CoQ10 and Ubiquinol are produced naturally in your body as well as in your pet’s. However, as we, and our pets age, our ability to produce Ubiquinol declines. Even small decreases in Ubiquinol can disrupt the body’s ability to produce cellular energy and lead to oxidative stress.
 

Heart Health and Energy — Can Ubiquinol be Beneficial for Your Pets?

You’ve likely heard about the benefits of Ubiquinol for heart health. Since Ubiquinol is also produced naturally in your pet’s body, could a supplement benefit your pet?  Ubiquinol may offer health benefits to cats and dogs that are  similar to the benefits it offers people. Ubiquinol is essential for the mitochondrial synthesis of energy, acts as an antioxidant that promotes healthy aging in older adults, and supports the healthy functioning of large organs, especially the heart and liver.


Ubiquinol is the reduced,  antioxidant form of CoQ10, meaning it’s already converted to the state that the body (including animal bodies) can use to produce cellular energy and protect against oxidative stress. Because Ubiquinol isn't plentiful in food sources, humans can best ensure they are maintaining healthy Ubiquinol levels by taking a supplement that contains Kaneka Ubiquinol®. If you’re already taking Kaneka Ubiquinol, you can easily add some to your pets’ food. All you have to do is prick the liquid gel cap with a needle or cut off the top of the capsule and squeeze the oil onto your pet’s wet food upon feeding. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate serving amount of Ubiquinol for your dog or cat. 

How Can Ubiquinol Benefit Your Cat or Dog?

Heart Health

Ubiquinol has many of the same health benefits for cats and dogs as for humans, such as supporting heart health. The heart is a hard-working muscle that needs energy, which Ubiquinol helps provide. As your pet ages, a Ubiquinol supplement can help support cellular energy production essential for maintaining heart health.

Muscle Health

Ubiquinol is important in all cells, particularly those with high energy demands, like those in the muscles.  Maintaining muscle health is vital for your pet’s mobility, balance, and bone health. 

Immune Health

Ubiquinol is vital to supporting immune health. Cats or dogs, like people, may benefit greatly from Ubiquinol’s strong, lipid-soluble antioxidant properties which protect cell membranes and mitochondria from free radical damage.  

Heart Health and Energy — Can Ubiquinol be Beneficial for Your Pets?

Pets can provide us with a wealth of benefits for our health and well-being. You want to help them live a long, healthy, and happy life. Proper nutrition and exercise are important to their well-being. Ubiquinol supplementation may help promote additional benefits, like supporting cellular energy production, heart health, and immune system function. So, when shopping for a high-quality Ubiquinol supplement for your pet, be sure to seek out a product with the Kaneka Quality Seal on the bottle. As with all supplements, we encourage you to consult with your veterinarian before giving Ubiquinol to your pets. 

 

Written by:

Ron Martin

Vice President of the Nutrients Division

Ron Martin is the Vice President of the Nutrients Division at Kaneka North America. Ron’s dedication to lifelong learning and belief that “one cannot know too much” inspired a decades-long career centered around educating the public about health.

References

  1.  https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2018/02/power-pets 

  2.  Wada H, Goto H, Hagiwara S, Yamamoto Y. Redox status of coenzyme Q10 is associated with chronological age. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2007 Jul;55(7):1141-2.

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