Reduces Cancer Risks

• Selenium has been found to reduce the chances of getting certain types cancer in both humans and dogs. According to Mercola.com, one in three dogs die from cancer.
  
  

Joint Health

• According to Mercola.com, research suggests that selenium also helps with improving long-term joint health and can reduce risks of Kashin-Beck disease, which involves the articular cartilage between joints degenerating, thyroid disease and cancers. Selenium is also thought to help prevent hip dysplasia.
  
  

Skin and Coat

• Selenium can increase the health of the skin, potentially reducing dandruff and dry skin. Selenium can also improve the hair coat quality, making it more soft and shiny. As a result of a healthier coat, there is also the possibility of less shedding and hair loss.
  
  

Immune System

• Selenium can also increase resistance to infection by bacteria and viruses. As part of leading to a healthy immune system, selenium also helps to improve and maintain the health of the thyroid gland.
  
  

Antioxidant Properties

• Similar in some respects to vitamin E, selenium is important for producing antioxidants. However, selenium is unlike vitamin E in that it cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, although studies show that selenium has the potential to increase the effectiveness of vitamin E.
  
  

Sources

• If you are considering making homemade dog food, use the following as potential sources of selenium: wheat germ, butter, garlic, grains, sunflower seeds, Brazil nuts, walnuts, raisins, liver, fresh and salt-water fish, alfalfa, burdock root, catnip, fennel seed, ginseng, raspberry leaf, radish, onion and chives. Be careful not to pump too much of this trace mineral into the food because it can create toxicity at a high level. Never give more than 200 mg of selenium per day in larger breeds and no more than 100 mg per day for smaller dogs.