Why dogs need minerals in their nutrition
Choosing the best food for your dog can be difficult. One common problem is: Dog food It contains the right balance of essential nutrients from healthy ingredients. Minerals are one of the essential nutrients that must be present in a healthy, balanced diet. They are essential for the proper development and functioning of your dog’s body. To maintain optimal health, certain minerals must be present in dog food in the right amounts.
Common functions that minerals perform include bone and cartilage formation, nerve and muscle function, regulating fluid balance, transporting oxygen in the bloodstream, and producing hormones. Minerals regulate many bodily functions and work together to keep your body functioning normally on a daily basis.
While deficiencies in certain minerals are a concern, oversupplementing with certain minerals can also cause problems. Because of this concern, dog food manufacturers must closely monitor the amount of minerals used in their dog foods. The minerals used must be able to withstand normal processing and shelf life for a period of time. They must be easily absorbed by the dog and be of good quality.
View Slideshow: Minerals: Finding the Right Source for the Best Dog Food
Many of the minerals essential for dogs are available from common fruits, vegetables, meats, and whole grains. While these ingredients do not typically make up the majority of the minerals found in dog foods, they are used in many high-quality products on the market today. The majority of minerals used in dog foods are usually provided as pre-mixed powder mixes that are carefully measured and tested for quality assurance.
It would be unreasonable for dog food manufacturers to provide minerals only in raw ingredient form, as in that form the minerals are less likely to survive processing. For this reason, dog food bags list many chemical names as mineral sources. You may notice ash listed on the back of your dog food bag. Ash is another source of minerals in dog food. Ash provides many essential minerals and is an essential part of a balanced diet and proper dog nutrition.
Types of Minerals for Dogs
Now that you understand a little bit about how dog food manufacturers incorporate minerals into dog foods, you may be wondering, “So what should I feed my dog?” There are two basic groups of minerals: macrominerals and trace minerals. Macrominerals are needed in larger amounts than trace minerals and are more prevalent in dogs’ bodies. Macrominerals include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, chloride, potassium and sulfur. Trace minerals are needed in much smaller amounts, including iron, zinc, copper, chromium, iodine, selenium, manganese and fluoride.
Calcium and phosphorus are very important macrominerals for proper nutrition in dogs, as they are necessary for the maintenance of bones and teeth. Deficiency of either of these minerals can lead to bone deformities and weakened bones. Deficiency of calcium and phosphorus can make dogs more susceptible to fractures. In young dogs, oversupplementing with these minerals can lead to abnormal growth and development, especially in larger breeds. Calcium and phosphorus are also essential for blood clotting, muscle growth and nervous system function in dogs.
Magnesium aids in muscle and bone development and is needed for your dog’s body to absorb calcium. Magnesium works in harmony with calcium and phosphorus. Food sources of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium for dogs include bone meal, fish, beans, molasses, muscle and organ meats, wheat bran and vegetables.
Sodium and chloride are minerals that work together to control the balance of fluid inside and outside the body’s cells. They aid in the functioning of your dog’s muscles, nervous system and heart. Chloride is needed for the production of stomach acid. An imbalance in sodium and/or chloride can cause your dog to suffer from hair loss, fatigue, dehydration and paralysis. Dietary sources of sodium and chloride include whole grains, meat, fish, tomatoes, sweet potatoes and beans.
Potassium is similar to sodium and chloride in that it helps maintain fluid balance and is necessary for muscle and nerve function. A potassium deficiency can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and other illnesses similar to sodium/chloride deficiency. Without enough potassium, a dog’s heart cannot beat properly.
Sulfur is important for maintaining a dog’s coat, skin, and nails. It aids in wound healing and removes toxins from the body. Skin diseases are commonly caused by a sulfur deficiency. Dietary sources of sulfur include eggs, fish, meat, and molasses.
Trace Minerals for Dogs
Trace minerals are used in very small amounts but are essential in your dog’s nutrition. Some of the more well-known trace minerals are iron, zinc, copper, iodine, magnesium and selenium. Iron is important for oxygenating red blood cells, energy production and maintaining the immune system and is found in organ meats (liver), poultry, beans and red meats.
Zinc supports the immune system, is important for skin and fur health, and aids in protein digestion. Food sources of zinc include eggs, pork, liver, brewer’s yeast, and lamb. Copper is needed for the body to properly use iron and also helps with bone growth and maintenance. Sources of copper include whole grains, liver and beans. Iodine is important for the production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism.
Selenium is another essential trace mineral that works with vitamin E to support immune function. Manganese is needed for your body to utilize certain vitamins (B1, C, E, biotin). Other trace minerals you may have heard of include nickel, molybdenum, aluminum, silicon, chromium, boron, cobalt, and fluoride.
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