The Importance of Minerals in your Pet's Diet

Pet parents should be aware of the right amount of minerals required for their pets and ensure their pets receive them in their daily food. This article will help you understand the importance of mineral intake for your pet(s).

Trace minerals such as iron, magnesium, zinc, and selenium are an essential part of nutrition and play an important role in optimal body functioning.

Benefits of Minerals

• Iron helps in oxygen transportation to muscles and organs.
• Selenium prevents oxidative damage.
• Zinc improves skin and fur health.
• Copper helps in iron absorption.
• Manganese helps in bone growth and thyroid hormone production.

Consequences of Mineral Deficiency

Mineral deficiency can lead to several health conditions in pets, including:

• Bone and joint diseases
• Poor coat health
• Issues in reproductive health
• Low immunity
• Low stress tolerance
• Poor growth
• Anemia
• Delayed wound healing

Preventive Measures for Mineral Deficiency

To prevent mineral deficiency, it is important to fulfill your pet’s daily nutritional needs and ensure overall well-being. A pet’s diet should include various combinations of foods rich in minerals, such as chicken, eggs, fish, and meat; seeds such as pumpkin seeds and flaxseeds; and herbs such as parsley and fennel.

Pets should be given supplements if their daily food sources do not fulfill their mineral requirements. There are different types of mineral supplements, classified as follows:

• Chelated minerals – Minerals bound to a living organism or amino acid, making absorption quicker and easier.
• Colloidal minerals – Minerals suspended in a solution and not dissolved, often with large particle sizes.
• Ionic minerals – Minerals carrying a charge to be absorbed, dissolved in liquid, and not suspended.

Generally, minerals in pet foods are in the form of organic or chelated minerals.

• Inorganic minerals – Zinc oxide, zinc chloride, and zinc sulfate.
• Organic or chelated minerals – Zinc proteinate and zinc amino acid chelate.

It is always best for pet parents to consult a veterinarian to choose the right mineral supplement for their pets.