Microminerals and Macrominerals for Dogs and Cats

• Microminerals and macrominerals are essential for various body functions in dogs and cats.

Copper

• It is necessary for body processes, including collagen formation, bone, connective tissue, iron absorption, red blood cell development/maturation, antioxidant function, and melanin production.
• Sources include liver, fish, whole grains, and legumes.
• The requirement for adult dogs is 3.3mg/lb, while for adult cats, it is 2.3mg/lb.

Iodine

• It ensures proper thyroid gland function and production of hormones.
• It is a component of growth hormone thyroxine.
• Sources include fish and iodized salt, with adult dogs needing 0.7mg/lb and adult cats 0.16mg/lb.

Iron

• It combines with copper and protein to form hemoglobin, carrying oxygen in red blood cells.
• It is a constituent of many enzymes and a component of connective tissue, as well as a growth factor in bone development.
• Sources include liver, lean meats, fish, whole grains, and legumes.
• Both adult dogs and cats require 36.4mg/lb.

Manganese

• It is essential for enzyme action responsible for energy production and making fatty acids.
• Sources are whole grains, seeds, nuts, eggs, and green vegetables.
• Adult dogs require 2.3mg/lb, and adult cats need 3.4mg/lb.

Selenium

• It functions with vitamin E and certain enzymes to protect cells.
• It is also a component of glutathione peroxidase, acting as an antioxidant.
• Sources include cereals and meat products.
• Both adult dogs and cats need 0.05mg/lb.

Zinc

• It is a component of enzyme systems linked with protein synthesis, cell division, cell growth, wound healing, and carbohydrate breakdown.
• Sources are fish meal and liver.
• Adult dogs require 120mg/kg, while adult cats need 75mg/kg.

Calcium

• It is essential for body functions, including bone formation, blood coagulation, muscle contraction, nerve impulse transmission, and enzyme activation.
• It also helps to maintain the proper acid/alkali balance in the body.
• Sources include bones, dairy products, and leguminous plants.
• Both adult dogs and cats require 0.5% - 0.9%.

Chloride

• It maintains the proper acid/alkali balance within the body.
• It produces hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach, which aids in protein digestion, osmotic pressure, and water balance.
• The source is common salt.
• Adult dogs require 0.09%, and adult cats need 0.3%.

Magnesium

• It is responsible for absorption, proper use of certain vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, vitamin E, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium, bone/teeth development, and energy metabolism.
• Raw wheat germ, whole grains, soybeans, milk, and fish are common sources.
• Adult dogs and cats have a requirement for 0.04%.

Phosphorus

• It works with calcium to grow and strengthen the skeletal system.
• It is used for energy, phospholipids in cell membranes, and nucleic acids.
• Meat or organ meats serve as a source.
• Adult dogs and cats need 0.4% - 0.8%.

Potassium

• It ensures proper enzyme, muscle, and nerve function, protein synthesis and osmotic pressure.
• Potassium also maintains acid/base balance throughout the body.
• Sources include a range of vegetables and meats.
• Both adult dogs and cats require 0.6%.

Sodium (Salt)

• It assists in nutrient transfer to cells, waste removal, nerve and muscle action, osmotic pressure maintenance, and acid/base/water balance.
• Common salt, dairy products, meat, and vegetables serve as sources.
• Adult dogs need 0.06%, while adult cats require 0.2%.

Microminerals and macrominerals like copper, iodine and iron are essential for various body functions in dogs and cats. Copper is necessary for collagen formation and iron absorption. Iodine ensures proper thyroid gland function, while iron carries oxygen in red blood cells.