Dog Supplements: Minerals – Microminerals

In my previously article I listed six macrominerals that are essential for dog’s health. Without farther ado, here are the other six essential microminerals and 8 trace elements.

Microminerals

Microminerals consist of copper, iodine, iron, manganese, selenium, and zinc. Unlike macrominerals, dogs need only in extremely small amounts; 1 milligram per kilogram diet.

Copper: Some breeds, such as the Doberman, Cocker Spaniel, Westie, and Bedlington Terrier, may have an inherited copper-storage disease (build up in the liver) which lead to copper poisoning.

• Functions / Benefits: Necessary for iron transport and absorption. Functions in hemoglobin formation necessary for red blood cells. Important for normal connective tissue, collagen, and bone formation. Melanin production—development of pigment in hair. A constitute of many enzymes particularly those involved with protein synthesis—superoxide dismutase (SOD)—a powerful protector against free radical damage.
• Food Sources: Liver, meat, fish, beans, whole grains.
• Deficiency Symptoms: Very rare, mostly dogs get it from drinking water.
• Positive Interactions: Iron, zinc, cobalt
• Negative Interactions: Exhaust fumes, cadmium

Iodine: Promotes the function of the thyroid gland. A deficiency of iodine in your dog’s diet is not necessary the result of hypothyroidism—an underactive of the thyroid gland—a common hormonal imbalance that dogs suffer from.

• Functions / Benefits: Component of growth hormone—thyroxine. Helps to regulate metabolism and and promote growth.
• Food Sources: Fish, shellfish, kelp, iodized salt
• Deficiency Symptoms: Weight gain, weakness, hair loss, poor growth.

Iron: Critical component of hemoglobin (the oxygen carrying component of red blood cells) and myoglobin (the oxygen carrying component of muscle cells). Also an important component of certain enzymes required by the body to function normally.

• Functions / Benefits: Component of hemoglobin and myoglobin. Constituent of many enzymes.
• Food Sources: Liver, green leafy vegetables esp. spinach, pork, whole grains.
• Deficiency Symptoms: Anemia, fatigue or weakness, depression, loss of appetite, sensitivity to cold.
• Positive Interactions: Calcium, folic acid, phosphorus, vitamin E, B6, B12, C—helps increase absorption and fiber too.
• Negative Interactions: Excess protein, saturated fats.

Manganese: Manganese allows the body to make proper use of the protein and carbohydrate in the diet. Intake of vitamin C helps to absorb manganese better. On the other hand, excess zinc or copper consumption will interfere with manganese uptake.

• Functions / Benefits: Necessary for normal bone development and reproduction. A component of enzymes necessary for producing energy in the body. Important for the proper functioning of superoxide dismutase (SOD)—natural antioxidant. Component of connective tissue. Fat metabolism.
• Food Sources: Liver, kidney, lettuce, celery, oats, eggs, whole grains.
• Deficiency Symptoms: Joint pain, poor growth and coordination (sense of balance).
• Positive Interactions: Vitamins E, B1, C, K
• Negative Interactions: Antibiotics, calcium, phosphorus.

Selenium: Linked with vitamin E and can replace it to some degree. Although very little selenium is required by dogs, it’s nonetheless an essential component of an enzyme—glutathione peroxidase—acting as an antioxidant. Excellent supplement for dogs with cancer.

• Functions / Benefits: Antioxidant (with Vitamin E), protect cell membrane and internal structure, strengthen immune system, neutralize carcinogens.
• Food Sources: Tuna, organs (esp. beef liver), cereals, eggs, brown rice.
• Deficiency Symptoms: Cataracts, high blood pressure, frequent infections.
• Positive Interactions: Vitamin E, A, C
• Negative Interactions: Excess zinc and copper.

Zinc: A component of over hundred enzymes in the body, particularly those linked with protein synthesis.  Although Zinc deficiency is rare, nevertheless it can occur if prolong consumption of poorly formulated dry dog food. Also, some northern breeds like Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian Huskies have an inherited zinc metabolism disorder where zinc absorption is poor.

• Functions / Benefits: Important for healthy skin (correct wound healing) and coat (helps hair shine). Healthy immune system. Controls hormones.
• Food Sources: Liver, fish, shellfish, lamb, egg yolks oats, whole wheat, green peas.
• Deficiency Symptoms: Frequent skin lesions; dull, dry, coarse coat; hair loss; weight loss due to poor sense of taste, smell, and loss of appetite.
• Positive Interactions: Calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A, C, and D—helps increase absorption.
• Negative Interactions: Competes for absorption with iron, calcium, and magnesium.

Trace Elements

Trace elements include chromium, cobalt, fluorine, molybdenum, nickel, silicon, sulphur, and vanadium. Similar to microminerals, the amount needed is super extremely small; probably 1 microgram per kilogram diet.

Important: Please do not attempt to supplement your dog’s diet with large amount of any single mineral. Doing so can result in detrimental consequences such as reducing the absorption of other minerals which may lead to deficiency in other minerals (see negative interactions). If a high dose of a single mineral is called for to “treat” certain aliment, use a wide range of vitamin and mineral supplement for dogs. This will help to preserve a proper balance by raising the nutritional levels of other nutrients as well.

Dog Supplements Recommendation:

To further explain why use a board spectrum of vitamin and mineral supplements is the best way to supplementing our dogs, here are some reliable supplements formulated for dogs my clients and I personally use: Take note on the ingredients listed.

• Wysong: C-Biotic (additional micronutrients, probiotics and enzymes) and AddLife (antioxidant). * Be sure to check out Wysong Introductory Pack ($17.99) which include a free sample of AddLife, Archetype, and DentalTreat.
• Only Natural Pet: Kelp Boost (digestion, allergic, joints) and Immune Strengthener.
• Vetionx: Dialonx (blood sugar control), Dermalonx (skin care), H2oionx (water nutrient)
• Flexpet: Flexpet with CM8 (arthritis and joint pain)