Pet parents should be aware of the right amount of minerals required for their pets and provide the same in their pet’s daily food. This article will help you understand the importance of mineral intake for your pet(s).
Trace minerals (e.g. iron, magnesium, zinc, and selenium) are an essential part of nutrition, and they play an important role in optimal body functioning.
Consequences of Mineral Deficiency
Mineral deficiency can lead to several health conditions in pets; some of them include bone and joint disease, poor coat health, issues in reproductive health, low immunity, low stress tolerance, poor growth, anemia, and delayed wound healing.
Preventive Measures for Mineral Deficiency
To prevent mineral deficiency, it is important to fulfil your pet’s daily nutritional needs and boost overall well-being. A pet’s diet should include various combinations of foods rich in minerals such as chicken, egg, fish, and meat; seeds such as pumpkin seeds and flaxseeds; and herbs such as parsley and fennel.
Pets should be given supplements if the daily food sources do not fulfil their mineral requirements. There are different types of mineral supplements, which can be classified as follows:
Chelated Minerals: Minerals that are bound to a living organism or an amino acid to make the absorption quicker and easier.
Colloidal Minerals: Minerals that are suspended in a solution and are not dissolved and have a large particle size.
Ionic Minerals: Minerals that carry a charge to be absorbed. They are dissolved in liquid and are not suspended.
Generally, minerals in pet foods are often in the form of organic or chelated minerals.
Inorganic Minerals: Zinc oxide, zinc chloride, and zinc sulfate
Organic or Chelated Mineral: Zinc proteinate and zinc amino acid chelate
It is always best that pet parents consult a veterinarian to choose the right mineral supplement for their pet.
