Manganese

How much manganese does your dog need?

The optimal amount of manganese for your dog depends on various factors, such as his age, size, activity level and diet. A general recommendation is that an adult dog needs about 0.1 mg of manganese per kilogram of body weight per day. Puppies, pregnant and lactating bitches have a higher requirement.

Where does your dog get manganese from?

Manganese is found in many natural foods that you can feed your dog. These include, for example:

• Meat and offal (especially liver and kidneys)
• Fish and seafood
• eggs
• Nuts and seeds
• Legumes
• Wholemeal products
• Vegetables (especially green leafy vegetables)
• Fruit (especially berries)

If you feed your dog a ready-made food, make sure that it is balanced and contains enough manganese. You can also use a high-quality dietary supplement to cover your dog's manganese requirements. However, make sure that you do not exceed the recommended dosage.

What are the benefits of manganese for your dog?

Manganese has many positive effects on your dog's health. Some of them are:

• It promotes bone and joint development, which is especially important for puppies and older dogs.
• It protects against free radicals that can cause cell damage.
• It regulates blood sugar levels and prevents diabetes.
• It supports the function of the nervous system and improves learning ability and memory.
• It strengthens the immune system and helps defend against infections.

What are the disadvantages of manganese for your dog?

Although manganese is an essential trace element, too much of it can also be harmful. An overdose of manganese can lead to the following symptoms:

• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Muscle weakness and tremors
• Coordination disorders and balance problems
• Behavioral changes and aggressiveness

Chronic manganese intake can also lead to an accumulation of manganese in the brain, which can lead to neurological damage such as Parkinson's-like symptoms.

How can you avoid manganese ingestion?

To avoid manganese ingestion in your dog, you should follow these tips:

• Feed your dog a balanced diet of natural foods or a high-quality prepared food.
• Avoid giving your dog foods that contain high amounts of manganese, such as chocolate or tea.
• Only give your dog a manganese supplement if recommended by your vet.
• Have your dog examined regularly and check his blood levels.