Minerals

Minerals fulfill many important functions in the organism, such as

• the structure and stability of bones and teeth
• the regulation of the water and electrolyte balance
• the transmission of nerve impulses and muscle contractions
• the formation of blood cells and enzymes
• the activation of vitamins and hormones

Minerals can be divided into two groups:

Bulk elements and trace elements

Bulk elements are minerals that dogs need in large quantities, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and potassium. 
Trace elements are minerals that dogs only need in small quantities, such as iron, zinc, copper, iodine and selenium.

How many minerals does a dog need?

The optimum amount of minerals a dog needs each day depends on various factors, such as

• the dog's age, weight and activity level
• the dog's state of health and metabolism
• the quality and composition of the food
• the availability and usability of the minerals in the food

There is no generally valid recommendation for the mineral intake of dogs, as each dog is individual. However, there are guideline values that can serve as a guide. These are published, for example, by the FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation) or the NRC (National Research Council).

How can you recognize mineral deficiency or excess in dogs?

A mineral deficiency or excess in dogs can lead to various health problems, which can vary depending on the type and severity of the disorder. Some possible symptoms include:

• Weakness, tiredness and listlessness
• Hair loss, skin problems and poor wound healing
• Dental and bone problems, such as tooth decay, rickets or osteoporosis
• Nerve and muscle problems, such as cramps, paralysis or epilepsy
• Blood count changes, such as anemia or blood clotting disorders
• Metabolic disorders, such as diabetes or hypothyroidism
• Weak immune system and increased susceptibility to infections

In order to avoid or treat a mineral deficiency or excess in dogs, it is important to determine the cause and adjust the diet if necessary. You should always consult a vet who can make a precise diagnosis and recommend an individual therapy.

What is the best way to feed minerals to dogs?

The best source of minerals for dogs is a balanced and species-appropriate diet that contains all nutrients in the right amounts and proportions. You should pay attention to the quality and origin of the food and use natural and unprocessed ingredients wherever possible.

There are various ways of feeding minerals to dogs, such as

• Dry food or wet food, which is specially formulated for dogs and contains all the necessary minerals
• Barf, i.e. biologically appropriate raw food consisting of fresh meat, offal, bones, vegetables, fruit and other ingredients that correspond to the dog's natural prey pattern
• Ready-made food that is enriched with natural sources of minerals, such as algae lime, brewer's yeast, malt germ or grape seed extract
• Supplementary food that specifically supplies individual minerals that are missing from the food or are present in insufficient quantities, such as iron, zinc or iodine.

When choosing food, you should always consider your dog's needs and follow the recommendations of your vet or a nutritionist. Over- or underdosing minerals can be harmful and should be avoided.

Overview

There are many minerals, but here are some of the most important ones and their functions:

• Calcium necessary for building and maintaining bones and teeth.
• Phosphorus important for building and maintaining bones and teeth and for the metabolism of protein, fat and carbohydrates.
• Magnesium important for energy metabolism, muscle and nerve function and for building bones and teeth.
• Sodium helps to regulate the body's water and electrolyte balance.
• Potassium important for the heart rhythm and the function of muscles and nerves.
• Chloride important component of table salt, which helps to regulate the water and electrolyte balance in the body.
• Sulphur important for building proteins and other body structures.
• Iron necessary for the transportation of oxygen in the body and the formation of proteins, especially haemoglobin.
• Zinc important for the immune system, metabolism, wound healing and sensory perception.
• Copper necessary for the formation of red blood cells and the functioning of enzymes.
• Manganese important for the metabolism, bone formation and the functioning of enzymes.
• Fluorine helps protect teeth from decay.
• Iodine necessary for the formation of thyroid hormones.
• Chromium important for the metabolism of carbohydrates.
• Molybdenum important for the metabolism of nutrients such as iron.
• Selenium important for the functioning of the immune system and protection against oxidative stress.