– what influences what, and why?
In addition to vitamins, various minerals are also important for a dog’s bodily functions, stamina, and staying healthy. A dog’s body cannot produce minerals on its own, so they must be obtained from the diet. A varied and natural diet supports sufficient nutrient intake as well as efficient utilization and absorption, and it reduces the risk of overdosing.
Minerals are naturally occurring substances that are needed to maintain many basic functions in a dog’s body. Mammals require at least 18 essential minerals.
Minerals are essential, among other things, for maintaining cells, muscles, the nervous system, the skeleton, and the body’s fluid balance. They are also important for the growth and development of a young dog. Minerals also include trace elements, which are needed in smaller amounts than minerals but are still important for the body. Dietary minerals should be in the correct balance relative to one another, because excessive intake of one mineral can affect the absorption or function of another. For example, calcium and phosphorus are key, interdependent components of bone tissue, and therefore adequate intake in the right ratio is important for dogs.
Minerals include sulfur, calcium, magnesium, chloride, sodium, phosphorus, and potassium. Among trace elements, the most important are iron, zinc, copper, manganese, cobalt, iodine, fluoride, and selenium.
Below you will find a breakdown of the functions and significance of different minerals and trace elements for your dog.
TRACE ELEMENTS:
Iron: Iron is needed to transport oxygen to muscles and cells. Iron is important for maintaining hemoglobin.
Zinc: Zinc functions in the body as part of, or an activator for, over 200 enzymes. Zinc’s most important roles are related to maintaining the dog’s immune system, supporting skin health and wound healing, and supporting growth and reproduction. Zinc also supports skeletal and joint wellbeing.
Copper: Copper is needed for the function of enzymes involved in energy metabolism, for nervous system function, for the skeleton, and for the synthesis and maintenance of elastic tissues. Copper is an essential component in maintaining the dog’s own collagen production. In addition, copper is needed, among other things, for the formation of blood cells and for the normal development of skin and coat color.
Selenium: Selenium is an important antioxidant in the body that supports, among other things, recovery from exertion. Selenium also affects thyroid hormone production, and it is important for reproductive functions and fertility.
Manganese: Manganese’s roles relate to the growth of bones and connective tissue and to nervous system function. Manganese is needed in the body’s energy metabolism and, among other things, for the synthesis of chondroitin sulfate, which is important for the formation of joint cartilage.
Cobalt: Cobalt is important for the function of various enzymes in the body.
Iodine: Iodine is needed, among other things, for the formation of thyroid hormones. The thyroid gland regulates, among other things, metabolic rate, energy production, and weight. Seaweed contains particularly high amounts of iodine. Excess iodine intake can be harmful, even though iodine is essential in the right amount.
MINERALS:
Sulfur: Sulfur is important for immune defenses and for the function of muscles and joints. Sulfur is needed for the formation of all new cells. Sulfur also affects the body’s acid–base balance and serves as a building block for vitamins as well. MSM is an organic sulfur compound that can be used together with other nutrients to strengthen nutrient absorption and effects. Sulfur supports the flexibility and permeability of cell membranes, thereby promoting freer movement of nutrients and waste products.
Calcium: Calcium is needed as a building material for bones and teeth. Calcium is also needed, among other things, for blood vessel constriction, blood clotting, and the function of nerve impulses.
Magnesium: Magnesium is an important mineral found in bones, enzymes, and intracellular fluids. Magnesium is essential for optimal nervous system and muscle function. The need increases with exertion. Magnesium deficiency can cause, among other things, muscle cramps in dogs.
Chloride: Chloride, together with sodium and potassium, is one of the body’s key electrolytes. Electrolytes are needed to maintain acid–base balance, transmit nerve impulses, and enable muscle function.
Sodium: Sodium, together with potassium and chloride, is one of the body’s key electrolytes. Heavy exertion increases the need for sodium.
Potassium: Potassium, together with sodium and chloride, is one of the body’s key electrolytes. Heavy exertion increases the need for potassium.
Phosphorus: Phosphorus, together with calcium, is the most important building material for bones and teeth, and deficiencies are rare. Phosphorus from animal-based products is absorbed better by the dog’s body than phosphorus from plant sources. Excess phosphorus intake reduces calcium absorption.
Calcium: Calcium is the most common mineral in the body and is important, among other things, for bones and teeth. In addition, it is essential for, among other things, the secretion of various hormones, blood clotting, and muscle contraction.
