NRC Essential Nutrients: Microminerals

The information provided below is based on a healthy pet and recommended allowances (RA) will vary on physiological state. Requirements for essential microminerals depend on growth, lactation, pregnancy, medical conditions, and nutrient interactions within the diet.

Iron

Iron is present in body tissues as hemoglobin and myoglobin. Iron is present in many enzyme and protein responses necessary for oxygen activation, oxygen transportation, and electron transportation.

The National Research Council (NRC) for dogs and cats provides minimum and recommended amounts for iron per 1000kcal:

Iron is present in all raw meats and bones, but is present in higher concentrations in organ content, particularly spleen, liver, and kidney. Iron can be found in plant ingredients to a lesser extent.

Absorption rates from non-heme iron (plant-based) are influenced by the body’s present iron status, by the presence of tannins and phytates, and the excess of specific minerals.

Recommended iron requirements are easily met in a raw diet inclusive of organs. However, it is important to note the recommended allowances for puppies and cats are more than double than adult dog recommendations. The use of spleen is beneficial in diets in these instances.

Zinc

Zinc plays a major role in multiple physiologic functions such as nucleic acid metabolism, protein synthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, immunocompetence, skin and wound healing, cell replication and differentiation, growth, reproduction, and hormone production.

The National Research Council (NRC) for dogs and cats provides minimum and recommended amounts for zinc per 1000kcal:

Zinc is present in raw muscle meat, particularly red meat, but is in higher concentrations in a few food sources. However, food options are limited for high zinc concentrations.

Liver from monogastric animals (one stomach) has significantly lower levels of copper in comparison to ruminant animals (multiple stomachs). Liver sources such as chicken, turkey, rabbit, and pork provide minimal levels of copper in comparison to livers from beef, lamb, and venison.

Iodine

The primary function of iodine is the main component of all thyroid hormones. The production of thyroid hormones plays an active role in thermoregulation, metabolism, reproduction, growth, development, circulation, and muscle function.

The National Research Council (NRC) for dogs and cats provides recommended amounts for iodine per 1000kcal:

Iodine is found in varying amounts in all foods. The highest concentration of iodine is found in sea vegetables and algae.

Under and over supplementing iodine can negatively affect pets. It is important to note that iodine levels are often not tested in nutritional analysis, but is available in trace amounts in most foods. However, the addition of whole food for iodine is beneficial to complete the recommended allowances.

Selenium

Selenium plays a critical role in immune function. Selenium acts as a free radical and helps protect cellular and subcellular membranes from oxidative stress. Additionally, selenium spares the vitamin E by preserving pancreatic integrity by allowing normal fat digestion which supports normal vitamin E absorption, reduces the amount of vitamin E required to maintain lipid integrity, and aids in vitamin E retention in blood plasma.

The National Research Council (NRC) for dogs and cats provides minimum and recommended amounts for selenium per 1000kcal:

Selenium is found among many food sources and is easily met in raw diets. Raw diets including liver, kidney, and eggs will provide recommended allowances for selenium.

Manganese

Manganese functions as a component in cell enzymes and can be found in the mitochondria of cells. Additionally, manganese plays a vital role in bone and cartilage development where it is necessary for joint health.

The National Research Council (NRC) for dogs and cats provides minimum and recommended amounts for manganese per 1000kcal: