Minerals in Dog Nutrition
| Date Added: February 06, 2010 07:58:33 AM |
| Author: VitaHound |
| Category: Pet Health Care: Dogs |
| Most dog owners know the important role minerals play in their dog's health. Although, how many of those same owners, would be able to name one of those minerals. Do they know the amount their dog needs, and what are the effects of a mineral deficiency or excess? There are approximately twelve distinct minerals that veterinarians feel play an important part in dog nutrition our staff at www.VitaHound.com has established the following guidleines. A dog that weighed 33 pounds would need the following minerals to maintain a happy and healthy life. Calcium is used for bone and tooth health. It is recommended that a dog receives about .75g per day. If a dog is experiencing calcium deficiency, warning signs will include hyperparathyroidism and skeletal abnormalities. Approximately .75 grams is also recommended of the mineral phosphorus. A dog lacking phosphorus will experience weight loss and poor appetite. Magnesium is needed for enzyme function. Without 150 mg of this mineral everyday, a puppy is in danger of convulsions, it can also lead to rear limb paralysis later in life. Sodium regulates osmotic pressure and can be responsible for restlessness and an increased heart rate. It is recommended that a dog gets 100 mg of Sodium daily. one gram of Potassium everyday will ensure a dog's nerve impulse transmission is working. Warning signs of a Potassium deficiency is poor growth in puppies. Another important mineral in complete dog nutrition is Chlorine. A lack of Chlorine can cause a lack of weight gain and weakness. A dog generally needs about 150 mg daily. In order for a dog's body to synthesize blood a dog must get about 7.5 mg of Iron. Without this important substance a dog is in danger of gastrointestinal damage. A daily dose of 1.5 mg of copper will ensure there is no loss of hair pigmentation in puppies. For cell replacement and wound healing a dog should get 15 mg of zinc everyday. A daily allowance of 1.2 mg of manganese will aid in bone development. Two other important minerals are Selenium and Iodine. A dog eating a diet of commercial dog food will usually be able to meet the recommended daily intake of these minerals for optimal dog nutrition. Always check with a veterinarian before giving any sort of mineral supplement to your dog. A mineral excess can also cause health problems in dogs. |
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