By Andrew Fischer

Top Essential Minerals for Dogs

All dogs need a balanced diet to stay healthy. The optimal diet should include proteins, fats, carbs, vitamins, minerals, and liquids.

Minerals are needed for many of the chemical reactions that happen every second in your dog’s body, these include digestion, faster healing, reduction of inflammation, proper hormonal function, building bones and muscles and keeping them resistant to viruses and bacteria.

In this article we will have a look at all the essential minerals that dogs need and we will tell you in which food you can find them.

Calcium

Calcium is known to help dogs build strong bones and muscles.

Some organs like the heart also need calcium to function properly.

New studies show that dogs especially benefit from the combination of calcium and vitamin D. These two may protect dogs against cancer and diabetes.

Chicken and fish are a great source of calcium for dogs.

Especially fish like trout, salmon, or sardines are high in calcium content.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is also important for the health of your dogs. It strengthens bones and teeth and it plays an important role in how the dog’s body uses carbohydrates and fats.

Phosphorus can be naturally found in protein-rich foods such as fish, cheese, meats, nuts and beans.

Iron

Dogs need iron to carry oxygen throughout their whole body.

If your dog doesn’t have enough iron he may seem tired and weak. Iron deficiency is also connected to poor growth.

If you want to make sure your dog gets enough iron you can also give him some extra vitamin C because vitamin C helps to absorb iron.

Broccoli is an amazing source of iron because it contains both iron and vitamin C.

Magnesium

Dogs need magnesium to maintain healthy bones and sufficient energy. Magnesium also helps them with a proper hormone secretion and calcium movement into muscles.

One symptom of magnesium deficiency in dogs is fatigue.

You can increase your dog’s magnesium intake by feeding the following magnesium-rich foods: pumpkin, beans, fish, leafy greens, or squash.

Zinc

Zins has a few key functions in your dog’s body.

Dogs need zinc for cognition and it helps them produce hormones.

Zinc deficiency in dogs may slow down healing and lead to infertility, or joint and bone issues.

One of the most famous sources of zinc for dogs are oysters. Zinc can be also found in fish, red meats, cereal grains, or peanuts.

Potassium

Potassium is key to regulating blood pressure. Dogs need sufficient amounts of potassium for heart health and for regulating their nervous system.

Great sources of potassium include bananas, sweet potatoes, salmon, cooked broccoli, peas, cucumbers, or cooked spinach.

Sulfur

Sulfur can be found in all protein foods such as eggs, meats, fish, poultry, or milk.

Dogs need sulfur to maintain healthy skin and to fight off bacteria. Sulfur is also essential for the synthesis of certain key proteins.

Also, dogs need sulfur for the health of their hair, nails and joints.

Selenium

Selenium is believed to reduce the risk of certain cancers, protect your dog’s heart, improve their immune system and help protect cells from damage.

Selenium can be found in seafood, vegetables, meat and whole grains.

Selenium deficiency in dogs leads to poor immunity and muscle cramps.

Copper

Copper helps dogs to absorb iron. It’s also necessary for the synthesis of melanin.

Copper deficiency in dogs leads to poor coat color and joint issues.

If your dog has copper deficiency you can increase his intake of seafood, nuts, seeds, or legumes.

Magnanese

Manganese deficiency in dogs causes infertility, decreases hair quality and leads to bone development issues.

Manganese can be found in nuts, leafy vegetables and whole grains.

What do macrominerals and trace minerals do in your dog's body?

Macrominerals and trace minerals work together and they have a vital regulatory and structural function. They help dogs to generate small electrical impulses that maintain and improve every aspect of their health.