Minerals

Published by
min read

Find food that fits your pet’s needs

Find a dog food that fits your pet’s needs

Find a cat food that fits your pet’s needs

More than 18 mineral elements are believed to be essential for mammals. By definition, macrominerals are required by the animal in the diet in larger amounts and microminerals or trace elements in much smaller amounts. All the macrominerals, except sulphur, are described in the text.

There are 7 macrominerals:

Molecule Protein

There are at least 11 microminerals. The major microminerals are iron, zinc, copper, and selenium.

Molecule Protein

MINERALS ARE REQUIRED FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF:

Skeletal structure
Calcium
Phosphorus
Magnesium
Acid base balance
Fluid balance
Potassium
Sodium
Chloride
Cellular function
All
Nerve conduction
Potassium
Magnesium
Muscle contraction
Calcium
Magnesium
Potassium

Individual minerals
 

CALCIUM AND PHOSPHORUS

Calcium is the most common mineral in the body and phosphorus is the next most common. Calcium and phosphorus serve as structural components of the bones and the teeth.

Calcium is also important as a messenger which mediates the following:

  • constriction and dilation of blood vessels
  • nerve impulse transmission
  • muscle contractions
  • secretion of hormones
  • blood coagulation
  • a co-factor for enzymes

Since calcium participates in so many functions including keeping the heart beating, it is essential to keep the blood level of calcium at a steady level. This explains why, even when the food is quite deficient in calcium it is not reflected in the blood levels. Additional calcium is quickly released from the bones when the levels in the blood drop below a certain point to ensure that enough calcium is present to keep vital functions working.
 

SODIUM, POTASSIUM AND CHLORIDE

Sodium, potassium and chloride are the major electrolytes in the body water.

Interesting fact

Electrolytes are minerals found naturally in the body that are present as electrically charged particles, or ions. Electrolytes are needed to keep the body's balance of fluids at the proper level.

They are involved in:

  • maintaining acid-base balance
  • maintaining osmotic balance
  • transmitting nerve impulses
  • facilitating and transmitting muscle contractions

Many cat foods sold in grocery stores have a very high salt content.
 

MAGNESIUM

  • is a component of bone, enzymes and intracellular fluids
  • has influence on neuromuscular transmissions


IRON

Is an essential component of:

  • haemoglobin: the oxygen carrying pigment of the blood
  • myoglobin: the oxygen carrying pigment of the muscles


ZINC

Zinc is a constituent or activator of more than 200 enzymes, so it is involved in a high number of diverse physiological functions. Some of zinc's primary functions include:

  • immunocompetence
  • skin and wound healing
  • growth
  • reproduction


COPPER

Copper is needed for:

  • the formation of red blood cells
  • normal pigmentation of skin and hair


SELENIUM

Is an essential component of the naturally occurring antioxidant, gluthathione peroxidase, which is present in all body cells.

Related Articles

  • Is It Safe to Give My Dog or Cat Fruit?

    If you're tempted to feed these tasty treats to your furry friend, you'll be happy to know that you can include fruit in your pet's snack routine, as long as you stick to those fruits that are safe. Some fruits can be toxic to your pet, so it's very important to double-check with your veterinarian before sharing your fruit salad.
  • Fats

    Dogs running Dietary fats are required to supply energy: dietary fat provides the pet with 2.25 times more calories per weight unit than protein or carbohydrates.
  • Vitamins

    Dogs running Learn more about the different types of viatmins that are important to your pet's nutrition, and what you should be looking for when buying pet food.
  • Importance of DHA in your Pet's Food

    Dogs running Learn about DHA - Docosahexaenoic Acid- a natural omega-3 fatty acid that is essential in the development of the brain and nervous system in kittens.

Related products