All living beings require minerals for normal function. Unlike many other nutrients, minerals cannot be synthesized by the body. Mineral requirements are dependent upon the life stage of the animal. For example, gestating bitches and growing puppies require more calcium and phosphorus than adult maintenance dogs. Differences in mineral metabolism can be attributed to breed and individual animal variation.

Minerals are used by the dog: as structural components of body organs and tissues; in enzymes and hormone systems; and as electrolytes in body fluids and tissues. In general, minerals cannot be considered single elements when involved in bodily functions, as minerals are interrelated and balanced against each other. For example, a definite relationship exists between calcium and phosphorus in the formation of bone and teeth.

Minerals are obtained by the animal through the ingestion of food. While minerals are found in all foods, the amounts vary as does the ability of the animal to utilize these minerals. Further complicating this matter, is the fact that during the digestive process conditions may occur which alter mineral absorption. To aid in the prevention of mineral deficiencies, pet food manufacturers add mineral supplements. The presence of the mineral in a food does not ensure proper use by the animal The form in which minerals are added is also of great importance. Obviously, copper, in the form of an electrical wire, cannot be utilized by the dog. Minerals must be solubilized in the gut so absorption can take place. Most pet food manufacturers add minerals in the form of inorganic sulfites and oxides.

Researchers have found that minerals fed in their chelated form are more available to, and better utilized by the dog. Chelated minerals are minerals that have been chemically bound to a small protein or a group of amino acids. It is believed that the bound protein pieces or attached amino acids shield the mineral from interacting within the gut of the dog. For example, chelated zinc is protected from binding to calcium, making the zinc more readily absorbed than the non-chelated (organic) mineral. When food is consumed by the dog, mineral chelation occurs naturally. This chelation is instrumental in the absorption of the mineral If chelated minerals are fed, the trace mineral will remain more stable and would be less likely to participate in unfavorable chelation reactions (i.e. binding to another mineral or an undesirable protein). Consequently, more of the mineral is available to the dog when fed in the chelated form.

Several studies have reported benefits from feeding diets containing chelated minerals. Improvements in reproduction and responses to vaccinations have been seen in cattle fed diets containing chelated forms of zinc, copper and manganese. In canine studies, feeding diets containing chelated minerals resulted in higher mineral absorption and utilization. In addition, research studies report that feeding diets containing chelated minerals to gestating bitches resulted in larger litters.

Royal Canin USA, Inc. supplements each of our formulas with chelated copper, zinc and manganese. You can find these minerals listed as mineral proteinates (i.e. copper proteinate, zinc proteinate and manganese proteinate), in the ingredient declaration panel. These three minerals are essential to optimal health, especially during times of high stress (growth, gestation, lactation and high performance). For superior nutrition with chelated minerals choose Sensible Choice, Natural Blend, Royal Canin, Excel, Kasco or Wayne canine and feline formulas.

References

Underwood, E.J. (1981). "The mineral nutrition of livestock". Commonwealth Agricultural Bureaux, London, England.

McDowell, L.R. (1992). "Minerals in Animal and Human Nutrition". Academic Press Inc., San Diego, California.

Kuhlman, G. and Rompala, R.E. (1995). The influence of dietary sources of zinc, copper and manganese on canine reproductive performance. J. Anim. Sci. 73 (Suppl. 1): 186.

Lowe, J.A., et al. (1993). Absorption and retention of zinc when administered as an amino acid chelate in the dog. Waltham Symposium on the Nutrition of Companion Animals. Adelaide, Australia. page 7.

Lowe, J.A., et al. (1993). The influence of source of zinc on its retention in hair and hair growth in the dog. Waltham Symposium on the Nutrition of Companion Animals. Adelaide, Australia. page 7.

Lowe, J. (1992). Complex pet foods. Feed Management. 43(7):27.