Mineral deficiencies may appear in pets as sickness or allergy. Lack of zinc, for instance, can cause vomiting, conjunctivitis, debility, and retarded growth in cats. Proper levels of zinc give skin and coat protection. Zinc also protects molecules and tissues against free radicals, thereby representing an essential component of antioxidant enzymes. Zinc is required for the activity of over 100 different kinds of enzymes in animal health. Calcium deficiencies in dogs result in osteoporosis, hip dysplasia, gum erosion and teeth loss, easily broken bones, and reproductive failures and in cats, nervousness, lameness, thin bones and unfriendly behavior.
Copper deficiencies present symptoms such as loss of hair pigmentation and bone abnormalities. Low potassium contributes to muscle weakness, poor growth, listlessness, irregular heartbeat and lesions in the kidneys. Manganese deficiencies can contribute to reproductive dysfunction, weak tendons and ligaments, impaired bone formation, anemia, neuro-muscular dysfunctions, and glandular swelling.
A similar unbalancing of minerals can occur with excesÂsive intake of single vitamins, either by producing a deficiency or increasing the retention of a particular mineral. A high intake of vitamin C decreases copper’s absorption and will contribute to a deficiency. Too much zinc can unbalance copper and iron levels in the body. Iron deficiencies can cause anemic conditions, weakness and fatigue.
We advise giving your pet a trace mineral liquid supplement in their water rather than a vitamin/mineral pill. The trace minerals are better absorbed by the cell and leave no residue that can be lodged in joints facilitating arthritis later in life.
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