harmful effects. The best way to ensure
that the complex relationship of minerals is maintained in the
diet of a dog is to choose only those high quality commercial
dog foods that are nutritionally complete and balanced and have
undergone extensive feeding tests conducted by the manufacturer.
The measurement of the total mineral content of a particular
dog food is described as its ash content. Ash is a general term
referring to the noncombustible residue remaining after a laboratory
analysis in which a sample of a particular food is burned at
6000 degrees for two hours.
Ash contains calcium, phosphorus, sodium chloride, potassium
and other minerals which are essential nutrients. A diet low
in ash may not supply all the minerals a dog needs which could
cause a mineral deficiency and subsequent health problems.
Calcium and phosphorus are essential for normal bone development.
An inadequate supply of either mineral in the diet limits the
nutritive value of both. This supply must be in the proper ratio
of 1.2 - 2.0 parts calcium to one part phosphorus. When phosphorus
levels exceed the calcium levels in a diet, bone abnormalities
may appear. The presence of vitamin D is also required to help
regulate the absorption of calcium and phosphorus and to ensure
that the two minerals are deposited in the bones and teeth.
A deficiency of these minerals in the diet can result in bone
weakness and skeletal deformities. Over supplementation can adversely
affect bone growth and development.
Iron is required for the formation of hemoglobin which, in turn,
is necessary for carrying oxygen in the bloodstream to all parts
of the body.
Because puppies may be anemic at birth, an adequate iron supply
is essential in their diets. This is why products such as Purina
Puppy Chow brand puppy food are designed to provide higher levels
of iron, calcium and other nutrients puppies need during their
period of rapid growth and development.
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Too much iron in the diet can interfere
with phosphorus absorption.
Copper is required for the proper utilization of iron. Excess
copper can significantly depress iron absorption.
Anemia is the sign if either iron or copper is lacking in a dog's
diet. Bone abnormalities may also occur with copper deficiency.
Magnesium is closely associated with calcium and phosphorus,
both in its distribution and in its metabolism. However, excess
magnesium can upset calcium metabolism.
Magnesium deficiency in puppies has been shown to cause depression,
lack of coordination and muscular weakness.
Potassium is required for body fluid, nerve transmission and
certain metabolic processes.
Potassium deficiency signs in dogs include poor growth, restlessness,
muscular paralysis and a tendency to become dehydrated.
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High levels of potassium can be toxic,
affecting the heart and the adrenal glands.
Sodium and chloride control the passage of nutrients into the
cells as well as water metabolism.
Signs of sodium and chloride deficiency include fatigue, decreased
water intake, retarded growth, dry skin and hair loss.
If a dog develops certain heart and kidney problems, a diet with
a lower sodium and/or chloride level might be prescribed by the
veterinarian.
Most good-quality nutritionally complete and balanced pet foods
supply adequate sodium, chloride and potassium so an occurrence
of deficiencies in these minerals is rare.
Zinc is necessary for normal bone, muscle and hair growth. Signs
of zinc deficiency include emaciation, general debilitation and
retarded growth.
Too much zinc in the diet can cause a copper deficiency, which
in turn can cause an iron deficiency and anemia.
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