Like vitamins, minerals function as co-enzymes enabling pets to
quickly and accurately perform bodily functions. They are needed
for the proper composition of body fluids, the formation of bone,
blood and for healthy nerve function. Mineral salts found in the
soil are taken up by plants and thus become part of the food chain.
Unfortunately, some areas have soils deficient in certain minerals,
thus requiring minerals to be added to diets.
There are two groups of Minerals:
- Macro Minerals: (Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Sodium and
Potassium) are required in larger amounts.
- Trace Minerals: (Zinc, Iron, Copper, Colbalt, Manganese, Selenium
and Iodine) are required in very small amounts.
Minerals are stored in bone and muscle tissue, thus, mineral toxicity
can occur if large doses are given over long periods of time. Balance
among the various minerals is important to make sure that they function
properly with themselves and with vitamins. Calcium and Phosphorus
must also be in the correct ratio to each other (usually 1.5:1 or
2:1 calcium to phosphorus). Trace mineral
chelates provide better trace mineral absorption.
Once a mineral is absorbed it must be carried by the blood to
cells in a form that can be utilized by the cell. There is competition
among minerals for absorption and large doses of individual minerals
can cause mineral deficiencies. For example, too much Zinc can deplete
Copper and excessive Calcium can have a bad effect on Magnesium
absorption.
Calcium: Vital in formation of strong healthy
bones and teeth. Helps regulate heart beat and is important in the
transmission of nerve impulses. Needed for muscle growth. Found
in most grains, fruits, nuts and green vegetables.
Phosphorus: Also needed for bones and teeth,
as well as muscle development and kidney functions. Phosphorus is
found in grains, nuts, sunflowers, pumpkins and yeast.
NOTE: Whole grains and seeds normally contain
more Phosphorus than Calcium. Without adding something to bring
Calcium and Phosphorus into proper balance, deficiencies can occur.
Some grains, seeds, nuts, etc. are also deficient in certain trace
minerals.
- Feeding a seed diet which is not fortified and balanced may
not be providing the correct vitamin/mineral balance and ratio.
- Feeding natural (home cooked or prepared) diets may not be providing
the correct vitamin/mineral balance.
To help ensure the correct balance and ratio of Calcium to Phosphorus
an organic source of Calcium and Phosphorus is added to fortified
diets. Whole grains and seeds usually have more Phosphorus than
Calcium. (i.e. Alfalfa has more Calcium than Phosphorus). To balance
the Calcium and Phosphorus varying amounts of Calcium Carbonate
or Dicalcium-Phosphate are incorporated into the fortified diets.
| Cobalt: |
Helps maintain natural immune system and gastrointestinal
functions. Found in seeds, nuts and grains. |
| Copper: |
Aids in formation of blood and bone. Works in conjunction
with Zinc and Vitamin C to maintain healthy skin, coat, and
feathers. Needed for nerve impulses. Copper is found in grains,
seeds, nuts, soybeans, certain fruits and green leafy vegetables. |
| Iodine: |
Helps metabolize excess fat. Used by the thyroid gland to
produce Thyroxin which regulates the total Basic Metabolic Rate
(BMR). Found in iodized salts, kelp, soybeans, greens and sesame
seeds. |
| Iron: |
Helps produce red blood cells and prevents anemia. Works with
Vitamin B12 to keep blood levels of oxygen high so that nutrients
can be transported. Essential for healthy immune system and
energy. Found in eggs, fish liver, green leafy vegetables, whole
grains and cereal grains. |
| Magnesium: |
Vital for enzyme activity. Helps with use of calcium and potassium.
Excessive amounts have been shown to cause the build up of crystalline
in the urinary tract. Found in apples, rice, garlic, kelp, nuts
and most grains and seeds. |
| Manganese: |
Needed for protein and fat metabolism, as well as, for healthy
nerves. Helps regulate blood sugar levels and for energy production,
growth and reproductive functions. Works with the B-complex
vitamins. Found in nuts, seeds, kelp, and whole grains. |
| Potassium: |
Important for healthy nervous system. Helps regulate heart
functions. Is an important electrolyte and thus helps maintain
proper water balance. Found in dairy foods, fruits, vegetables
and whole grains. Primary natural source is bananas. |
| Selenium: |
A vital antioxidant. Works with Vitamin E in reproductive
functions. Needed for pancreatic function. Many farm growing
areas are deficient in selenium. Thus grains, seeds and other
ingredients may be selenium deficient which can lead to a breakdown
of muscles including the heart muscle. Depending on soil conditions,
it can be found in Brazil nuts, brewer's yeast, rice, whole
grains and seeds. |
| Sodium: |
Needed to maintain proper water balance and blood Ph. Also
needed for nerve and muscle function. Found in virtually all
ingredients. Sodium Chloride (SACT) is the primary source and
is also the primary electrolyte. |
| Zinc: |
Essential for proper growth and development of the reproductive
organs. Required for protein utilization and/ or, for healthy
skin, coat and feathering. Found in fish, whole grains, seeds,
beans, and sunflower seeds. |
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