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Zinc - Zn in dog and cat diets

A short guide to the role of Zinc - Zn in dog and cat nutrition.

Zinc - Zn

Zinc is part of more than 200 enzymes. It plays a key role in maintaining healthy skin and coat, in wound healing processes, and also supports the proper functioning of the immune system [1] [2].

Where it's found: The richest and most bioavailable source of zinc is red meat (beef, pork, lamb, horse) as well as heart and kidneys [2]. Liver is a worse choice for raising zinc — you will overdose vitamin A with it faster than you sensibly raise zinc. When needed: supplements in the form of chelates or zinc citrate (not the oxide).

Deficiency: Deficiencies resulting from too little zinc supply in the meat itself occur rarely. Usually the problem is impairment of its absorption in the intestines, caused by an excess of calcium, iron, or the presence of phytates (compounds found in grains and legumes) [3]. The symptoms are a dull, dried-out coat, dandruff, excessive shedding, keratinizations on the nose and paw pads, slower wound healing, recurrent skin infections, and a general drop in immunity [4]. Nordic breeds (husky, malamute, samoyed) have genetic zinc absorption disorders and may require doses higher than the standard — this is a topic to be managed with a veterinarian [4].

Excess: Resulting from a natural diet alone it is practically impossible, because the body efficiently regulates zinc absorption. Chronic excess from supplements, on the other hand, impairs copper absorption and can lead to secondary anemia [2]. An acute threat is the animal swallowing an object containing zinc (a metal cap, a coin) or licking an ointment with a large amount of zinc oxide.

What to watch for

The most common cause of too-low zinc in the calculator is not a low level in the bowl itself, but an excess of calcium (too much bone, eggshell, supplements), which blocks its absorption [3]. The classic trap is a diet based on poultry with a lot of bone and little red meat. If zinc comes out too low, first improve the composition by rotating meat species; treat the supplement as a last resort and do not give it in the same meal with iron or copper, because they compete for absorption.

Sources

  1. National Research Council (2006). Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press. https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/10668/nutrient-requirements-of-dogs-and-cats
  2. Pereira AM, Maia MRG, Fonseca AJM, Cabrita ARJ (2021). Zinc in Dog Nutrition, Health and Disease: A Review. Animals 11(4):978. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11040978
  3. Brejnholt SM, et al. (2020). Effect of Zinc Source and Exogenous Enzymes Supplementation on Zinc Status in Dogs Fed High Phytate Diets. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7142709/
  4. White SD, Bourdeau P, Rosychuk RAW, et al. (2001). Zinc-responsive dermatosis in dogs: 41 cases and literature review. Veterinary Dermatology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10563006/