Zinc is a component of over 200 enzymes. It plays a key role in maintaining healthy skin and fur, wound healing processes and supports the proper functioning of the immune system [1] [2].
What it contains: Red meat (beef, pork, mutton, horse meat), offal and, to a lesser extent, eggs. If necessary: supplements in the form of chelates or zinc sulfate.
Deficiency: Deficiencies resulting from too little zinc supply in the BARF/BACF diet are rare. Typically, the problem is impaired absorption in the intestines, caused by excess calcium, iron or the presence of phytates [3]. Symptoms include dull, dry fur, dandruff, excessive shedding, slower wound healing, recurrent skin infections and decreased immunity [2].
Excess: Resulting from a natural diet alone, it is impossible because the body regulates its absorption very efficiently. However, it is dangerous for an animal to swallow an object containing zinc, such as a metal cap, a coin or lick an ointment containing large amounts of zinc [2].
Sources
- National Research Council (2006). Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats, Chapter 7 - Minerals. National Academies Press. https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/10668/nutrient-requirements-of-dogs-and-cats
- 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
- Pereira AM, Guedes M, Matos E, Pinto E, et al. (2020). Effect of Zinc Source and Exogenous Enzymes Supplementation on Zinc Status in Dogs Fed High Phytate Diets. Animals 10(3):400. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7142709/