Minerals
Types
Source
Consequence of deficiency or excess
Additional facts
Most minerals work together and need to be balanced to work
Macro-minerals are minerals we need more of, while micro-minerals are minerals we need less of
Deficiencies and excesses are usually caused by having too much of one mineral that in turn throws the other out of balance
Adequate balance of minerals is essential
Most pet food already provide a balance of minerals, making the need to substitute or change things about a pets diet unnecessary
Macro-minerals
Micro-minerals (trace elements)
Macro-minerals
Calcium and Phosphorus
Chloride and sodium
Potassium
Magnesium
Iron
Copper
Zinc
Selenium
Iodine
Manganese
Chloride and sodium
Magnesium
Iron
Function
Micro-minerals
Difficult to suffer from deficiency or excesses
If there is a deficiency - anaemia, rough coat, listlessness and decreased growth, if there is an excess - anorexia and weight loss
Potassium
Animal origin
Veg origin
Meat
Egg
Diary
Bone meal
Green veg
Salt
Cereals
Micro-minerals
Associated with enzyme function and regulation of metabolism
Macro-minerals
Are important for a number of different functions
Chloride and sodium
Magnesium
Calcium and Phosphorus
Potassium
Iron
Maintains skeletal and tooth integrity, production of milk in lactating animals, helps clotting of the blood, nerve transmission and muscle contraction
Maintain fluid and electrolyte balance in the body and normal function of the heart
deficiency - triggers thirst response, sever problems (salt poisoning) will occur if the animal continues not to drink
main electrolyte of inter-cellular fluid, helps maintain fluid balance within cells, provides cells with nutrients and removes waste, assists muscle function
Could leak from damaged cells and could affect muscles, especially around the heart
Important component of bone, important in the bodies use of carbohydrates and fats, helps in nerve transmission
Excess - urinary calculi, deficiency - muscle weakness, irritability, demineralisation of bones
important role in transport of oxygen, main constituent of haemoglobin