We did it! Today is the last day of the April Blogging from A to Z Challenge! Who guessed that the “Z” dog food ingredient would be related to zinc? I hope that some of my posts over the last month have helped people to learn more about some of the ingredients used to make dog food. It’s so important to actually know what we’re feeding our furry best friends!
This post is part of our 2023 April blogging from A to Z Challenge! Join us this month as we go through the alphabet, A to Z, learning more about some of the ingredients that are commonly (or not so commonly, in some cases) found in our dog’s food!
Post Contents:
What is Zinc Proteinate?
Zinc proteinate is created by the chelation of zinc with amino acids and/or proteins. Chelation is a type of bond between ions and molecules to metal ions. Basically, inorganic metals are bonded to organic amino acids or proteins because it makes them easier for animals’ bodies to process and utilize.
Zinc proteinate is commonly used as a zinc source in animal feed.
Why is Zinc Proteinate Added to Dog Food?
Like in other types of animal feed, zinc proteinate is added to dog food as a supplemental source of zinc.
Cons of Feeding Zinc Proteinate to Dogs:
Zinc toxicity can cause death in dogs. Signs of zinc toxicity include GI upset, jaundice, lethargy, panting, anemia, weakness, pale gums, and an increased heart rate. However, zinc toxicity is not caused by the small amounts of zinc that are added into dog foods. It most commonly occurs when dogs ingest things they shouldn’t, such as metallic objects including zippers, jewelry, nails, and pennies made after 1982. Zinc containing ointments and sunscreen also contain zinc. Dogs can also develop zinc poisoning after ingesting human vitamins or zinc supplements.
Benefits of Zinc Proteinate for Dogs:
Animals, dogs included, require a small amount of zinc. Dogs’ bodies cannot produce zinc, and don’t store much of it either. It must be obtained from the food they eat. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommend that dogs get 120 mg of zinc per kg of dry food.
Zinc is important for the production of DNA, growth, a healthy coat and skin, eyesight, cognitive function, the creation of hormones, wound healing, and the immune system.
Zinc proteinate is used instead of other forms of supplemental zinc because it is easier for animals’ bodies to absorb.
So What’s the Verdict on Zinc Proteinate? Is it Safe as a Dog Food Ingredient?
Zinc proteinate is more expensive than other forms of supplemental zinc, but it is more bioavailable than other forms. Dogs’ bodies require small amounts of zinc to function properly. Zinc deficiency in dogs causes symptoms such as a weakened immune system, frequent infections, slow wound healing, itching, skin and coat issues, stunted growth, and sores on the paws, lips, eyes, ears, and mouth.
Since dogs’ bodies can’t produce zinc, and are inefficient at storing it, it must be obtained from their diet. Zinc toxicity can be a serious issue but occurs most commonly when dogs eat metal objects such as pennies, and not from zinc, such as zinc proteinate, included as an ingredient in dog foods.
Comment below! Have you noticed zinc proteinate, or another form of zinc, as in ingredient in your dog’s food?
This is our last post for the April Blogging from A to Z Challenge! Thank you so much to anyone who has stopped by to check out some of our challenge posts! It’s going to feed weird stepping away from blogging (almost) everyday, but I’ve decided, for now, to go back to a once a week schedule. If you’re interested in seeing Kit and Fen even more often, make sure to check us out on social media! We post most often on Facebook, as well as Kit’s and Fen’s Instagram pages. We’re also planning on posting over on our Youtube channel more often, so be sure to follow us there as well! Thanks!
We’ve, unfortunately, been dealing with content scrapers stealing our articles lately. You shouldn’t be seeing this article on any site other than pawprintpetblog.com! If you’re reading this article on any other site, we’d love for you to take the time to contact us and let us know and, if you have the time, stop by and visit us on our official site! Thanks you.
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