Understanding the nutritional needs of cats can help parents choose the right cat food for their cats. Several minerals that are very important to cats include: iron, copper, potassium, zinc, magnesium, selenium and iodine. What do they all do?
Iron: Found in red blood cells, it helps the blood carry oxygen from the lungs throughout the body.
Copper: Assists in the action of iron in red blood cells and is involved in tissue metabolism.
Potassium: Maintains the normal functioning of body fluids, nerve conduction and some metabolic processes.
Zinc: Critical to normal skin, bone, muscle and hair growth.
Magnesium: Critical to normal cell reproduction and blood clotting.
Selenium: Combined with vitamin E, it can prevent free radicals from oxidizing the body and resist oxidation.
Iodine: The thyroid gland normally secretes thyroxine, a hormone that controls the rate of basic metabolism.
Good brands have trace mineral salts listed on product labels and at the bottom of the ingredient list. If you see manganese oxide, iron sulfide, sodium selenite, and calcium iodide, the mineral content of the food is sufficient.
Subscribe to Newsletter
Professional platform for pets, dogs and cats.