What nutrients do pets need to supplement?

At present, there are also some pet specific mineral nutrients developed by professional pet nutritionists based on different pet breeds and physiological stages, supplementing iron, copper, manganese, zinc, etc. according to the physiological needs of different pets. What nutrients do pets need to supplement?

Protein is an important nutrient for pets, and the basic units that make up protein are over 20 amino acids. Amino acids are helpful for the fur, muscles, bones, immune system, and other aspects of dogs and cats.

Fat is also an important source of energy for dogs and cats, which can protect bones and help maintain normal metabolism of tissues and cells.

Insufficient fat can cause skin itching, increased dandruff, rough and dry fur, ear infections, and make cats and dogs dull and neurotic; Moderate intake of fat can stimulate appetite, make food more in line with one's taste, and promote the absorption of fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.

Carbohydrates are not just starch. Cellulose is also a type of carbohydrate!

Dietary fiber can help maintain the intestinal health of pets and is known as the "intestinal cleaner". It can promote gastrointestinal peristalsis and also serve as a substrate for the fermentation of gut microbiota, helping to balance the gut microbiota.

In pet food labeling regulations, "coarse fiber" is one of the mandatory nutritional components to be labeled, including cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, etc. This indirectly indicates that dietary fiber is crucial for pets.

Vitamins are essential elements for maintaining life and health, and are necessary substances for dogs and cats to sustain life, growth, development, normal physiological functions, and metabolism.

There are 14 common vitamins, divided into two categories: fat soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, K); Water soluble vitamins (vitamin C, B1, B2, B6, B12, niacin, pantothenic acid, folic acid, bioactive acids, choline).

If lacking vitamins, it can lead to diseases in dogs and cats in areas such as fur, vision, and immune system.

Minerals are divided into two categories: 

① Constant minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chlorine, magnesium, iodine, and sulfur; 

② There are over 20 types of trace minerals, including iron, copper, manganese, zinc, iron, selenium, etc.

Clinical studies have found that minerals play important roles in the growth and development, metabolism, blood coagulation, regulation of the nervous system, and maintenance of normal heart activity in dogs and cats.