What You Need to Know About Dog and Cat Nutrition

Vitamins

Vitamins are essential for metabolism regulation, normal growth and function.Vitamins are found in food and some are synthesized in the animal’s body.They are classified as either water- or fat-soluble.Fat-soluble vitamins include A, D, E, and K.Water-soluble vitamins include C, and the B-complex.Generally, fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body, while water-soluble vitamins pass through more quickly.Many vitamins are destroyed by heat, light, and oxygen.

Minerals

Minerals are essential to the dog and cat, and are involved in almost all physiological reactions.They contribute to enzyme formation, pH balance, nutrient utilization, oxygen transportation, and are stored in bone and muscle tissue.Biological availability may vary widely depending on the source of the mineral.Elemental minerals are generally taken from the earth or water.Chelated minerals are bound with other organic substances making them often easier for the body to absorb.Minerals include calcium, chloride, chromium, cobalt, copper, fluorine, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silicon, sodium, sulfur, and zinc.There are other mineral elements required by dogs and cats at trace concentrations.Many minerals may be lost in heat-processing.Minerals, like vitamins, work synergistically.They have a cooperative action between them.

Water

Water is an essential nutrient and is vital to every cell in the animal’s body.An adult’s body is approximately 60 percent water, with the percentage even higher in the puppy or kitten.Water transports nutrients and waste in and out of the cells.It is necessary for temperature regulation, digestion, circulation, nutrient absorption and utilization.Water loss occurs mostly through urine, feces, lungs, skin, and the milk of a lactating female.In addition to drinking water, the dog or cat may obtain water from its food, depending on the type of food and its moisture content.Good quality water is as equally important to health as good quality food.

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