Diets that don’t have an adequate amount of meat, or diets that have heavily processed meat, can lead to zinc deficiency. Additionally, diets that are high in corn, wheat, and/or soy (which is typical of many processed dog foods) can lead to malabsorption by making zinc unavailable to the body.
How do you fix zinc deficiency in dogs?
In dogs with dietary-induced zinc deficiency, the dietary imbalance must be corrected by feeding a high quality balanced AAFCO-approved dog food, and discontinuing vitamin/mineral supplements. In these cases skin lesions typically resolve within 2-6 weeks of the diet change.
What food has zinc for dogs?
Zinc is also abundant in fresh meat, seafood, vegetables, dairy products, and grains, including:
- Beef.
- Duck.
- Chicken.
- Salmon.
- Sardines.
- Fish oil.
- Spinach.
- Broccoli.
Which dog breed is prone to zinc deficiency?
Type 1 Zinc-responsive dermatosis occurs most often In the Alaskan breeds like the Siberian Husky and the Alaskan Malamute, although it has also been reported In the Doberman Pinscher, Great Dane and other breeds.
What are the symptoms of zinc deficiency in dogs?
Puppies with zinc deficiency experience stunted growth, diarrhea, crusted and cracked footpads, and multiple infections. These puppies do not respond well to zinc supplementation and usually die or are euthanized.
How do they test for zinc deficiency in dogs?
Measurement of zinc levels is difficult to diagnose but checking a dog’s clinical and nutritional history, along with a physical examination and a skin biopsy are important strategies for diagnosis.
How long does it take to correct a zinc deficiency?
Mild zinc deficiency should be treated with zinc supplementation at two to three times the recommended dietary allowance (RDA), whereas moderate to severe deficiency can be treated at four to five times the RDA. 40,41 Treatment should last for six months.
What dog breed is prone to zinc deficiency?
