337 Unleashing the power of trace minerals for healthier pets.

Abstract Trace minerals are fundamental for maintaining health across all animal species. With their vital roles in cellular integrity, structural support, and enzymatic processes, these minerals directly influence multiple physiological processes, including aging, growth, skin and coat health, mobility, immunity, and overall health and well-being. However, the limited data on proper trace mineral nutrition in pets compared to other species, leads to industry-wide knowledge gaps. Trace minerals are typically added through premixes that are rarely updated, adjusted, or differentiated beyond basic dog and cat categories. This approach can result in commercial pet foods containing inadequate or excessive amounts of trace minerals. Increased understanding of how a strategic trace mineral program influences long-term pet health and can empower the industry to provide pet owners greater nutrition options promoting overall pet wellness and longevity. Maintaining adequate supplementation is further complicated by the source of trace minerals which affect absorption and bio-efficacy. Companion animal diets are typically formulated with either inorganic, organic, or a combination of trace mineral sources. Inorganic sources are often less bioavailable and less efficiently utilized, while organic trace minerals are generally considered more bioavailable. Organic trace minerals, defined as trace metals chelated to carbon-containing molecules such as amino acids or hydrolyzed proteins, have distinct differences depending on chelating agents and production methods which effect properties such as pH and stability. Understanding the efficacy of specific organic trace minerals to meet the nutritional requirements for the health and longevity of dogs and cats is essential. Trace mineral efficacy can be evaluated by relative bioavailability and phenotypic responses to dietary inclusion. For example, the commercially available amino acid-complexed trace mineral sources from Zinpro Corp. (Eden Prairie, MN) are formulated to provide a 1:1 ratio of mineral to amino acids, utilizing the amino acid transport system for absorption and metabolism. These minerals remain in circulation longer, allowing for more complete systemic delivery. Research on these specific minerals has begun to elucidate their impact on pet nutrition and health. Studies in senior, adult, and growing dogs and adult cats have shown direct phenotypic benefits related to skin and coat health, stress management, mobility, and exercise recovery. This work has also provided insights into proper supplementation levels, thus advancing industry knowledge and revealing the opportunity to improve the lives of pets through an effective trace mineral program.