Zinc

Zinc Glossary: Zinc is a trace element that acts as a cofactor for a very large number of enzymes, and it is especially crucial for rapidly renewing tissues such as the skin, coat and immune system, as well as for wound healing. Because the body stores little zinc, a regular dietary supply matters, and its bioavailability is strongly shaped by other dietary components: excess [calcium](/glossary/calcium) and the phytates found in plant ingredients both reduce zinc absorption, so a food's mineral and phytate balance is as important as its raw zinc content. Deficiency produces a characteristic zinc-responsive dermatosis, with crusted skin lesions, depigmentation and a dull coat. Two distinct syndromes are recognised in dogs. Syndrome 1 is hereditary and mainly affects northern breeds such as the Siberian Husky and the Alaskan Malamute, in which intestinal zinc absorption is impaired regardless of diet. Syndrome 2 affects large-breed puppies fed a diet low in available zinc or overloaded with calcium and phytates. [Copper](/glossary/copper) plays into the balance too, since an excess of zinc can hinder copper absorption, which is why the two are formulated together. Well-absorbed sources include meat and organ tissues, and chelated forms are considered more bioavailable. On a label, zinc appears among the trace elements. See the [Petipedia glossary](/glossary).

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