A balanced diet is critical for a dog's overall health. Understanding the importance of iron in a canine diet, and the function of iron in a dog's health, is key in determining whether an iron supplement is needed. Before administering any iron supplements, please check with your veterinarian to avoid any complications related to iron toxicity.
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Iron in Dog Food
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Most dog foods will not identify the iron content on the label. Iron is categorized as a trace mineral in dog food, and although dogs have small daily requirements for trace minerals, they are important in a dog's overall health.
Functionality
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Iron is crucial to a dog's diet primarily for the health of red blood cells. Red blood cells deliver oxygenated blood throughout the body. Iron is also important for several enzymes in a dog's body.
Sources of Iron
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Iron can come from a number of sources in a dog's diet-- but based on studies performed at the Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition in the United Kingdom, it is thought that iron derived from animal products are better absorbed than those from vegetable sources. Diets high in soy may need higher iron content to compensate.
Iron supplements
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A daily recommended allowance for iron in a canine diet is 7.5 mg. If your dog is not getting this amount, a supplement may remedy the deficiency. Most iron supplements come in an oral tablet form, and are composed of more than just iron (like a multivitamin). Check with your veterinarian for recommendations of specific iron supplements to best suit your dog's health needs.
Iron deficiency
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Dogs that do not have enough iron in their diet may suffer from anemia. The lack of iron impacts the ability of the red blood cells to not develop correctly, subsequently reducing the amount of oxygen carried throughout the body. Some symptoms of anemia include lethargy, weakness or inhibited growth.
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