As a holistic health coach, I spend a lot of time talking about the building blocks of wellness. We focus on nutrient-dense foods, clean water, and the power of a healthy gut. But one of the most critical topics—for both people and our pets—is often overlooked: minerals.
Minerals are the very foundation of life. They are the elements that power every biological process, from nerve function to a strong immune system. But in today’s world, our soils are depleted, and our food systems are compromised, making mineral deficiencies a silent crisis for people and pets alike.
This is why I’m such a fierce advocate for a species-appropriate diet for our dogs and cats. It’s the most natural way to ensure they get the minerals they need. However, even with the best diet, there are times when our pets, just like us, might need a little extra support.
To truly understand why minerals are so important, let’s look at what some of them do in your pet’s body. These are the unsung heroes of health:
Calcium and Phosphorus: These two work together to build strong bones and teeth, and they are essential for nerve transmission and muscle function.
Magnesium: Known as the “relaxation mineral,” it supports a calm nervous system, muscle contractions, and helps regulate blood sugar.
Sodium, Potassium, and Chloride: These are the primary electrolytes that maintain fluid balance, nerve signals, and proper heart function.
Zinc: A powerhouse for the immune system, skin health, and wound healing. It’s also vital for healthy hormone function.
Iron: The key component of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. A deficiency can lead to anemia.
Copper: Essential for making red blood cells and for the absorption of iron. It also supports connective tissue and a healthy coat.
Iodine: Crucial for thyroid health, which controls your pet’s metabolism.
Selenium: A powerful antioxidant that works with Vitamin E to protect cells from damage.
When looking for mineral support, the form of the supplement matters just as much as the content. As a health coach, I always prioritize bioavailability—how well the body can absorb and use a nutrient.
Synthetic Minerals: These are lab-created minerals, often found in low-quality pet foods and supplements. They are not in a form the body easily recognizes or absorbs, and their bioavailability is often poor. They are a cheap fix, but not a holistic solution.
Colloidal Minerals: These are tiny mineral particles suspended in a liquid. While they are often promoted for high absorption, the particles are still too large to be fully absorbed at the cellular level.
Ionic Minerals: This is the gold standard for mineral supplementation. Ionic minerals are dissolved minerals that carry an electric charge. This is the natural state of minerals in the body. Ionic minerals are tiny and easily absorbed directly by the cells, making them the most bioavailable form.
For our pets, and for us, the ultimate source of ionic minerals comes from a natural phenomenon. Humic and fulvic minerals are extracted from ancient plant matter that has been compressed over millions of years into a rich, carbon-based deposit.
Where They Come From: Humic and fulvic acids are formed over time as microorganisms break down organic plant matter. This process creates a complex web of bioavailable minerals, amino acids, and nutrients.
Powerful Detoxifiers: The humic and fulvic acids act as powerful natural chelators. This means they can bind to heavy metals and environmental toxins—like pesticides and herbicides—and escort them out of your pet’s body, reducing their toxic load.
The Ultimate Nutrient Transporter: Fulvic acid, in particular, acts like a tiny taxi, carrying nutrients directly into the cells and helping to remove waste. This makes all the other good nutrients in your pet’s diet more effective.
By adding a high-quality ionic humic/fulvic mineral supplement, you’re not just providing minerals; you’re giving your pet a tool for detoxification and better nutrient absorption.
For a healthy pet on a well-formulated, species-appropriate diet, mineral supplements are often not needed. Their body is getting what it needs from the food. However, there are a few key scenarios where supplementation can be a powerful tool:
A Diet That Isn’t Balanced: If you are unable to feed a fully balanced, fresh food diet, adding a whole-food mineral supplement can help fill the gaps.
Dehydration: Just like us, pets can lose vital electrolytes when dehydrated, whether it’s from excessive panting in the heat, an illness, or simply not drinking enough water.
Gut Health Issues: Pets with chronic digestive problems may not be absorbing nutrients from their food properly, regardless of diet quality.
A “Toxin-Rich” World: Our pets are exposed to toxins from tap water, pesticides, and household chemicals. This constant toxic load can deplete the body’s mineral stores.
Chronic Illness: Certain health conditions can affect a pet’s ability to absorb or retain minerals.
As a health coach, my job is to teach you to listen to the subtle cues your body gives you. I believe it’s our responsibility to do the same for our pets. A mineral deficiency doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a slow, steady depletion that can manifest in various ways.
Keep an eye out for these red flags in your dog or cat:
Lethargy and Fatigue: An overall lack of energy or enthusiasm for activities they once loved.
Unhealthy Skin and Coat: A dull, brittle, or shedding coat can be a sign of a zinc or copper deficiency.
Changes in Appetite: Pica (eating non-food items like dirt or grass), or a sudden lack of appetite, can sometimes be a sign the body is searching for missing nutrients.
Stiff Joints or Lameness: This can be an indicator of deficiencies in calcium, magnesium, or other minerals crucial for bone and joint health.
Weakened Immunity: Frequent infections or a pet that seems to always be “under the weather” might be dealing with an immune system that lacks the necessary mineral support.
Behavioral Changes: Anxiety, irritability, or unusual nervousness could also be linked to mineral imbalances.
Taking a proactive approach to your pet’s wellness is the most loving thing you can do. As your holistic health coach, my goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools to create a vibrant life for your furry companion. The journey to optimal health is a partnership, and I would be honored to guide you. If you’re ready to dive deeper into species-appropriate nutrition, decipher the signs of imbalance, and develop a personalized plan, I invite you to schedule a consultation with me. Together, we can ensure your pet has the mineral foundation they need to thrive and live a long, healthy life by your side.
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