| Vitamins | Energy | Protein | Fiber |
Calcium
Calcium is one of the most important minerals vertebrates need to build
and maintain strong skeletal systems. A proper balance of calcium, phosphorus
and vitamin D enables animals to absorb vital nutrients and helps prevent
metabolic bone disorders.
Chromium
A mineral that regulates blood sugar. It works with insulin to drive sugar
from blood into body tissue for use or storage.
Copper
Copper is a mineral that works with iron in making red blood cells. Unlike
iron and other stored minerals, copper must be supplemented regularly
in animal diets for optimum health. Requirements vary by species.
Fluoride
A mineral that works with calcium and phosphorus in providing hardness
and strength to bones and teeth.
Iodine
Iodine is present in T3 and T4 (thyroxine) hormones that are the active
principle of the thyroid gland. It affects oxygen consumption, metabolic
rates and fatty acid in the body. Deficiencies, including goiters, are
well documented in animals. Iodine is safe up to 10 times the recommended
requirement, but can cause severe problems at higher levels.
Iron
Iron is a mineral that is needed to produce healthy blood cells. It also
helps in the production of immune defense cells and white blood cells
that fight infections.
Magnesium
A mineral that helps energy production by metabolizing glucose, oxidating
fatty acids and activating amino acids. It helps build new body proteins
and nerve transmission.
Manganese
Manganese is a mineral that assists in enzyme metabolism in the pituitary
gland and helps in bone mineralization. It is also very important for
growth, gestation and egg development.
Molybdenum
A trace element that assists in the metabolism of iron in the liver. It
helps the body metabolize and remove uric acid to prevent gout.
Phosphorus
A mineral that works with calcium to strengthen bones and teeth. It also
helps in energy production, and in metabolizing protein, carbohydrates
and fats.
Potassium
The major ion in every living cell that contributes to the passage of
electrical impulses that control the contraction of muscles–including
the heart–and helps maintain normal blood pressure.
Sodium (Salt)
A mineral and electrolyte that determines the water balance in the body
of animals. In winter months many animals refuse to drink because water
is too cold. Salt in the diet encourages them to drink and keep hydrated.
It also helps to achieve the proper balance of sodium chloride and potassium
to maintain osmotic pressure in cells...a function tightly controlled
by the kidneys.
Selenium
Selenium is a trace mineral with antioxidant and anticancer properties.
It activates an enzyme in the body–gluthathione peroxidase–that
protects against the formation of free radicals which can damage DNA.
Sulfur
A mineral that is important in energy production, blood clotting and in
the production of collagen–the main protein that forms the framework
of bones, fibrous tissue, skin, hair, and nails. Also helps build enzymes.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral that must be provided on a regular basis.
It is key to healthy reproduction in males and females and effects the
growth rate of long bones, the immune system, the central nervous system
and regulation of vitamin A in blood. Zinc also prevents joint stiffness
and promotes good skin and hair growth in animals like lamas.
