While the function of some minerals can be separated from that of others, it is impossible to adequately nourish an animal without providing all the minerals in their proper proportions because minerals interact in many aspects of body function and maintenance. Supplementation should not be attempted without the supervision of a veterinarian because of the risk of creating a dangerous imbalance.

Calcium and Phosphorus
When we think of calcium in a pet's diet, we usually think of it in relation to strong bones and teeth. This is true. However, calcium is tightly interrelated with phosphorus. A proper ratio of the two minerals is needed to ensure their use by a pet, considered to be1.0 to 2.0 parts calcium to each 1.0 part phosphorus. Wider ratios may be detrimental to bone calcification, while too much phosphorus could lead to bone abnormalities.

Too little calcium along with low levels of vitamin D may result in rickets, soft bones that bend out of shape under the weight of a pet. But, even though calcium is needed in extra quantities during puppyhood and lactation, it’s best to simply feed more of a good quality complete and balanced diet, rather than individual supplements.

Sodium and Chloride
Sodium and chloride serve largely as fluid-regulating minerals to help maintain the balance between fluids inside and outside individual cells of the body. Sodium aids in the transfer of nutrients to cells, the removal of waste material, and the maintenance of water balance among the tissues and organs. Chloride is required for the formation of hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach which helps in the digestion of protein.

Potassium and Magnesium
Potassium is found in high concentrations within cells and is required for proper enzyme, muscle, and nerve functions, as well as helping to maintain fluid balance throughout the body. Magnesium is important as a structural component of both muscle and bone, and it plays a key role in many enzymatic reactions throughout the body.

Iron
Although the bodies of animals contain only about 0.004% iron, it plays a central role in life processes. A small amount of iron combines with a large protein to make hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying compound in red blood cells. Iron is also a component of the enzymes needed for energy utilization and many different oxygen carriers and enzymes.

Zinc
Zinc is important in the production of proteins and a functional immune system. Some enzyme systems are also dependent upon zinc, including enzymes which protect cells from damage caused by oxidation.

Manganese
Manganese is a metallic element used by industry as an alloy in steel to give it toughness. In nutrition, manganese has several essential functions involving protein and carbohydrate metabolism and reproduction. More specifically, manganese is thought to be an activator of enzyme systems involved in the production of energy, fatty acid synthesis, and amino acid metabolism.

Copper
The importance of copper in the body is quite varied because it is involved in collagen and elastic connective tissue formation, the development and maturation of red blood cells, antioxidant functions, as well as providing pigmentation for hair.

Selenium
Although selenium is required in the smallest amount of any of the generally accepted trace elements, it is also the most toxic. Selenium works primarily in conjunction with vitamin E to act as an antioxidant in the body.

Iodine
The only known metabolic role of dietary iodine is in the production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. The primary function of these hormones is to regulate and influence basal metabolic rates of the body (for example, how quickly an animal metabolizes or burns up energy after eating a meal).