How to treat and prevent zinc deficiency in dogs

When dogs have symptoms such as hair loss and stomach upset, it’s normal for their owners to worry that something is lacking in their diet. One possible, but relatively uncommon, nutritional concern behind these signs is zinc deficiency. In dogs, zinc deficiency, or a lack of zinc in the body, can be caused by a poor diet, an underlying health issue, or a hereditary condition.

Zinc is important for many bodily functions, including immunity, maintenance of healthy skin and coat, enzyme formation, and synthesis of proteins and hormones. In many cases, dogs with zinc deficiency have an underlying problem affecting the absorption or utilization of zinc rather than an issue with their diet.

Certain breeds are prone to hereditary zinc deficiency, which can lead to zinc-responsive dermatosis, a type of skin disease. An accurate diagnosis is necessary to determine appropriate treatment, as many more common health issues can cause similar symptoms, such as hair loss, itchy skin lesions, and stomach upset. If you have a dog, read on to learn:

• Signs of zinc deficiency in dogs
• How zinc deficiency is diagnosed and treated
• Measures owners can take to prevent zinc deficiency

The first step for treating symptoms like these is to get an accurate diagnosis. It’s far more common for skin and digestive symptoms to be caused by infections, parasites, or other non-nutritional medical conditions, all of which are treated differently. If zinc deficiency is to blame, treatment may involve a diet change, zinc supplements, and managing any underlying health issues that led to the deficiency.

While most cases of zinc deficiency are caused by an underlying medical issue rather than an inadequate diet, dog owners can help reduce the risk by feeding a diet with the AAFCO statement of nutritional adequacy on the label and working with their veterinarian to appropriately manage any health conditions that could interfere with nutrient absorption or utilization.

Zinc deficiency is a condition in which a dog’s body does not have enough zinc to support normal biological functions. Zinc is an essential nutrient, meaning dogs must obtain it from their diet as their bodies cannot produce it themselves. Zinc deficiency can result from an underlying medical issue, hereditary disease, or a diet lacking sufficient zinc. Dogs can become deficient even when eating enough zinc due to problems with how the body absorbs or uses it, or through excessive loss.

Hereditary zinc deficiency affects how zinc is absorbed and is most often seen in northern breeds, such as huskies and malamutes. Young large or giant breeds fed inappropriate diets may develop a transient form of deficiency. “Most cases of zinc deficiency in dogs are caused by genetics or an underlying health issue rather than a problem with the dog’s diet,” states Dr. Jo Myers, a veterinarian on the Vetster platform.

Zinc is important in many bodily functions, including:

• Enzyme formation and function
• Synthesis of proteins and hormones
• Immunity function
• Cell replication, especially in intestinal and skin cells
• Reproduction

Because zinc is essential for many parts of the body, low levels of zinc can manifest in many different ways. Signs of zinc deficiency may include:

• Diarrhea
• Itchy skin
• Hair loss
• Dull, dry coat
• Crusty skin lesions
• Thick, crusted paw pads
• Poor or delayed wound healing
• Frequent or recurring infections
• Stunted growth in puppies
• Poor reproductive performance in breeding dogs

Other clinical signs may be present if the deficiency is caused by an underlying medical issue. Canine zinc-responsive dermatosis is one possible condition caused by zinc deficiency, in which the affected dog has hair loss, crusty and itchy skin, skin lesions, and a dull, dry coat.

When a dog presents with symptoms such as hair loss, stomach upset, poor wound healing, and other symptoms associated with low zinc levels, a veterinarian usually starts by taking a history and doing a physical examination. From there, the diagnostic process starts with routine testing to rule out common causes of the symptoms, such as infections, parasites, or allergies. This may involve examination of the skin and fur under a microscope (cytology), and blood work. If indicated, more specific diagnostic tests may be recommended, such as:

• Skin biopsy
• Measuring zinc concentration in blood and fur

Blood zinc levels are not measured in routine blood work and require a specialized test. If other health conditions have been ruled out and zinc deficiency is suspected, a therapeutic diet change or zinc supplementation may be recommended before pursuing expensive or invasive diagnostic tests.

It’s important to note that, most of the time, these symptoms are not caused by zinc deficiency and are unrelated to the dog’s food, particularly if the dog is eating a complete and balanced commercial diet.

Once a zinc deficiency is diagnosed, treatment may involve:

• Change in diet
• Zinc supplementation
• Addressing underlying digestive issues affecting the intestinal absorption of zinc

Dogs with hereditary zinc deficiency have a defect that impairs zinc absorption. Because there’s no cure for it, these dogs typically need ongoing dietary zinc supplementation and regular monitoring.

In contrast, zinc deficiencies caused by an unbalanced diet or gastrointestinal issues often resolve once the underlying problem is identified and appropriately treated.

Does my dog need zinc supplements?

Most healthy dogs eating a commercial dog food with an AAFCO statement of nutritional adequacy on the label are highly unlikely to benefit from zinc supplements. In fact, unneeded zinc supplements may do more harm than good, as excessive zinc intake can lead to zinc toxicosis. Zinc supplements should only be given under the direction of a veterinarian.

A veterinarian may recommend zinc supplementation while the underlying cause of a deficiency is being treated or if the dog has hereditary zinc deficiency. If you’re concerned about your dog’s diet or whether supplements are appropriate, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian before making any changes. Self-diagnosing or supplementing without professional input can delay proper treatment and create additional health risks. A virtual vet appointment is a great way to get prompt, professional advice about your dog’s diet.

For most dogs, zinc deficiency is rare, so it’s unnecessary to take steps to prevent it. If your dog is healthy and eating an appropriate amount of a diet labeled with the AAFCO statement of nutritional adequacy, it’s highly unlikely they’ll develop zinc deficiency or require additional supplementation. Understanding your dog’s risk for deficiency is the first step in preventing it.

Is my dog at risk for zinc deficiency?

Dogs at risk for low zinc levels include those who are:

• Eating non-AAFCO-compliant or poorly balanced diets
• Affected by GI conditions or chronic health problems
• Arctic breeds, such as Siberian huskies and Alaskan malamutes
• Large-breed puppies on high-calcium or improperly formulated diets

It’s important to feed dogs a nutritionally complete and balanced diet to help prevent nutritional deficiencies. To ensure your dog’s diet is nutritionally complete and contains the appropriate levels of zinc, look for the AAFCO statement of nutritional adequacy on the food’s label and feed your dog the appropriate portion for their size. Not feeding your dog enough food, even if it is nutritionally complete, can result in an insufficient intake of zinc and other essential nutrients. It’s also important to feed your dog a diet that’s appropriate for their life stage.

Some older veterinary literature refers to a condition called generic food disease, which is now more accurately understood as zinc-responsive dermatosis caused by inadequate zinc bioavailability in certain diets. The term generic food disease came into use when it was discovered that affected dogs were often eating nonpremium or store-brand foods, but it's now recognized that the issue wasn’t necessarily the branding. Proper manufacturing and the quality of ingredients are more important than whether the food is a generic or brand-name product.

How to choose a high quality diet for your dog

Identifying whether a food is of high quality or made by a reputable manufacturer is more nuanced than simply looking at the brand or price. Factors like ingredient sourcing, nutrient bioavailability, manufacturing controls, and whether the company employs board-certified veterinary nutritionists all play a role, but this information isn't always easy to find on the label. That’s why it’s a good idea to consult with a veterinarian when choosing a diet, especially if your dog has health issues or you're unsure which food is best. If you’re considering a home-prepared diet, be sure to work with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to ensure it meets your dog’s nutritional needs.

Understanding zinc and other nutritional deficiencies in dogs

Many cases of nutritional deficiencies are caused by underlying health issues rather than an issue with the diet itself. Managing chronic health issues and talking to a veterinarian when your dog shows signs of illness can help prevent deficiencies. Often, dogs with signs of deficiency have been deficient in one or more essential nutrients for some time because the underlying issue went untreated.

Finally, Arctic breeds such as huskies and malamutes are at a higher risk of zinc deficiency due to a genetic defect that can affect these breeds. Dogs with hereditary zinc deficiency may require a special diet or zinc supplementation to ensure they do not become deficient.

How common is zinc deficiency in dogs?

Zinc deficiency due to a poor diet is rare in dogs, especially in those dogs who are eating an appropriate AAFCO-compliant commercial food. Deficiencies are more commonly caused by an underlying genetic or health issue that affects the absorption of zinc through the intestines. Common symptoms of zinc deficiency in dogs are often shared by many other health issues, so it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis from a veterinarian before pursuing any form of therapy, diet change, or treatment.

Steps for preventing zinc deficiency

The best way dog owners can help prevent nutritional deficiencies, including zinc deficiency, is by feeding their pets a commercial diet with the AAFCO statement of nutritional adequacy on the label. These diets have been formulated to be nutritionally complete and contain the right amounts of zinc and other essential nutrients based on the portion size.

Managing chronic health issues, such as GI diseases and metabolic conditions, can help prevent deficiencies by ensuring nutrients are properly absorbed and utilized in the body.

Finally, if you have a dog that’s at high risk for a deficiency, talk to a veterinarian about how best to prevent it, based on your dog’s unique nutritional requirements.

It’s common for pet parents to think there’s something wrong or missing from their dog’s diet when their dog shows symptoms such as problems with their skin and coat. However, these signs are most commonly due to allergies, infections, parasites, or other diseases, not zinc deficiency. It’s important to talk to a vet to determine the underlying cause of any concerning symptoms you may be seeing before concluding they’re due to zinc or any other nutrient deficiency.

You should only change your dog’s diet or give dietary supplements when directed to do so by a veterinarian. Changing a dog’s diet can make underlying GI issues worse, which may be the cause of any symptoms or nutrient deficiencies in the first place. In addition, oversupplementation of zinc can lead to toxicosis. An online vet can help by discussing your pet’s symptoms, virtually examining them, and offering professional advice on what to do next.

How do you treat zinc deficiency in dogs?

Dogs with zinc deficiency are treated with a diet change, zinc supplementation, and management of any contributing underlying health conditions, such as GI issues that led to the deficiency. Since zinc deficiency is often due to a medical condition affecting the dog rather than a problem with the diet, many cases improve once the underlying issue is treated. For dogs with hereditary zinc deficiency, lifelong supplemental zinc may be recommended.

What dog breeds are prone to zinc deficiency?

Northern breeds, such as Alaskan malamutes and Siberian huskies, are at risk for hereditary zinc deficiency. Large, fast-growing breeds are also at a higher risk of developing a deficiency if they are on a high-calcium or improperly formulated diet that does not meet their daily intake requirements.

How can I prevent zinc deficiency in my dog?

Feeding your dog an AAFCO-compliant dog food in the correct portion size based on their age and weight is the best way to prevent nutritional deficiencies and provide adequate levels of nutrients. In addition, managing underlying health issues that can affect nutrient absorption or utilization can also help prevent deficiencies. Some dogs, especially northern breeds like Siberian huskies and Alaskan malamutes, are genetically predisposed to zinc-responsive dermatosis. Prevention for this hereditary form of zinc deficiency requires selective breeding to avoid the suspected genetic mutation that affects zinc absorption. While it cannot be cured, lifelong dietary zinc supplementation can help manage the condition effectively. Because both environmental and genetic factors can contribute to zinc deficiency, it’s best to consult your veterinarian about the most effective way to prevent zinc deficiency in your dog.

Disclaimer: This article, its content, and its related references do not constitute veterinary advice and should not be considered a substitute for veterinary care. If your pet is showing any symptoms that could indicate a medical emergency, please seek immediate emergency care.