The Application of an Oral Zinc Tolerance Test to Assess Zinc Absorption From Three Different Dietary Sources in the Dog

This study investigated zinc absorption in dogs from three different dietary sources using an oral zinc tolerance test. Zinc is crucial for dogs, particularly for hair growth, as 91% of the minimum maintenance requirement for zinc supports this function. The study found that zinc absorption varied depending on the source and amount of zinc in the diet, as well as the presence of calcium and phytates. It was suggested that zinc supplied as a chelate with amino acids was absorbed more effectively than from inorganic sources, potentially overcoming the negative effects of dietary antagonists like calcium on zinc absorption.