Magnesium Proteinate
Our ingredient score: 4 / 5 · Chelated mineral · How We Score
Magnesium proteinate is magnesium bound to amino acids or small pieces of protein, a form called a chelated mineral. Binding it this way is meant to help the body absorb it better than simple mineral salts. Magnesium is needed for muscles, nerves, bones and energy production. As with any magnesium source, too much in the food can raise the risk of struvite urinary stones.
Common Questions
What does "proteinate" mean on a cat food label?
It means the mineral is bound to amino acids or small pieces of protein, a chelated form meant to be absorbed better.
Is magnesium proteinate safe for cats?
Magnesium proteinate is magnesium bound to partly broken-down protein, a chelated form of the mineral. Cats need magnesium, and the Merck Veterinary Manual notes that excess magnesium is excreted in the urine. If your cat has a history of urinary crystals or stones, ask your veterinarian about the magnesium level in its food.
Source: merckvetmanual.com
Why is magnesium proteinate in cat food?
Magnesium proteinate is added to supply magnesium in a chelated form. It is uncommon in cat food and appears on only one dry food we track. Most magnesium in cat food comes from the meat and bone in the recipe. Pettings scores it with the other chelated minerals.
Is magnesium proteinate the same as magnesium oxide?
No. Magnesium oxide is an inorganic mineral salt. Magnesium proteinate is magnesium attached to protein fragments, which makes it an organic or chelated mineral. Both add magnesium, and Pettings scores each on its own page. The label name tells you which form a food uses.
Why do cats need magnesium?
Magnesium is an essential cofactor for many enzyme pathways in the body, and the Merck Veterinary Manual notes it is rarely deficient in complete and balanced diets. AAFCO's cat food nutrient profiles, which were reviewed mainly against the National Research Council's 2006 recommendations, set a minimum level for it. AAFCO also notes that when a cat's urine pH is not below 6.4, struvite risk rises as dietary magnesium rises. Ask your veterinarian about a cat with urinary problems.
Source: nap.nationalacademies.org
How does Pettings score magnesium proteinate?
Pettings gives magnesium proteinate 4 out of 5 and lists it as a chelated mineral. It appears on 1 of the 149 dry cat foods we list. Our How We Score page explains how ingredient scores are set. Each food's page shows how it scores overall.
How Foods With Magnesium Proteinate Compare
Magnesium Proteinate is on the label of 1 of the 149 dry cat foods we list.