Trace Minerals

"Trace minerals" on a label is a heading for minerals cats need in small amounts, such as zinc and iodine. FDA lists source compounds for trace minerals added to animal feeds in 21 CFR 582.80. Complete foods add them in measured amounts. For a cat with a medical condition, ask your veterinarian before adding any mineral supplement.

Source: ecfr.gov

Trace minerals are minerals a cat needs in very small amounts. On cat food labels, the heading "Trace Minerals" is usually followed by a bracketed list naming each one, such as zinc proteinate or sodium selenite. Each name inside the brackets is a separate ingredient.

"Minerals" can cover major minerals like calcium as well as trace minerals. "Trace Minerals" covers only those needed in very small amounts, like zinc and selenium. Both are headings for a bracketed list, and the individual names inside the brackets tell you exactly what was added.

Cats need several trace minerals, including zinc, iron, copper, manganese, selenium and iodine. AAFCO nutrient profiles for cat food set minimum levels for these, based on the National Research Council's 2006 report on dog and cat nutrient requirements. Complete foods add trace minerals to reach those levels.

Source: nap.nationalacademies.org

Pettings scores the "Trace Minerals" heading from 3 to 4 out of 5 and lists it under chelated mineral. The exact score depends on the forms named in the brackets. It appears on 12 of the 149 dry cat foods we list. Each food's page shows how it scores overall.