Zinc Deficiency in Arctic and Northern Dog Breeds

Sadly, zinc deficiency in Arctic and northern spits breeds is relatively common yet can go undiagnosed. So are you and your vet constantly chasing symptoms in your dog, but your vet can never quite manage to solve the medical mystery of what is wrong with your furry friend?

While you should always consult and work with your vet, your vet may only know about zinc deficiencies in northern breeds if he has specialised knowledge of those breeds.

Zinc deficiency in northern breeds is common. Ask any savvy and experienced breeder of Arctic and Northern Breed dogs who can confirm that their diets require more than average zinc amounts and that Zinc Deficiency and malabsorption can cause the root cause of a host of illnesses in these dogs. However, it’s not just Arctic and Northern Breed dogs that have a problem with this issue. It's fairly common in large and giant breeds.

What is Zinc Malabsorption?

Malabsorption Syndrome occurs when the body fails to absorb vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients through food placed into the body. There can be several causes of nutrients being unable to be used by the body. Still, the two most common factors are impaired digestion (mal-digestion) and absorption (malabsorption). In northern breeds, Zinc Malabsorption and Zinc Deficiency are problems primarily attributed to the food these dogs eat. Therefore, a high-quality diet rich in zinc is essential to continue good health for these dogs. When it comes to Zinc Deficiency and Malabsorption, it is likely the most underdiagnosed condition in arctic and northern breeds and particularly spitz type. Unfortunately, the problem with getting an accurate diagnosis of Zinc Deficiency is that vets only attempt to address the symptoms they see.

Symptoms of Zinc Deficiency in Arctic and Northern Breeds

The symptoms of this affliction are not only varied, but they will differ according to what level the disorder has reached in your snow loving pup. The longer your dog has been in zinc deficit, the further along the chain of symptoms your dog will likely be.

The ever-changing spectrum of symptoms in your dog contributes to the challenge of correct diagnosis and treatment. Sadly, many owners of cold loving climate dogs will join the ranks of people who find themselves paying for endless medical tests and professional guesstimates of cures only to have new symptoms show up as fast as the old symptoms subside.

Digestive Issues

It is usually here that the first signs of Zinc Deficiency show up. Huskies having trouble processing their food is a widespread complaint among owners. Vets often advise owners to change foods thinking that dogs must be allergic to something in the food, but this seldom fixes the problem. The dogs continue to have cycles of diarrhoea, causing zinc to leave the body too soon without being absorbed. The more digestive issue the dog has, the less appetite they have. Lethargy and failure to thrive become concerns. Unfortunately, many vets fail to see the zinc cycle that is often behind these digestive issues.

How Does Zinc Deficiency Cause Digestive Issues? There are two possible issues occurring at this point: either there is a need for increased zinc in their diet or the zinc that is present isn’t being absorbed efficiently in the intestines. Dogs that consume a subpar diet consisting of inexpensive food loaded with meat by-products require additional zinc. The most beneficial sources of dietary zinc come from whole meats and fish. Consequently, diets that are low in meat content or contain heavily processed meats will lead to Zinc Deficiency and its related issues.

The second issue arising from poor diets is the malabsorption of zinc. Diets that are rich in corn, wheat, and soy render zinc unavailable within the body. As your dog's digestive system processes these grains, they generate phytates, and phytic acid bonds with the available zinc in the intestines, resulting in Zinc Deficiency due to Malabsorption. It is important to note that the only method to lower the production cost of dog kibble is to use inexpensive grain fillers as one of its main components. Continuous Zinc Deficiency caused by Malabsorption will ultimately lead to the problems associated with this condition.

Zinc Responsive Dermatosis (ZRD)

These raised patches of tough, crusty skin that are often taken for hotspots are not only uncomfortable for your dog but can also spread. Unfortunately, vets often focus on alleviating the symptoms without fully addressing the underlying cause. While topical zinc creams usually help these lesions, they tend to return once the treatment is stopped, leading to yet another visit to the vet.

Many arctic and northern breed dogs suffer from zinc deficiency, which negatively impacts their skin and coat. This deficiency disrupts normal cell division—another process that relies on zinc—resulting in dry, flaky skin. Over time, scaly lesions associated with Zinc Responsive Dermatosis (ZRD) can develop, and hair growth may be hindered as well. Additionally, these skin issues can contribute to a weakened immune system, further complicating the problem. As a result, dogs with persistent zinc deficiency are often prone to secondary bacterial skin infections.

An Immune System-Related Illness

T-cells are important for a healthy immune system. They help recognize harmful invaders like bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells. If there aren’t enough healthy T-cells, the immune system struggles to tell the difference between normal cells and invaders. This can lead to two problems: the immune system may overreact, causing chronic inflammation, or it may underreact, leading to ongoing infections and wounds that don't heal. Using antibiotics to treat persistent infections can also create more problems because they kill off beneficial bacteria in the gut, leading to digestive issues. Zinc is crucial for producing T-cells. If a dog doesn’t have enough zinc, it can suffer from repeated infections and inflammation. Antibiotics and other medications only cover up the symptoms but don’t fix the underlying problem, which often relates to zinc deficiency. When zinc levels improve, many immune system issues can resolve. If inflammation continues, it can also affect the thyroid, causing more health problems.

Thyroid Problems

Thyroid problems pose a significant issue for arctic and northern breeds that are experiencing zinc deficiency. The Thyroid Glands consist of two butterfly-shaped structures situated at the base of the neck, where the trachea meets the chest. The function of the Thyroid gland is to send signals to produce hormones and to secrete and regulate the hormones that are essential for metabolism and organ function.

Autoimmunity

When there is a deficiency in the Thyroid or when the body’s immune system erroneously targets the Thyroid glands, various symptoms begin to appear in your dog, such as brittle fur, distinct patterns of hair loss, dry and flaky skin, weight problems, ongoing infections, organ failure, and digestive issues resulting in abnormal stools. Your veterinarian will address and treat the symptoms as they arise in your dog, but unless the underlying issue is resolved, the dog will continue to experience persistent medical challenges.

In the order of how zinc is utilized in the body, the thyroid occupies a central position. Once the available daily zinc is exhausted, other bodily processes are left incomplete. This happens as a direct consequence of the body's effort to maintain homeostasis (balance). The body reallocates available zinc to areas it deems most essential, leaving other bodily functions unfulfilled.

Eventually, the Thyroid gland is unable to signal for hormone production, leading to an insufficient production of hormones. Consequently, prolonged hormonal imbalance negatively affects the overall health and wellness of the body. However, your husky can prevent zinc deficiency with adequate zinc availability.

Organ Failure

A shortage of zinc in any dog can be fatal. When examining the hierarchy of zinc's functions in the body, its support for crucial organs is towards the bottom. If various bodily processes are in a prolonged state of deficiency, they cannot adequately support the operation and health of major organs. As previously mentioned, veterinarians often concentrate on treating the symptoms exhibited by failing organs. Unfortunately, this approach is merely a temporary fix, as the ongoing insufficient zinc levels lead to an increasing number of symptoms in your dog.

Frequently, one of the warning signs of impending organ failure is inadequate thyroid function. With proper and accessible zinc intake on a daily basis to facilitate all bodily processes, the health of the organs will gradually improve. Attempting to address the separate symptoms of each organ without tackling the underlying issue of inadequate zinc and insufficient hormone production from the thyroid will not resolve the medical concerns. Additionally, as this condition progresses, the symptoms will continue to evolve and worsen, resulting in a growing array of health problems as overall wellness deteriorates.

Epileptic Seizures

Seizure disorders are becoming increasingly common in northern dog breeds. While many veterinarians acknowledge this trend, not all can explain the underlying reasons, as there’s currently no definitive genetic marker to identify this issue as a genetic disease. Yet, it appears that epilepsy and seizure disorders tend to run in specific bloodlines. Veterinary medicine can describe how a seizure occurs—essentially, it involves neuroreceptors in the brain firing erratically—but much remains unknown about effective control methods.

A variety of drug therapies are often prescribed, but their effectiveness can be hit-or-miss. Even with the introduction of anti-seizure medications, there’s no certainty that your dog’s seizures will be managed successfully. At best, efforts focus on managing the disorder rather than completely eliminating it.

One factor contributing to seizure activity is inadequate zinc levels, which can hamper Taurine uptake. Without sufficient Taurine in the brain, neurotransmitters can become overly excited, potentially leading to seizure episodes. Seizures can manifest in different ways, ranging from minor episodes like momentarily fixed staring (Petite Mal) to more severe attacks involving loss of consciousness (Grand Mal). Ensuring an adequate supply of zinc may help in reducing the frequency of seizures.

Zinc Deficiency Treatment

Zinc and The Arctic and Northern Breeds' Diet. To address Zinc Deficiency in your dog, it's important to restore adequate zinc levels in their diet, but it’s even more beneficial to identify the most effective way for your dog to absorb zinc. Although dogs from arctic and northern breeds require a higher quantity of zinc than the average dog, not every dog necessarily requires extensive zinc supplementation in their diet. If your dog is exhibiting symptoms, it's reasonable to conclude that their diet may benefit from some additional zinc supplementation.

How much zinc does your dog need, and how can you introduce it to their diet? Arctic and northern breeds have higher zinc requirements, possibly linked to the Prey Model Diet, which is rich in fish, meats, and offal. Despite domestication, some breeds' dietary needs still reflect their origins and genetics.

Before resorting to mineral supplementation, check your dog’s diet to see if improvements can be made.

👉Important Dietary Factors

• Please ensure that your dog follows a grain-free diet. Diets rich in kibble containing wheat, corn, or soy can deplete the available zinc in their system, contributing significantly to zinc deficiency issues. In many cases, simply eliminating this one factor may be enough to resolve your dog's zinc deficiency.

• Not all protein sources provide the same amounts of zinc in your dog's diet. Kibble that relies on meat by-products or heavily processed meats as its primary protein will often fall short in delivering sufficient daily zinc. In contrast, diets that incorporate whole meats as their protein base offer a much higher availability of zinc for your dog. To boost zinc levels naturally, consider adding fresh meat to your dog’s meals. For instance, just 100 grams of beef, salmon, or chicken can provide approximately 100mg of zinc for your furry friend.

• Many dog food brands settle for lower quality by adding zinc in the form of cheap sources like Zinc Oxide or Sulphate. Unfortunately, these types of zinc are not easily absorbed by the body. This can lead pet owners to mistakenly believe that their dog is getting enough zinc based on the information presented on the dog food label.

• Consider incorporating Kelp and Seaweed into your dog’s diet. These nutrient-rich green foods can significantly boost your dog's nutrition by providing zinc (with about 1.23 mg of zinc per 100 grams) along with a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. Adding a tablespoon of this green superfood to your dog’s meals two to three times a week can help naturally support their thyroid function and prevent zinc deficiency.

• Incorporating fish oil into your dog's diet can be a fantastic supplement. Since fish naturally contains zinc, fish oil will include this essential mineral as well. Combined with the essential fatty acids found in the oil, it's an excellent nutritional boost for your furry friend’s diet. However, it's important to remember that moderation is key when it comes to fish oil. More isn’t always better, and healthy doses should typically be between 100 mg to 150 mg for every 10 pounds of your dog’s weight, given two or three times a week. Excessive fish oil intake can lead to a depletion of necessary Vitamin E in the body, supply too much Vitamin A, and create imbalances in the crucial omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids ratio, which can lead to various health issues. Keep in mind all the different sources of essential fatty acids in your dog’s daily meals when determining the appropriate amount of fish oil to include.

Foods Naturally High in Zinc

• For most meats, 100 grams yield 100 mg of zinc beef, chicken, duck, pork, and salmon

• Turkey 120mg per 100 grams

• Lamb 150mg per 100 grams

• Liver 130mg per 100 grams

• Tuna in oil 120 mg per 100 grams

• Eggs 70mg per 100 grams

• Apples, blackberries, and strawberries 100mg per 100 grams

• Plain yoghurt 200mg per 100 grams

• Carrots (raw) 50 mg per 100 grams

• Pumpkin (lightly cooked) 100 mg

• Potato (baked) 120 mg per 100 grams

• Sweet potato and yams 100mg per 100 grams

Zinc Supplementation

If you have adjusted your dog’s diet to address Zinc Deficiency and have not seen any improvement, you may consider adding a Zinc Supplement to your dog’s diet. There are several types of supplements for you to choose from.

A commercially produced product, Zinpro, is used to supplement zinc in the dogs' diets. Zinpro is an organic supplement that links Methionine with zinc to create Zinc Methionine. This product is easily absorbed directly into the bloodstream. This product also helps to produce and support healthy coats and skin in dogs.

‼️Important Note Before Supplementing with Zinc. Zinc is the second most widely used trace mineral in the body, following iron. Unfortunately, since the body lacks a mechanism to store zinc, it's crucial to ensure a sufficient daily intake. Dogs, in particular, require more zinc than humans. While an adult human needs only about 15 mg of zinc daily, dogs, especially those from arctic and northern breeds, often need significantly higher amounts—sometimes up to 100 mg per day. Determining the exact amount of zinc your dog is getting from their diet can be tricky, as it varies from one dog to another. Typically, the signs of zinc deficiency only become apparent when a dog develops related illnesses or other health issues. Before considering zinc supplements, it's essential to understand how zinc interacts with other nutrients in the body.

Nutrient Interactions with Zinc

Adding the mineral Zinc to your dog’s diet, when done incorrectly and for the wrong reasons, can cause other medical problems in your dog because zinc will interact with the copper, iron, calcium, and Vitamin A levels in your dog’s system.

☝️High levels of zinc can cause problems with how your dog absorbs copper. Copper is important for many body functions. It helps absorb iron, develop red blood cells, and form collagen, bones, and connective tissue. Copper also acts as an antioxidant.

☝️Too much zinc can also affect levels of iron and calcium in your dog's body. Feeding too many raw bones can increase calcium in the diet. Calcium is vital for strong bones. It helps the heart contract properly and plays a role in nerve signaling and hormone production. Iron's main job is to combine with copper and protein to make hemoglobin, which helps carry oxygen in red blood cells. Iron works well with certain enzymes to support many normal body functions.

☝️Zinc and vitamin A also support each other. Zinc helps transport vitamin A in the blood with a special protein. This protein is important for good night vision.

☝️Feeding a raw diet that isn't properly balanced can lead to problems with zinc, calcium, and copper levels in your dog. Feeding too much raw bone, liver, or heart can disrupt the balance of these minerals. Make sure you understand how to provide a well-balanced raw food diet for your dog.

‼️Zinc Toxicity Levels. Zinc can be toxic to dogs, primarily from large single doses (225mg to 450mg can cause vomiting, while lethal doses start around 900mg). Signs of zinc toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, jaundice, excessive panting, rapid breathing, and erratic heart rate. Emergency medical attention is needed due to the risk of red blood cell destruction and organ failure, so keep zinc tablets away from dogs.

Best Form of Zinc

There are several forms of zinc. Not all forms will work the same way, and some forms absorb much better than others. The below list is ranked in order of preference. When buying your supplement, select the best quality you can afford.

1. Zinc Citrate, picolinate and gluconate are well absorbed and utilised by your dog’s body. (25mg up to 100mg daily)

2. Chelated Zinc does not bind to iron so it tends to upset the stomach less than some other forms of Zinc but is slightly less absorbable than picolinate and gluconate forms. (25mg up to 100mg daily)

3. Zinc Methionine combines Zinc with Methionine and is reasonably well utilised in most dogs (40mg daily).

4. Zinc Sulphate tends to be very hard on the stomach causing unnecessary stomach upset. For that reason, it is recommended that it be crushed and added to food but this also makes it less absorbable. (200mg daily dosage)

5. Zinc Oxide is cheap and much more difficult to absorb. Sadly this is the form of Zinc used by most mid to low-end dog food manufacturers.

Dosage

👉Dosage is weight dependent, so before starting supplementation, it’s essential to work out your dog’s daily requirements. Then, stay under 100mg with vet supervision.

The formula for calculating zinc dosage for dogs can be complex. The National Research Council recommends using the formula: 2.0mg / KGbw / 0.75. Simply put, take your dog’s weight in kilograms to the power of 0.75 and multiply by 2 to find the recommended daily allowance.

A simpler method is to give 25mg of zinc per 50 pounds (23kg) of body weight. Zinc toxicity is generally not a concern until levels exceed 220mg, so precise measurements aren't critical. For an average northern breed dog weighing around 23kg, starting with 25mg of zinc is effective. If no improvement is seen in a few weeks, you can safely increase the dosage to 50mg and adjust your dog’s diet accordingly.

In Conclusion

As you may see now, a lack of zinc in Arctic or northern spitz breeds can pose significant challenges. The symptoms can be extensive and chronic, often leaving veterinarians puzzled and leading to misdiagnoses in dogs. It's important to note that a dog's diet is critical in affecting zinc absorption. Therefore, address any dietary issues while providing a high-quality zinc supplement. If you have a northern spitz breed dog and suspect it might have a zinc deficiency, it’s essential to consult a veterinarian as the first step. You are welcome to share this article's information with healthcare professionals.