Understanding the nutritional needs of cats can help parents choose cat food that is suitable for their cats. Important minerals for cats include iron, copper, potassium, zinc, magnesium, selenium and iodine. What role do they play?

Iron: Found in red blood cells, it helps the blood carry oxygen from the lungs to the body.

Copper: Assists the action of iron in red blood cells and is related to tissue metabolism.

Potassium: Maintains normal body fluids, nerve conduction and some metabolic processes.

Zinc: Critical for normal skin, bone, muscle and hair growth.

Magnesium: Critical for normal cell reproduction and blood clotting.

Selenium: When paired with vitamin E, it can prevent free radicals from oxidizing the body and provide antioxidant protection.

Iodine: It is the thyroid gland that can normally secrete thyroxine. This hormone can control the basic metabolic rate.

Good brands will indicate the trace mineral salt content on the product label and at the bottom of the ingredient list. If you see manganese oxide, iron sulfide, sodium selenite and calcium iodide, the mineral content of the food is sufficient.