Butternut Box fresh dog food meal variety Butternut Box fresh dog food meal variety

Best Dog Food for Zinc Deficiency

Read time: 2 mins

10 Aug 2023

As pup parents, we always want what is best for our furry companions. Being able to take care of them and provide them with the adequate nutrition they need is our responsibility. While it is certainly easy to give them whatever food we have available in the pantry, it is important to do some research on what their body actually needs. 


In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about zinc deficiency in dogs and how Butternut Box fresh dog food can help provide the necessary nutrients that our furry friends need.

Symptoms of Zinc Deficiency in Dogs

Zinc deficiency in dogs can cause a plethora of health problems. Symptoms to look out for include:


  • Skin lesions

  • Hair loss

  • Diarrhoea

  • Weight loss

  • Vomiting

  • Low mood

  • Loss of appetite


It’s essential to have your dog tested for vitamin deficiency if you notice any of these symptoms. A vet can diagnose your pet with tests like hair analysis or blood tests.

What Causes Zinc Deficiency in Dogs?

A zinc deficiency in dogs can be caused by various factors, such as:


  • Genetics

  • Bacterial infections

  • Parasites

One of the most common causes is the absence of correct nutrition. The lower the quality of the food your dog consumes, the higher the chance of it leading to zinc deficiency.

How Much Zinc Does a Dog Need Daily?

The recommended daily intake of zinc for an average, healthy dog is between 2.5 – 4.5 mg per kg of body weight, depending on breed and size.

How to Treat Zinc Deficiency in Dogs

Treating zinc deficiency in dogs usually involves providing supplements or changing the dog’s diet


While supplements are effective, an improved diet offers a more long-term solution. Fresh dog food, such as Butternut Box, can provide all essential zinc and nutrients that our furry friends need to live active and healthy lives.

What Foods are High in Zinc for Dogs?

If you decide to switch up your dog’s diet to start and incorporate zinc-rich foods, some of the best sources include:


  • Beef

  • Lamb

  • Whole grains

  • Chicken

  • Spinach

  • Lentils

  • Broccoli

Why Butternut Box is Perfect for Dogs with Zinc Deficiency

Butternut Box is the perfect solution for dogs with zinc deficiency. We offer fresh dog food that contains the necessary amounts of zinc and other nutrients. 


Our meals are made via a unique technique, combining slow-cooking and flash-freezing, to retain maximum nutritional value. We have twelve different meal flavours which use lots of high-zinc containing ingredients, such as beef, lamb, chicken, butternut squash, lentils, chickpeas, spinach, peas and broccoli, to ensure a complete and balanced diet. Our meals are also free from artificial additives and preservatives.