Zinc deficiency in dogs might not sound like a big deal, but it can cause some frustrating problems for your dog. Think crusty sores, nonstop itching, a dull coat, or even patches of missing fur.

Zinc does a lot more than just keep your dog looking good—it’s essential for her overall health. When zinc levels drop, everything from your dog’s immune system to her ability to heal wounds can take a hit.

The good news? A nutritional deficiency of this essential mineral is manageable if you catch it early. By learning how to recognize the signs and fix the issue through diet or supplements, you can help your dog feel and look their best again.

Today's note is here to break down everything you need to know about zinc deficiency in dogs. We’ll cover what it is, how to spot it, and what you can do to fix it. You’ll also get tips on foods and supplements that can boost your dog’s zinc levels and why a balanced diet is so important for her health.

How To Treat Zinc Deficiency In Dogs Naturally

Your dog can’t store zinc, which means she needs a steady supply of it in her diet. It’s a bit like filling a gas tank—you can’t just fill it once and expect it to last forever. And not all zinc is created equal. Organic zinc sources, like those found in high-quality supplements or natural foods, are much easier for your dog’s body to absorb and use compared to inorganic options. Keeping her zinc levels consistent is the key to avoiding problems.

A raw meat diet is a great way to give your dog the zinc she needs. Foods like beef, lamb, pork, and even salmon are loaded with zinc. You can also add extras like eggs, cashews, or pumpkin seeds to keep things balanced. But if you’re feeding kibble, things get a little tricky. Some commercial dog foods don’t meet the daily zinc requirements, and the high levels of phytates in processed food can block your dog from absorbing the zinc that is there. To fix this, try adding fresh, zinc-rich foods to her meals to give them a boost.

Sometimes, diet alone isn’t enough to fix a zinc deficiency—especially if it’s severe. In these cases, zinc supplements can be a lifesaver. Organic forms like zinc sulfate or amino-acid chelates work best because they’re easier for your dog to absorb. You can mix supplements into her food, and your vet can help you figure out the right dose based on your dog’s size and needs. For adult dogs, aim for about 20 mg of zinc per 1,000 calories in their diet to meet the minimum requirements.

Why Zinc For Dogs Is So Important

Why all the concern about zinc in the first place? Well, zinc is a behind-the-scenes superstar for your dog’s health. It’s a key player in keeping their skin healthy and their coat shiny, as about 5% of their body’s zinc is stored in the skin.

But that’s just the beginning—zinc helps your dog’s body heal wounds, supports her immune system, and keeps her metabolism running smoothly. It’s also involved in making hormones, repairing cells, and even boosting brain function, which helps with learning and memory.

Zinc doesn’t work alone, either. It teams up with antioxidants to fight inflammation and reduce oxidative stress, which can help your dog stay healthy for the long haul. Whether it’s keeping her fur looking great or helping her recover from an injury, zinc plays a huge role in overall well-being.

Signs And Symptoms Of Zync Deficiency In Dogs

If your dog isn’t getting enough zinc, she’ll likely show you. Look for itchy skin, flaky or crusty patches, and dull fur that just doesn’t seem to shine like it used to. Other signs include slow healing wounds, frequent infections, or thickened skin on her paws.

In more serious cases, zinc deficiency can lead to scary symptoms like seizures, organ issues, or stunted growth in puppies. Pregnant and nursing dogs are especially at risk since they need extra zinc to support themselves and their pups. Catching these signs early and making adjustments to their diet or adding supplements can make a big difference in your dog’s quality of life.

Types Of Zinc Deficiency In Dogs

There are a few different types of zinc deficiency in dogs to be aware of:

Type I: Genetic Zinc Deficiency

Type I zinc deficiency is a genetic condition that prevents certain breeds from absorbing zinc properly. Northern breeds like Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes are the most commonly affected, though other breeds like Dobermans and German Shepherds can also have this issue.

These dogs simply can’t absorb enough zinc from their food, no matter how much they eat. This lifelong condition requires daily zinc supplementation to keep symptoms under control and prevent problems like poor skin and coat health, immune system weakness, and digestive issues.

If you have one of these breeds, working with your vet to create a long-term zinc plan is essential. With consistent supplementation, most dogs with Type I zinc deficiency can live healthy, comfortable lives despite their genetic challenge.

Type II: Nutritional Zinc Deficiency

Type II zinc deficiency happens when something in the diet blocks your dog from absorbing zinc properly.

Foods high in phytates (found in grains), calcium, or magnesium can bind to zinc and make it unavailable to your dog’s body. This issue is especially common in large, fast-growing breeds like Great Danes or Labrador Retrievers, who need more zinc to support their rapid growth.

Luckily, Type II zinc deficiency is often temporary and responds well to dietary changes. Switching to a balanced, high-quality diet with fewer zinc blockers and adding short-term zinc supplementation can quickly get your dog back on track.

Type III: Generic Food Disease

Type III zinc deficiency, also known as "generic food disease," is linked to low-quality commercial dog foods that don’t meet minimum nutritional standards. These foods often lack adequate levels of zinc or contain zinc that isn’t bioavailable, meaning your dog’s body can’t use it effectively.

The good news is that this type of deficiency is usually easy to fix. Upgrading to a better-quality food that meets or exceeds AAFCO standards and supplementing with zinc until symptoms improve can make a big difference.

Zinc Toxicity In Dogs: Zinc Overdose?

While zinc deficiency is a concern, too much zinc can be dangerous as well. Zinc toxicity often happens when dogs ingest non-food items like pennies, batteries, or zinc-coated containers. These objects can release high levels of zinc into your dog’s system, causing a toxic buildup that can become life-threatening.

Zinc Toxicity Symptoms

Zinc poisoning can show up in a lot of ways, and the symptoms often start mild before quickly getting worse. Look out for vomiting, diarrhea, pale or yellow gums, and a loss of appetite. As the toxicity progresses, dogs may become lethargic, experience weight loss, or show signs of organ damage like irregular heartbeat or jaundice.

If you suspect zinc toxicity, call your vet immediately. Treatment depends on what your dog ate and how severe the symptoms are. Your vet may induce vomiting, administer medications to reduce absorption, or even perform surgery to remove the object.

Intravenous (IV) fluids are often used to support kidney and liver function while the excess zinc is flushed from the system.

Diagnosing And Preventing Zinc Deficiency

Circling back to zinc deficiencies ... diagnosing zinc deficiency isn’t always straightforward. Blood tests can measure zinc levels, but results might not be accurate if other factors like illness or age are affecting your dog.

A skin biopsy can sometimes reveal signs of zinc deficiency, but one of the simplest ways to confirm it is to start zinc supplementation and monitor for improvement in the symptoms I mentioned earlier, like itching, sores, or coat quality.

The best way to prevent zinc deficiency is to make sure your dog is eating a high-quality, balanced diet that includes enough zinc. Raw diets or high-quality commercial foods are often the best choices, as they tend to include bioavailable zinc from natural sources.

If your dog is at higher risk—like northern breeds or large, fast-growing puppies—consider adding organic zinc supplements to her meals under your vet’s guidance. With the right diet and occasional supplementation, you can keep zinc deficiency at bay and support your dog’s long-term health.

FAQ

What are the symptoms of zinc deficiency in dogs? Symptoms of zinc deficiency in dogs include crusty sores, itching, hair loss, and a dull coat caused by zinc responsive dermatosis. Severe cases can lead to suppressed immunity, slow healing, and stunted growth in puppies due to poor zinc absorption.

Which dog breeds are prone to zinc deficiency? Certain breeds like northern breeds (Huskies, Malamutes) and giant breeds (Great Danes, German Shepherd Dogs) are more prone to zinc deficiency. This can be due to a genetic defect or a diet that interferes with their ability to absorb zinc.

How do you add zinc to a dog's diet? You can add zinc to your dog's diet through natural foods like red meat, fish, and eggs or with zinc supplementation such as tablets or zinc injections for severe cases. Always adjust based on your dog's weight and consult a vet to avoid too much zinc or zinc toxicity.

What are the signs and symptoms of zinc deficiency? The signs of zinc deficiency include a dull coat, itching, cracked paw pads, and skin disease caused by poor nutrition or generic food disease. More severe symptoms, like delayed healing and issues with normal sexual function, may require a vet’s diagnosis with skin biopsies and dietary adjustments to restore zinc levels.