Interpretive Summary: Copper metabolism and its implications for canine nutrition

By: Laura A Amundson, Brent N Kirn, Erik J Swensson, Allison A Millican, George C Fahey

Copper nutriture of the dog has recently received increased attention in the USA and European Union due to reports of apparent copper-associated hepatitis (CAH). Recent trends in canine nutrition have led to new questions regarding proper dietary copper concentrations in canine diets. Recently, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the U.S. National Research Council (NRC) guidelines for canine dietary copper concentrations have been questioned due to the lack of upper tolerable limit values (Center et al., 2021). Given the reported increase in CAH and the current trends in canine nutrition, these concerns should be investigated. To identify the best course of action regarding these questions, it is important to consider the complexities of copper metabolism, available trace mineral research in dogs and other animal species, dietary ingredient composition and nutrient variability, and the potential effects of different supplemental sources of copper. The objective of this review is to provide basic information about copper metabolism as it is understood in humans and other animal species and provide an overview of the knowledge and questions that remain regarding canine copper nutrition.

Read the full article in Translational Animal Science.