Copper

Copper is a trace element that acts as a cofactor for enzymes involved in red-blood-cell formation, connective-tissue synthesis, iron metabolism and pigmentation. Because it helps convert tyrosine into melanin, a copper shortfall can literally fade coat colour, turning black hair reddish. Copper interacts closely with [zinc](/glossary/zinc) and [iron](/glossary/iron), and an excess of any one can disturb absorption of the others. Deficiency causes anaemia, bone abnormalities and depigmentation, but in practice the more topical problem today is copper excess. Several dog breeds, notably the Bedlington Terrier, the Labrador Retriever and the Dobermann, carry a genetic tendency to accumulate copper in the liver, leading to copper-storage hepatopathy that can progress to chronic liver disease. This sensitivity has reopened a lively debate about how much copper pet foods should contain and which forms to use, with highly available forms such as copper oxide under particular scrutiny (NRC, 2006). For predisposed dogs, copper-restricted diets may be advised under veterinary supervision. The richest dietary sources are liver, organ meats and some seafood, which is one reason liver-heavy home diets can overshoot. A complete food is formulated to meet the requirement without tipping into overload. See the [Petipedia glossary](/glossary) for related trace minerals.

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