Crude ash in dog food – what is it?

If dog food were heated to several hundred degrees, all organic components would burn. All remaining, non-combustible substances would remain as ash. The term crude ash encompasses all these inorganic substances – i.e., minerals and trace elements – contained in the food.

Crude ash - Simply explained

Put simply, crude ash = minerals.

From a nutritional perspective, minerals are divided into macrominerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and chlorine, and trace minerals such as iron, copper, zinc, manganese, cobalt, selenium, and iodine, etc. Minerals have numerous functions, such as the development of the skeleton, nerve and muscle functions, water balance, and blood formation. Minerals are involved in all important bodily functions.

So crude ash is not harmful?

When it comes to minerals, both a deficiency and an excess can have serious consequences for our four-legged friends. So, it's not a case of "the more, the better."

Therefore, here is a practical tip: The supplementation of mineral mixtures should always be precisely calculated and coordinated with your veterinarian. If a complete feed is being fed, the addition of additional minerals is not necessary and can have very serious consequences such as bone deformities or symptoms of poisoning.