About Us Selenium by Holly Frisby, DVM Drs. Inc. Veterinary Services Department Selenium is a trace mineral which was recognized as a toxic substance before it was identified as a necessary nutrient . The daily requirement for selenium is less than the requirement for any of the other trace elements.
Selenium is also the most toxic of the trace elements.
Function of selenium Selenium is an antioxidant which functions in conjunction with Vitamin E and certain enzymes to protect cells. Sources of dietary selenium High-protein plants such as cereals and meat products are good sources of selenium. Selenium deficiency Selenium deficiencies are extremely rare in dogs and basically unknown in cats. They are much more common in cattle and sheep who graze plants which grow in soil that is deficient in selenium. If a selenium deficiency would occur, we would see poor reproduction, puppy death, muscle weakness and abnormalities of the heart muscle.