Non-energy producing nutrients are just as important as the energy producing ones.  Even though these essential vitamins and minerals don’t contribute to calories, they are necessary for normal body functions and metabolism. In fact, when missing over time, diets deficient in vitamins and minerals will lead to diseases and illnesses.MINERALS:Minerals are required to aid in nerve transmission, muscle contraction, development of bone and cartilage, blood regulation, and maintaining water and electrolyte balance, among many others.  Many minerals are required in biochemical reactions as cofactors. Without minerals, your dog simply cannot perform all the bodily functions it needs daily.VITAMINS:Vitamins are also essential cofactors in important metabolic reactions and arecomprised of two major categories, fat soluble and water soluble.Fat soluble. It is not possible for an excess of these vitamins to be excreted from the body via urine, so toxicity levels can be reached more quickly compared to water soluble vitamins. However, the advantage in fat soluble vitamins is that your dog’s system can store them in the liver for future synthesis.WATER:Water is considered the most important nutrient. It regulates body temperature, maintains hydration and lubricates joints and eyes among many other functions. Always keep plenty of clean, fresh water available for your healthy dog.MORE ON MINERALS & VITAMINS FOR DOGS