09/07/2025
Bioavailability from animal vs plant source
Manganese
Plants provide some manganese that is absorbed by the body but...
Manganese from animal sources, like mussels, liver and green tripe, is more bioavailable because it isn't bound by the same plant compounds that can hinder absorption. Plant foods contain "antinutrients" like phytates (in grains, legumes, nuts, seeds) and oxalates (in spinach, sweet potato, some berries) which can chelate, or grab onto, minerals like manganese, making them less available for the body to use. Animals, however, store manganese in a form that is already easily digestible and ready for the body to absorb and utilize.
Preparation methods like soaking, sprouting, and cooking can significantly reduce the levels of both phytates and oxalates in foods, improving mineral bioavailability.
Manganese is an essential mineral for dogs, crucial for building strong bones and cartilage, supporting joint health, and aiding in metabolism. It also acts as an important antioxidant, protecting cells from damage.