Why is a daily bioavailable zinc supplement often required for the Yakutian Laika?

They have a documented tendency to absorb zinc poorly from their diet.

Northern breeds, including the Yakutian Laika, exhibit a genetic predisposition causing them to absorb the essential mineral zinc inefficiently from their ingested food sources. This means that even if they consume a diet that appears balanced in minerals according to standard requirements, they can develop a functional deficiency because their bodies cannot efficiently utilize what is present in the gut. If this deficiency is not actively managed through supplementation with a bioavailable form of zinc, serious health issues can arise. These issues are diverse, affecting multiple systems, and include dermatological problems such as poor coat quality, intense itching, and painful skin lesions. Furthermore, the lack of sufficient zinc can compromise eye health, leading to inflammation like zinc-responsive conjunctivitis, and potentially impact the central nervous system, manifesting as neurological symptoms such as disorientation or seizures. Therefore, proactive supplementation is considered a crucial component for guaranteeing long-term health in this breed.