Millions of cats suffer from hair loss at some point in their lives, and while there are many potential causes, zinc deficiency is one of the most common. There has been a lot of research starting with seminal work that uncovered that zinc chelated with amino acids was better at preventing hair loss than inorganic zinc compounds such as zinc sulfate or zinc oxide.
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What is zinc proteinate in cat food?
Zinc proteinate is one of the best forms of zinc for preventing and treating hair loss in cats. It is more easily absorbed than other forms of zinc, and it provides superior nutrition to the hair follicles. Zinc proteinate also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help to heal the skin and reduce irritation.
How does zinc proteinate work?
Zinc proteinate works by providing the hair follicles with the nutrients they need to stay healthy and prevent hair loss. Zinc is essential for the production of keratin, which is the major structural protein in hair. Zinc proteinate also helps to reduce inflammation and heal the skin, which can help to prevent hair loss caused by allergies or other skin conditions.
Is zinc proteinate safe for cats?
Zinc proteinate is safe for cats when used as directed. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the label. If you have any concerns, talk to your veterinarian.
How do I give zinc proteinate to my cat?
Zinc proteinate is available in a powder or liquid form. The powder can be mixed with food, and the liquid can be added to water or milk. Follow the dosage instructions on the label. If you have any concerns, talk to your veterinarian.
What is keratin?
Keratin is a protein that makes up the structure of hair, nails, and skin. It is essential for healthy hair growth. Keratin is formed from amino acids, and zinc is essential for the production of keratin. chelation of zinc with amino acids results in a more bioavailable and better-absorbed form of zinc than other inorganic zinc compounds. This makes zinc proteinate an ideal supplement for cats suffering from hair loss.
Zinc sulfate and zinc oxide are the two most common forms of zinc used in supplements. However, research has shown that these forms of zinc are not as easily absorbed as zinc chelated with amino acids. This means that they are not as effective at preventing or treating hair loss.
If your cat is suffering from hair loss, talk to your veterinarian about whether zinc proteinate is right for them. Zinc proteinate is a safe and effective way to provide the nutrients your cat needs for healthy hair growth.
How about Zinc Sulfate?
Zinc sulfate is the most common form of zinc used in supplements. It is cheap and easy to find, but it is not as easily absorbed as other forms of zinc. This means that it is not as effective at preventing or treating hair loss.
Zinc sulfate can also cause stomach upset and diarrhea in some cats. If your cat is suffering from hair loss, talk to your veterinarian about whether zinc proteinate is a better option.
What does the research say about zinc oxide vs zinc with chelated amino acids:
In a 1994 Study published in the American Institute of Nutrition, the rate of growth of hair and the amount of zinc deposited in the hair was greater (P < 0.05) in dogs fed diets containing zinc as the amino acid chelate (with or without added calcium), than dogs fed zinc as zinc oxide or as a zinc polysaccharide complex.

Chelated vs non-chelated amino acids:
A study published in the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition in 2002 found that hair growth was significantly increased in rats fed a diet containing chelated amino acids, compared to those fed a diet containing non-chelated amino acids.
The bottom line
Zinc proteinate is a more easily absorbed and better-utilized form of zinc than other forms of zinc. This makes it an ideal supplement for cats suffering from hair loss. If your cat is suffering from hair loss, talk to your veterinarian about whether zinc proteinate is right for them.
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Hi there! My name is Ben Domb, an owner of two pets and I am one of the co-founders of OurPets HQ. I have several years of experience as a pet care professional in the New England region having spent time in various roles including a stint at a veterinary hospital in Upstate New York, Syracuse area. I am a certified pet care professional and mostly spend my time researching pet nutrition and sharing my thoughts in various blogs and columns. With quarantine and COVID restrictions, I have been spending a lot of time a lot with my dogs and cat and loving it! I also run a small consulting business providing advice to parents on pet nutrition, and especially safe homemade options to try. You can reach me at ben@ourpetshq.com