Copper
mineral · base score 1 · also listed as copper, cupric
What is it?
We haven't written a full explanation for this one yet. It's in the mineral category and currently graded good.
At a glance
- Category
- mineral
- Grade
- good
- Base score
- 1 (from −1 to 1; higher is better)
- Found in
- 8 products
- Also listed as
- copper, cupric
Common questions about copper
Is Copper good for dogs?
Yes, we grade it as a good ingredient: recognisable and nutritionally useful, so it lifts a product’s score. Bear in mind that no single ingredient decides quality; the whole recipe and its balance matter more.
How many UK dog foods contain copper?
8 UK products list copper as an ingredient in our database. The full list is shown below, sorted by rating.
What else is copper called on labels?
Manufacturers list it under several names: copper, cupric. We match all of these to the same glossary entry when we read a label.
How does Open Dog Food grade copper?
We grade it good, our highest grade, reserved for recognisable ingredients that add real nutritional value. Every ingredient is converted to its dry-matter share and scored from our glossary before a recipe gets its 1-100 rating; the full method is on our methodology page.
Why is copper added to dog food?
Copper is an essential trace mineral included in complete dog foods to support normal body functions. It usually appears as a chelate, sulphate or oxide in the mineral additive section. Some dogs are sensitive to copper, so speak to your vet if you have concerns.
What forms of copper are used in dog food?
Copper may be listed as copper sulphate, copper oxide, copper chelate or simply as copper. These are mineral sources used to meet nutritional requirements. The form used can usually be found in the additives or analytical constituents list.
