Copper is an essential trace mineral with an extraordinary range of biochemical functions — serving as a cofactor for antioxidant enzymes, connective tissue formation, iron metabolism, neurological function, and pigmentation, making it one of the most functionally diverse minerals in canine nutrition.
Copper is provided in Boost as copper(II) chelate of glycine — a bioavailable chelated form that supports consistent absorption. Like other chelated trace minerals, glycine chelation protects copper from competing mineral interactions in the gastrointestinal tract and may enhance uptake via amino acid transporter pathways.
An essential trace mineral provided in chelated form, serving as a cofactor for copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) antioxidant defence, lysyl oxidase for collagen and elastin cross-linking, ceruloplasmin for iron metabolism, tyrosinase for melanin synthesis, and cytochrome c oxidase for cellular energy production.
Copper is a cofactor for CuZnSOD (copper-zinc superoxide dismutase) — the primary cytoplasmic antioxidant enzyme that neutralises superoxide radicals. Together with manganese in the mitochondrial MnSOD, copper provides a comprehensive intracellular antioxidant defence across cellular compartments.
Lysyl oxidase, a copper-dependent enzyme, catalyses the cross-linking of collagen and elastin fibres in connective tissue — a process fundamental to the structural integrity and tensile strength of skin, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, and bone. Without adequate copper, connective tissue quality is compromised.
Copper is essential for the conversion of ferrous to ferric iron via ceruloplasmin, enabling iron to be loaded onto transferrin for transport and incorporated into haemoglobin. Copper deficiency therefore impairs iron utilisation even when iron intake is adequate.
Tyrosinase, a copper enzyme, catalyses melanin synthesis — the pigment responsible for coat colour. While this may seem aesthetic, tyrosinase activity reflects the broader status of copper-dependent enzyme systems throughout the body.
Science Informed Reasons to Include This Ingredient in Your Dog’s Diet:
Antioxidant Enzyme Cofactor (CuZnSOD) — copper is the catalytic metal in cytoplasmic superoxide dismutase, enabling the primary line of antioxidant defence against superoxide radicals outside the mitochondria, complementing manganese’s role in mitochondrial MnSOD.
Connective Tissue Structural Integrity — lysyl oxidase requires copper to cross-link collagen and elastin fibres, providing the tensile strength and elasticity of skin, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, and bone. Adequate copper is essential for maintaining connective tissue quality.
Iron Metabolism Facilitation — ceruloplasmin (a copper-containing protein) enables the oxidation of ferrous to ferric iron, essential for iron transport and incorporation into haemoglobin. Copper is therefore a prerequisite for optimal iron utilisation throughout the body.
Cellular Energy Production — cytochrome c oxidase, the final enzyme in the mitochondrial respiratory chain, is copper-dependent. Adequate copper supports the efficiency of cellular energy generation, contributing to vitality and metabolic function.
Coat Pigmentation and Enzyme Marker — tyrosinase, a copper-dependent enzyme, catalyses melanin synthesis. Maintaining coat colour is a reflection of healthy copper status and broad copper enzyme activity, relevant to overall coat health and appearance.
Neurological Function Support — copper is involved in the synthesis and degradation of neurotransmitters, myelin formation, and neurological enzyme systems, contributing to healthy nerve function and cognitive health.
Bone Formation — copper-dependent enzymes contribute to bone matrix formation and remodelling, supporting skeletal health alongside other bone-relevant minerals in the formulation.
Chelated Form for Consistent Absorption — glycine chelation supports copper absorption via multiple transport pathways and reduces competitive inhibition from zinc and other divalent cations, providing a more reliably bioavailable copper source than inorganic sulphate or carbonate forms.
