Manganese is a trace mineral that supports bone and cartilage formation, activates enzymes involved in carbohydrate and fat metabolism, and is a key component of the antioxidant enzyme manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). While cats need only tiny amounts, manganese is important for maintaining skeletal integrity and supporting the metabolic pathways that convert food into energy. Meat is a relatively modest manganese source compared to grains and plants, but commercial cat foods are supplemented to ensure adequacy.
A tablespoon of cooked brown rice provides roughly 0.4mg of manganese — your adult cat needs approximately 0.3‐0.5mg per day, about what you would find in a typical serving of commercial cat food. Supplementation beyond what is in a balanced diet is unnecessary.
0.0% of daily nutrient intake
Manganese makes up 0.0% of your cat's total daily nutritional requirements by weight. That's a tiny amount — but it matters.
Manganese deficiency is extremely rare in cats eating commercial diets. In experimental settings, severe deficiency causes skeletal abnormalities, impaired growth, reproductive problems, and fatty liver changes.
Manganese toxicity from dietary sources is very unlikely in cats. The mineral has a wide safety margin, and excess is excreted through bile. Only extreme supplementation would pose any risk.
| Life Stage | Size | Min | Max | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | — | 0.3 | 1 | mg | Manganese is needed in very small amounts and is adequately provided by commercial cat foods. |
Source: NRC 2006, AAFCO 2024
