Molybdenum is an ultra-trace mineral that serves as a cofactor for several important enzymes, including xanthine oxidase (involved in uric acid metabolism) and sulfite oxidase (which detoxifies sulfites). Dogs need only microscopic amounts, and deficiency from diet alone is essentially unheard of because molybdenum is present in many common foods.
A small serving of cooked lentils (about 50g) provides roughly 75mcg of molybdenum — dogs require only trace amounts, likely under 50mcg per day for a medium dog. Lentils, oats, and peas are good sources. No supplementation is needed or recommended.
0.0% of daily nutrient intake
Molybdenum makes up 0.0% of your dog's total daily nutritional requirements by weight. That's a tiny amount — but it matters.
Molybdenum deficiency has never been documented in dogs under normal dietary conditions. It is purely a theoretical concern.
Very high molybdenum intake can interfere with copper absorption, potentially leading to copper deficiency over time. This interaction is more relevant in livestock than in dogs eating standard diets.
| Life Stage | Size | Min | Max | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | medium 10-25kg | 0 | 50 | mcg | No formal requirement. Molybdenum is present in adequate amounts in most varied diets. |
Source: general veterinary consensus
