Phytates (phytic acid) are anti-nutrients found in grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds that bind to minerals including zinc, iron, calcium, and manganese, reducing their absorption in the gut. For dogs eating diets with significant grain or legume content, phytates can meaningfully reduce the availability of these essential minerals. Cooking, soaking, and fermenting foods reduces phytate content.
Cooked lentils contain roughly 400–600mg of phytates per 100g, while cooked brown rice has about 300–400mg per 100g — there is no target intake, but cooking and soaking grains and legumes before feeding them to your dog significantly reduces phytate content. Pairing plant foods with animal-source minerals (which are not affected by phytates) helps ensure adequate mineral absorption.
0.15% of daily nutrient intake
Phytate Level makes up 0.15% of your dog's total daily nutritional requirements by weight. That's a tiny amount — but it matters.
Phytates are not a nutrient — there is no deficiency state. They are an anti-nutrient to be managed when feeding grain or legume-heavy diets.
Chronic high phytate intake can lead to functional mineral deficiencies (particularly zinc and iron) even when dietary mineral content appears adequate. This is more relevant for dogs on heavily grain-based or legume-heavy homemade diets.
| Life Stage | Size | Min | Max | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | medium 10-25kg | 0 | 500 | mg | Not a nutrient but an anti-nutrient to manage. Cooking and soaking grains and legumes significantly reduces phytate content. |
Source: general veterinary consensus
