Jeffrey Salazar
Calcium is an essential mineral for dogs, and it is especially important for bone health. While it is true that dogs need calcium in their diet, it is also crucial to ensure they are receiving the right amount. Calcium deficiency, also known as hypocalcemia, can lead to loss of appetite, weakness, muscle twitching, and seizures. On the other hand, too much calcium can cause health issues, such as hypercalcemia, which results in appetite loss, weakness, and kidney or bladder stones. Calcium can be sourced from dog food, bones, whole foods, and supplements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is calcium necessary for dogs? | Yes, calcium is the most abundant mineral in a dog's body. |
| How much calcium does a dog need? | The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommends that adult dogs get at least 1.25 mg calcium/kcal, which is 1.25 grams for every 1,000 kcal. |
| What are the sources of calcium for dogs? | Enriched dog food, raw meaty bones, fish, vegetables, eggs, and dairy products like yoghurt and cheese. |
| Do dogs need calcium supplements? | Commercial dog food usually contains the recommended daily dosage of calcium. Calcium supplements may be required for dogs on a homemade diet, or in pregnant or nursing dogs. Supplements should be used under veterinary supervision as excessive calcium can lead to health issues. |
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What You'll Learn
Calcium-rich foods for dogs
Calcium is an essential nutrient for dogs, just as it is for humans. Calcium-rich foods are important to keep dogs healthy and happy. Calcium is necessary for strong bones, and it also plays a role in hormone function, cell structure, enzyme activity, cardiovascular and immune function.
Calcium must be orally consumed by dogs through their diet and/or supplementation. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommends that adult dogs receive at least 1.25 mg of calcium per 1,000 kcal of food. Puppies need around three times as much calcium as adults, at around 4.5 mg per 1,000 kcal.
Some calcium-rich foods for dogs include:
- Vegetables: Kale, broccoli, spinach, and beans are good sources of calcium. These can be fed raw or cooked and mixed with other food.
- Eggs: Cooked eggs are a good source of calcium for dogs, as well as protein and other vitamins. Raw eggs should be avoided.
- Dairy: While milk can trigger allergies and digestive issues in dogs, small amounts of cheese and yoghurt can be given.
- Fish: Salmon, herring, flounder, and Wild Menhaden are high in calcium and do not contain mercury, unlike tuna.
- Meat: Chicken and fish scraps can be added to a dog's diet to increase calcium intake.
- Bones: Bones are a natural source of calcium but must be fed with caution. Bones should be fed raw and can be dangerous for small dogs, dogs with poor teeth, senior dogs, and puppies. A safer option is to blend bones into a fine powder and add it to the dog's food.
It is important to note that calcium supplements may not be the best option for increasing your dog's calcium intake. Instead, consider a bone health supplement that includes proper and safe doses of calcium and other minerals. Consult with your veterinarian to discuss calcium needs and concerns for your dog.
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Calcium supplements for dogs
Calcium is an essential mineral for your dog's good health. It is the most abundant mineral in a dog's body, with 99% of it stored in the bones, playing a critical role in skeletal health. The remaining calcium is found in the blood and lymphatic system, where it is vital for hormone function, cell structure, enzyme activity, cardiovascular and immune function.
Calcium supplements are available for dogs and are typically given by mouth in the form of tablets, capsules, gel caps, or powder. They can also be given by injection in a hospital setting. However, it is important to note that calcium supplements should only be used under veterinary supervision as too much calcium can lead to health issues.
If your dog is fed commercial dog food, it likely already contains the recommended daily dosage of calcium. In this case, additional calcium supplementation is usually not necessary. However, if you are feeding your dog a homemade diet, you may need to add calcium sources or supplements.
There are several natural food sources rich in calcium that can be added to your dog's diet. These include:
- Raw, meaty bones like chicken or turkey necks and wings, or pork or lamb ribs. These should be fed raw as cooking can increase the risk of splintering, which can be dangerous for dogs.
- Fish like sardines and salmon, which contain soft, calcium-rich bones.
- Vegetables like kale, a natural source of calcium.
- Dairy products like yoghurt, cheese, and goat's milk, although some dogs may have trouble tolerating lactose.
- Eggs, although they should be cooked (boiled or scrambled) and not fed raw.
In addition to these natural sources, there are also bone health supplements specifically tailored for dogs that include calcium and other minerals. These supplements can help promote healthy bone turnover and improve the utilisation of dietary calcium.
It is always recommended to consult with your veterinarian before introducing any nutritional supplement into your dog's diet. They can advise on the appropriate dosage and monitor your dog's calcium levels to ensure they are receiving adequate calcium without exceeding safe limits.
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How much calcium does a dog need?
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in a dog's body, with about 99% of it stored in the bones. It is critical for skeletal health and is also important for hormone function, cell structure, enzyme activity, cardiovascular and immune function.
The amount of calcium a dog needs depends on its weight and size. According to the NRC, healthy adult dogs generally require 50 mg of calcium per kilogram of body weight. For example, a 5 kg dog (about 11 lbs) needs 250 mg of calcium per day, a 25 kg (about 55 lbs) dog needs 1250 mg per day, and a 50 kg (about 110 lbs) dog needs 2500 mg per day. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommends that adult dogs get at least 1.25 mg of calcium per calorie, which is 1.25 grams for every 1,000 calories.
Commercial dog foods in the United States need to contain the recommended daily dosage of calcium for a dog, so they usually provide adequate amounts of calcium for healthy adult dogs. Calcium is present in most commercially prepared kibble and canned recipes, especially if they have been formulated to meet AAFCO's nutrient standards.
If you are feeding your dog a home-cooked diet, you will need to add calcium if the diet does not include bones. Adult dogs need around 800 to 1,000 mg of calcium per pound of food fed, with the ideal calcium:phosphorus ratio in the canine diet being between 1:1 and 2:1. Meat contains a lot of phosphorus, so diets with a lot of meat will require more calcium.
Some good sources of calcium for dogs include:
- Bones: Bone meal is a source of calcium, but whole bones can be unsafe for dogs, especially small bones. Bones should be processed into a fine powder and then added to the dog's food.
- Whole foods: There are many whole foods that are naturally rich in calcium, such as dairy (yogurt and cheese), vegetables, and meat. However, dairy can cause sensitivities in some dogs, so make sure your dog is not lactose intolerant.
- Fish: Salmon, herring, flounder, and Wild Menhaden are higher in calcium and do not contain mercury.
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Risks of too much calcium
While calcium is necessary for dogs to build strong bones, excessive amounts can lead to serious health risks. Hypercalcemia, or abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood, can be caused by too much supplementation of vitamin D, underlying diseases such as cancer or kidney failure, or Addison's disease.
Dogs with hypercalcemia may exhibit symptoms such as lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, and excessive thirst. Treatment for hypercalcemia focuses on reestablishing the elimination of calcium from the urine and preventing further removal of calcium from the bones. Intravenous or diuretic therapy may be required if dehydration or renal dysfunction is present. Additionally, glucocorticoids may be administered to regulate calcium function and resorption.
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommends that adult dogs receive a minimum of 1.25 mg of calcium per kcal, or 1.25 grams per 1,000 kcal. It is important to consider the dog's weight and size when determining the appropriate amount of calcium.
To ensure your dog receives an adequate amount of calcium, you can include dietary sources such as enriched dog food, bones (blended into a fine powder for safety), or whole foods like chicken, fish, and certain vegetables. However, it is important to monitor the calcium content in their diet to prevent excessive calcium intake, which can lead to hypercalcemia and its associated health risks.
In summary, while calcium is essential for a dog's health, excessive amounts can lead to serious health issues. It is important to provide a balanced diet with the recommended amount of calcium and seek veterinary advice for proper supplementation if needed.
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Calcium deficiency in dogs
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in a dog's body. A 75-pound dog, for instance, has about a pound of calcium. About 99% of the calcium in a dog's body is stored in its bones. The remaining calcium is found in the blood and lymphatic system, where it plays a role in hormone function, cell structure, enzyme activity, cardiovascular and immune function.
Calcium is necessary for strong bones and teeth formation, blood clotting, milk production, muscle contraction, heart pumping, vision, and metabolism of hormones and enzymes. Therefore, calcium deficiency, or hypocalcemia, is a serious condition that requires immediate treatment.
Symptoms of hypocalcemia include muscle twitching, loss of appetite, weakness, listlessness, tremors, panting, convulsions, seizures, and behavioural changes. In nursing female dogs, heavy milk production can lead to hypocalcemia, which may result in seizures. Hypocalcemia can also be caused by several serious disorders, including antifreeze poisoning, inflammation of the pancreas, kidney failure, and parathyroid gland failure.
If you suspect your dog is suffering from calcium deficiency, a visit to the veterinarian is imperative. They may recommend a re-test, which will involve fasting your dog for 12 hours and returning to the clinic for a second blood test. This method will give a more accurate reading of the calcium level. A specific ionized calcium test could be ordered to get the most accurate reading possible. Treatment for hypocalcemia will depend on the underlying cause and severity of the problem.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, calcium is necessary for strong bones, teeth, and coats. It also plays a role in hormone function, cell structure, enzyme activity, cardiovascular and immune function.
Calcium can be found in bones, eggs, yogurt, cheese, vegetables, meat, and fish. Commercial dog food in the United States is required to contain the recommended daily dosage of calcium for dogs.
Calcium supplements may be beneficial for dogs with specific health concerns, pregnant or nursing dogs, or dogs eating a homemade diet. However, it is important to consult your veterinarian before giving your dog any supplements, as too much calcium can lead to health issues.
