Jeffrey Salazar
Calcium and other minerals are essential for a dog's health. Calcium is critical for skeletal health, while other minerals like phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, chloride, and potassium are also necessary for the proper development and function of a dog's body. Most adult dogs can handle large amounts of calcium in their diet, but puppies may struggle with this, and too much calcium can cause joint and skeletal issues. Calcium supplements are an option, but they can be challenging to balance with other nutrients, and oversupplementation can lead to problems. Natural sources of calcium include raw, meaty bones, bone meal, fish, beans, and dairy products like goat milk.
How to increase calcium and minerals in a dog's diet
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calcium is important for | Skeletal health, cardiovascular and immune functions, hormone function, cell structure, enzyme activity, muscle growth, nervous system function, digestion, cognitive health |
| Calcium is found in | Bones, blood, lymphatic system |
| Calcium-rich foods | Raw, meaty bones (chicken, turkey, pork, lamb), bone meal, fish, beans, molasses, muscle and organ meats, wheat bran, vegetables, eggshells, seaweed, coral calcium, dicalcium phosphate, calcium citrate, calcium carbonate, calcium proteinate, goat milk, lactose-free milk products |
| Risks of too much calcium | Joint and skeletal issues, hip malformation, other bone and cartilage problems |
| Calcium supplements | UPCO Bone Meal, Boneo Canine |
| Other minerals | Phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, chloride, potassium, sulfur, iron, zinc, copper, chromium, iodine, selenium, manganese, fluorine |
| Functions of other minerals | Formation of bone and cartilage, nerve and muscle function, fluid balance regulation, transportation of oxygen in the bloodstream, hormone production |
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What You'll Learn
Calcium-rich foods like raw, meaty bones
Calcium is an important mineral for dogs, and about 99% of the calcium in a dog's body is stored in its bones. Calcium is critical for skeletal health, and it also plays a role in blood coagulation, muscle contraction, vision, and heart function. While most adult dogs can handle large amounts of calcium in their diet, puppies are at risk of joint and skeletal issues if they consume too much.
When choosing raw meaty bones for your dog, it is important to select bones that are safe for them to consume. Bones that are too small or easily swallowed whole can pose a choking hazard, while larger bones can cause broken teeth or fractured jaws if chewed aggressively. Machine-cut bones should also be avoided, as they tend to have sharp edges that can injure your dog's mouth and throat. Instead, opt for raw meaty bones from smaller animals like chicken, quail, duck, rabbit, turkey, or pork. These bones are softer and less likely to splinter, making them safer for your dog to chew and digest.
It is also important to supervise your dog when feeding them raw meaty bones and to introduce them gradually to create a positive association. Start by hand-feeding the bones to your dog to prevent gulping and encourage chewing. Additionally, be mindful of the calorie content of different types of raw meaty bones, as some are much higher in calories and fat than others. For example, necks and backs tend to be meatier and higher in calories than wings and feet.
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Commercial dog food with the recommended daily calcium dosage
Calcium and phosphorus are very important macrominerals for proper dog nutrition. A deficiency in either of these minerals can lead to bone deformities or weakness, and fractures can easily result in dogs with calcium and phosphorus deficiencies. Calcium is also critical for blood coagulation, muscle growth, and nervous system function in dogs.
Commercial dog foods in the United States need to contain the recommended daily dosage of calcium for dogs to be considered complete and balanced. This is usually the most common source of calcium for dogs and, in healthy adult dogs, provides adequate amounts of calcium. If you are feeding your dog a well-balanced commercial diet, it is usually unnecessary to give him any additional calcium supplementation.
However, if you feed your dog homemade meals instead of commercial dog food, you may want to talk to your vet about calcium supplements. This is because homemade meals are protein-rich with very few calcium-fortified options. Calcium supplements that are formulated for dogs are very effective in treating calcium deficiency.
The right amount of calcium for your dog depends on factors such as breed, age, genetics, and condition. For instance, puppies cannot balance calcium like adult dogs, and too much calcium can cause joint and skeletal issues. Senior dogs, dogs with poor teeth, small dogs, and puppies may find it difficult to chew bones, so you will need to add a different source of calcium to their food.
If you are concerned about your dog's calcium intake, it is best to consult your veterinarian to ensure that your dog's diet is nutritionally balanced and customized for their specific needs.
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Bone health supplements with proper and safe doses of calcium
Calcium is an essential mineral for dogs, with 99% of the calcium in a dog's body stored in its bones. It is critical for skeletal health and is also found in the blood and lymphatic system, where it plays a role in hormone function, cell structure, enzyme activity, cardiovascular and immune function.
Calcium supplements are beneficial for strong bones, teeth, and muscles. Good calcium levels also support your dog's neurotransmitters, proper blood clotting, and heart health. When dogs have low calcium levels in their blood, their body tries to compensate by drawing calcium from their bones, which can lead to fragility and potential injury.
However, it is important to note that excessive calcium intake can be harmful, especially in growing puppies, as it can interfere with proper bone and joint development. Therefore, it is crucial to provide proper and safe doses of calcium to your dog.
If your dog belongs to any of the following categories, they may be at risk for calcium deficiency and may benefit from a calcium supplement:
- Senior dogs
- Dogs with poor teeth
- Small dogs
- Puppies
Some common signs of calcium deficiency in dogs include muscle tremors, weakness, stiffness in joints, appetite loss, and lethargy. In severe cases, hypocalcemia can lead to seizures or cardiac abnormalities.
There are various forms of oral calcium supplements available for dogs, including:
- Wellness chews: Soft-baked or crunchy hard chews that dogs enjoy as treats.
- Tinctures: A few drops can be added to their food or water bowl.
- Capsules: Perfect for consistent, no-fuss dosing.
- Powder form: A measured amount can be sprinkled over their food.
It is important to consult your veterinarian to determine the appropriate total calcium dose for your dog based on their weight and calorie burn rate. Additionally, it is recommended to choose supplements specifically formulated for canine needs, as human supplements may contain additional ingredients that are not safe for dogs.
Boneo Canine is an example of a bone health supplement that provides proper and safe doses of calcium and other minerals. Each chewable tablet contains 100 mg of calcium, along with co-factors like magnesium and Vitamin D3, to promote healthy bone turnover and help your dog better utilize dietary calcium.
Including calcium in your dog's diet through supplements or food sources will help maintain strong and healthy bones, teeth, and muscles for years to come!
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Calcium supplements with phosphorus for better absorption
Calcium and phosphorus are both essential macrominerals for proper dog nutrition. They are necessary for the maintenance of bones and teeth, and a deficiency in either of these minerals can lead to bone deformities or weakness. Calcium is also found in the blood and lymphatic system, where it supports hormone, cardiovascular and immune functions, as well as cell structure and enzyme activity.
About 99% of a dog's calcium is stored in its bones, and phosphorus and calcium together are critical for skeletal health. Calcium and phosphorus are also essential for blood coagulation, muscle growth, and nervous system function in dogs.
When there is too much calcium in a dog's diet, it can cause joint and skeletal issues, especially if the calcium is not balanced with phosphorus, other minerals, and vitamin D. Puppies, in particular, are unable to balance calcium as well as adult dogs, and can suffer ill effects from an excess of calcium.
If your dog is unable to chew bones, or you are feeding them cooked meals, you will need to add a different source of calcium to their food. Real bone has a 2:1 ratio of calcium to phosphorus, so it provides a good amount of phosphorus as well as magnesium and vitamin D. Other sources of calcium include dicalcium phosphate, calcium citrate, calcium carbonate, or calcium proteinate.
Calcium supplements with phosphorus are available to support strong and healthy bones. For example, NaturVet Calcium-Phosphorus Powder is a veterinarian-formulated supplement for use in dogs over the age of 12 weeks. It contains dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, and vitamin D3, which is necessary for the proper absorption and balance of calcium and phosphorus.
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Dairy products like goat milk or lactose-free milk
Dairy products like goat's milk or lactose-free milk can be a great way to increase calcium and minerals in your dog's diet. Goat's milk is known to be lower in lactose than cow's milk, containing less than one per cent. It also has a unique protein structure that makes it more digestible for dogs. Goat's milk is an excellent option for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities, as it is less likely to trigger an allergic reaction than cow's milk. It contains the lactase enzyme, which helps break down lactose, reducing the risk of lactose intolerance-related symptoms like diarrhoea and vomiting.
Goat's milk is also a good source of probiotics, which can aid digestion and boost immunity. The probiotics help balance the gut microbiome, increasing nutrient absorption by breaking down food particles. Goat's milk contains many immune-boosting nutrients, including antioxidants such as vitamins A and C, which help protect cells from oxidative stress and support the body's defence against infections and diseases.
Goat's milk is also a great source of calcium, which is essential for healthy teeth and bones. It is also a good source of amino acids, which help the body maximize the benefit of protein, supporting muscle development, cell repair, and enzyme production.
Lactose-free milk is also an option for dogs that are lactose intolerant. ZEAL® New Zealand Pet Milk, for example, is made from 99.5% lactose-free cow's milk and is easy to digest while maintaining the taste of cow's milk.
It is important to note that dairy products should be given to dogs in moderation, as they can be high in fat and natural sugars, which can lead to obesity and other health issues if consumed in excess. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing any new food into your dog's diet.
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Frequently asked questions
Raw, meaty bones, such as chicken or turkey necks and wings, or pork or lamb ribs, are rich in calcium. These should make up at least 10% of your dog's diet. You can also add bone meal to your dog's food, but make sure to blend the bones into a fine powder first.
A calcium deficiency can cause bone deformities or weakness, and fractures can easily result. Other health issues related to calcium deficiency include hair loss, fatigue, dehydration, and even paralysis.
Minerals are crucial for the proper development and function of a dog's body. A healthy, balanced diet should include macrominerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, chloride, potassium, and sulfur, as well as trace minerals like iron, zinc, copper, chromium, iodine, selenium, manganese, and fluorine. If you're feeding your dog a commercial diet, it should include the recommended daily dosage of these minerals.
