Calcium
What is calcium?
Calcium is a chemical element that occurs naturally and is found in many foods. Calcium is primarily responsible for building and maintaining bones and teeth, but it also has other important functions in the body. For example, calcium is involved in blood clotting, muscle contraction, nerve transmission and hormone secretion.
How much calcium does your dog need?
The optimal amount of calcium for your dog depends on various factors, such as his age, size, health and diet. In general, puppies and pregnant or lactating bitches have a higher calcium requirement than adult dogs. This is because they need more calcium for the growth and development of their bones and teeth.
According to the National Research Council (NRC), the recommended calcium requirement for puppies is about 320 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. For adult dogs, it is about 120 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. For pregnant or lactating bitches, it is around 210 mg per kilogram of body weight per day.
However, these values are only guidelines and may vary depending on the individual dog.
How can you give your dog calcium?
The easiest and safest way to provide your dog with calcium is through their food. Most commercial dog foods contain enough calcium for your dog as long as you stick to the recommended amount of food. You can also use special dog foods that are suitable for certain stages of your dog's life or needs, such as puppy food or senior food.
If you give your dog home-cooked or raw food, you need to make sure that you give him enough calcium. You can do this, for example, by giving him bones or dairy products such as yoghurt or quark. However, you should be careful not to give too much or too little. Too much calcium can lead to health problems such as kidney stones or growth disorders. Too little calcium can lead to deficiency symptoms such as rickets or osteoporosis.
To ensure the right ratio of calcium to phosphorus, you should also give your dog enough meat. Meat contains a lot of phosphorus, which, together with calcium, is important for bone health. The ideal ratio of calcium to phosphorus is around 1:1 to 2:1.
Calcium is a chemical element that is important for bone and tooth growth, blood clotting, muscle function and other bodily functions. Your dog's calcium requirements depend on his age, size and health. Most commercial dog foods contain sufficient calcium, but with home-cooked or raw food you need to make sure you get enough calcium. Bones, dairy products and meat are good sources of calcium, but the ratio of calcium to phosphorus should be balanced.
If you notice any signs of hypersensitivity or poisoning in your dog, you should see your vet immediately. We are not a substitute for a vet, but we try to be as accurate as possible. Every dog reacts differently and we recommend you get a second opinion or consult your vet if in doubt.
Stay healthy and take good care of your four-legged friend!😊
Similar to Calcium
The optimum magnesium intake for dogs depends on various factors, such as your dog's age, weight, activity level and state of health. It is therefore difficult to give a general recommendation....
Phosphorus and calcium interact closely with each other. Too high or too low an intake of one of the two minerals can disturb the balance and lead to health problems. Too much phosphorus can...
Your dog's potassium requirement depends on various factors, such as its age, size, health and activity level. A general recommendation is that an adult dog needs about 1 to 2 milligrams of...
The optimum amount of zinc for your dog depends on various factors, such as his age, size, state of health and diet. The German Nutrition Society (DGE) recommends a daily zinc intake of 2 to 5...