Dogs need calcium just as much as human beings do. They need calcium to develop and maintain strong bones, strong teeth, and a healthy coat. It is essential that either the dogs get their calcium as additional supplements or in the form of calcium-rich foods for dogs. However, the latter approach comes highly recommended. It is important to include calcium in such a way that it is easily absorbed into the body and must have phosphorus in the right proportion. Learn to identify the source of calcium-rich foods for dogs.
Calcium helps regulate the fluid concentration in the cells and also conducts the energy impulses in dogs. Calcium takes care of blood coagulation, as well. Therefore, dogs that don’t have enough calcium in their bodies tend to fall victim to several illnesses.
Symptoms of calcium deficiency in dogs
Muscle twitching is one of the symptoms displayed by a dog with a calcium deficiency. Rickets, Osteoporosis, Restlessness, stiffness in joints, lethargy, and convulsions are also symptoms of calcium deficiency.
However, if you have included calcium in your dog’s diet and there are still such symptoms, regular check-ups can tell you why the absorption rate is so minimal. Your dog’s vet will likely look to the kidneys because they may be affecting the calcium-phosphorus balance in the blood. If there are signs of an increase in phosphorus and kidney enzymes, it will reflect on the calcium levels.
Best Sources Of Calcium For Your Dogs
Some of the good sources of calcium for dogs include:
Yogurt: One of the easiest and best forms of calcium lies in yogurt. There is even a low-fat yogurt if you want to give your puppies a low-fat diet and they will get their daily calcium dose regardless.
Cheese: Cheese is an excellent source of calcium, and if you use cottage cheese, your dogs will find it that much easier to digest.
Vegetables: Human beings are often encouraged to eat more vegetables for the minerals they contain, and this applies to dogs, as well. Vegetables like spinach, broccoli, beans, kale, sweet potatoes are some of the most favoured. What cannot be eaten raw can be added to other cooked foods and given to dogs.
Bones: Giving your dogs bones to chew and eat may sound more straightforward than it is even though it is a great source of calcium. It requires some care so that they don’t hurt your dog’s mouth with their sharp and hard edges. A better way to include bones in their diet is to powder them well and mix it into their food. A definite ‘no’ is for bones that are cooked.
Eggs and eggshells: It is a common enough practice to include eggs to your dog’s diet. However, it is the eggshells that contain around 40% of calcium. They can be ground well and added to other foods.
Sesame seeds: As another rich source of calcium, sesame seeds can be ground and mixed into their food. What is even better with sesame seeds is that they contain magnesium, zin, vitamin B1 and copper.
Sardines: Sardines, just like salmon, have calcium in their bones and can be added to your dog’s diet.
It is safe to say that you need to discuss it with your dog’s vet and understand the various needs of vitamins and minerals. Once that is out of the way, looking for ways to make an integral part of their daily diet and ways in which it is easier on your budget may require careful thought. Putting it into practice is much simpler, and you have a pet that is healthy and strong. The amount of calcium needed can also depend on your dog’s weight. Lactating dogs will naturally require more calcium so that they provide for the needs of their puppies.
The information contained in VOSD Vet Advice™ is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical action which is provided by your vet. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information. For any emergency related to a dog’s health, please visit the nearest veterinary clinic.
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