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It is an essential nutrient to support their growth and development. If you’re wondering what you can give your dog to provide more calcium, you’re in the right place. Here are six good sources of calcium for dogs:
The Importance of Calcium for Dogs
Getting the proper amount of calcium in your pup’s diet is essential for several reasons. One is that calcium is one of the most influential nutrients needed for developing and maintaining your pup’s entire skeleton. The health of their teeth and the function of their heart and hormones are also regulated by the amount of calcium in their systems.
The challenging aspect of providing them with excess calcium is that there can be too much of a good thing. Calcium deficiency is more risky than too much calcium, but finding a balance is the best practice.
If you are not feeding them a homemade diet, it is doubtful that you need to supplement their diets. Some dogs might not process it as well as they should, but wait for your vet to recommend calcium supplements. Puppies need more calcium than adult dogs, but supplementing their diets is even more dangerous since typical puppy food has already increased calcium levels.
How Much Calcium Do Dogs Need?
Not every dog has the same nutritional needs. However, calculating their nutrient needs according to their weight is typically the most accurate way to go. Adult dogs need about 120 milligrams of calcium per kilogram of weight.
If you have a puppy, they need more than double this amount. It’s best to feed them about 320 milligrams of calcium for each kilogram of body weight. If your adult pup is pregnant, ask your vet how much they will need since calcium is quickly lost during pregnancy and nursing.
If you or your vet determine that your pup needs more calcium, giving it to them naturally rather than feeding them supplements is best.
Symptoms of Calcium Deficiency
Knowing what to look for in a dog experiencing calcium deficiency can help you protect them in the future. The signs of calcium deficiency include:
- Muscle tremors and twitching
- Intermittent muscle spasms
- Changes in their behavior
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of control over their bodily movements
- Listlessness
- Weakness
If you notice these signs, especially if more than one is apparent, you should visit your vet and test for calcium deficiency.
The 6 Best Sources of Calcium for Your Dog
We are told from a young age that calcium is essential for us to grow big and strong. The same is true for your dog. Instead of buying them supplements and forcing them to take a daily pill, try incorporating these natural sources into their diet.
1. Broccoli
Most people think that dogs are predominantly carnivores. However, they need fruit and vegetables to maintain a healthy diet, as they are omnivores. Broccoli is a valuable vegetable for the growth of your pup.
Feed them raw broccoli without oil and herbs. You can also serve them veggies like sweet potatoes and beans to get extra calcium.
2. Bones
Bones are a rich source of calcium for dogs, but you must carefully monitor the kind of bones they eat. Bones are a handy source of calcium because you will not have problems getting your dog excited about this calcium-rich snack.
You can find bones that are safe for consumption at most pet stores. They satisfy their need for something to chew on and can even keep their teeth healthy. Never feed your dog bones from birds, including chicken or turkey.
They might beg for them, but these bones can easily break into fragments and cause your dog to choke or hurt their mouth. Do not serve them any cooked bones, either. The heat makes the bone more fragile, and it can easily splinter and injure your dog.
3. Dark Leafy Greens
Beyond healthy foods like broccoli, dark, leafy greens benefit your pup’s diet. Who would have thought that giving your dog a salad could be helpful? If you whip them up a meal, try incorporating leafy greens like kale and spinach.
Iceberg lettuce does not do much to help your dog, however. Even for humans, these leaves pack a tiny nutritional punch and are mostly water.
4. Fish
Fish is arguably one of the best calcium sources for your dog because it also brings so many more beneficial nutrients into the mix. Getting your dog to eat fish is easier than feeding them leafy greens.
You can feed your dog salmon, sardines, trout, and tuna. Each part of a fish, except the bones, is highly beneficial for your pup, from the skin to the meat inside. Take out all the bones and the spine in larger fish like salmon and trout before feeding them to your dog.
Fish are good for dogs because they are high in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin C. They are jam-packed with plenty of other nutrients, but the fatty acids are what fish are best known for in a dog’s diet.
5. Chicken
Chicken is generally a great source of calcium and protein for your pup. Plain, cooked chicken is a healthy treat, and most dogs don’t have trouble eating it. However, dogs with poultry allergies must avoid it.
6. Eggs
What comes first, the chicken or the egg? When it comes to your dog, it doesn’t matter. They love them both. Eggs are a quick and easy solution to the calcium problem. It is best not to give your dogs raw eggs since they are susceptible to salmonella poisoning.
Do not overdo it on the eggs, as they contain more cholesterol than their adult counterparts, the chicken.
Dairy Products
While dogs can benefit from dairy products, this addition to our list has a significant caveat. Many dogs are lactose-intolerant, and drinking milk, eating cheese, or mixing yogurt with their food can cause stomach issues. If you want to use dairy products to provide your dog with needed calcium levels, check with your vet first.
Related Read:
- Best Salmon Dog Foods – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide
- My Dog Ate a Chicken Bone – Here’s What To Do (Vet Answer)
Featured Image Credit: schmitma1, Pixabay
