Giving your dog a balanced diet is crucial for its development and general health. Calcium for dogs is an awesome place to start, as it helps boost your dog’s nutrition level.
Is calcium good for dogs? Read on to find out more!
Is Calcium Good for Dogs?
Calcium is a mineral that supports a dog’s development, bone and dental health, proper muscle development and function, cardiovascular health, and nervous system health. Dogs cannot naturally generate this mineral; therefore, they must consume food sources of it.
Calcium has various forms. Calcium powder for dogs is one of the most common because it is easy to incorporate it into one’s food.
Our Favorite Brand
Everyone is aware that calcium is crucial for a healthy dog diet; however, there are several calcium facts you may need to learn; for instance, calcium is a metal. Or that calcium is a component of skeletal structure?
Because Revival Animal Health Breeder's Edge Oral Cal Plus - Fast Absorbing Oral Calcium Supplement for Dogs & Cats has these qualities, it is our favorite brand.
The Right Calcium Dosage for Dogs
0.002 ounces (50 milligrams) of calcium per kilogram of body weight is the recommended calcium intake for adult, healthy dogs. As a result, a 10-pound (4.5 kilograms) dog will need about 0.0079 ounces (225 milligrams) of calcium daily.
The quantity of calcium that a dog needs depends on its age, breed, gender, and lifestyle. For instance, to maintain their strength and encourage healthy bone growth in the puppies, pregnant and nursing dogs need more calcium than usual.
Additionally, having insufficient calcium while expecting can cause eclampsia, a potentially fatal condition. But more on this later. According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), 0.044 ounces (1.25 grams) of calcium per 1,000 calories should be in your dog’s food.
Signs of Low Calcium in Dogs
The medical issue known as hypocalcemia affects your dog if the calcium levels in its blood are below normal. Essential body processes include the development of bones and teeth, blood clotting, milk generation, muscular contraction, heart pumping, eyesight, and the metabolism of hormones and enzymes, and all depend on calcium.
Depending on the underlying reason and seriousness of the issue, symptoms change. However, a few of the more widespread signs include the following:
- Trembling and twitching of muscles
- Stiff or awkward posture
- Panting
- Face bumping into things
- Vomiting
- Having no appetite
- Fever and weakness
When the total calcium level is moderate, symptoms might not appear until it drops far below normal 0.009 oz/dL (6.7 mg/dL).
Once your dog has a calcium deficiency, a veterinarian should do a full physical examination, blood chemical profile, complete blood count, and a urinalysis test. The other tests’ findings will help identify the cause of hypercalcemia.
It is also possible to diagnose underlying diseases such as renal disease, bladder stones, or cancer using radiographs and ultrasound imaging.
Treatment for your dog will most likely need to be hospitalized for fluid therapy if there is a diagnosis of hypercalcemia, according to your veterinarian.
The Dangers of Too Much Calcium Intake
Four parathyroid glands in the neck secrete the hormone the body requires to control calcium and phosphorus.
When vitamin D and parathyroid hormone interact, calcium is released from the bones, stomach, and kidneys and deposited into the bloodstream. Hypercalcemia can happen when malignant cells produce hormones that interfere with calcium control.
The presence of an excessively high level of calcium in the blood is what causes hypercalcemia. Some of the dangers of too much calcium intake include the following:
- Parathyroid gland dysfunction or overactivity (hyperparathyroidism)
- Tumors or cancer
- Illnesses that damage the bones
- Chronic kidney failure
- Adrenal glands that aren’t working properly
- Food poisoning from vitamin D (supplements included)
- Aluminum toxicity
The Best Canine Calcium Brands at a Glance
Here are some of the best calcium vitamins for dogs:
- Revival Animal Health Breeder's Edge Oral Cal Plus - Fast Absorbing Oral Calcium Supplement for Dogs & Cats : Best in vitamin content
- Seaweed Calcium for Dogs and Cats : Best organic
- Upco Bone Meal Steamed Bag Supplement : Most natural
- Nutrition Strength Calcium Phosphorus for Dogs : Most nutritious
- Animal Essentials Seaweed Calcium Dog & Cat Supplement : Best for digestion
Our Top Picks Unpacked
Revival Animal Health Breeder's Edge Oral Cal Plus - Fast Absorbing Oral Calcium Supplement for Dogs & Cats : Best in Vitamin Content
Amazons Choice in Multivitamins by Revival
Breeder’s Edge Oral Cal Plus Gel is a calcium supplement for dogs and queening cats. Oral Cal Plus Gel provides three calcium sources to support strong and regular contractions.
This calcium gel for dogs and cats contains vitamins D3 and B6 to support calcium absorption, while MCTs and dextrose support mental alertness and energy levels. Calcium impacts dilation, contractions, and mood making Oral Cal Plus Gel a must-have for every whelping kit.
Brand: Revival Animal Health
Recommended uses Calcium supplement for dogs in labor
Vet-recommended: Yes
Pros
- Good source of calcium supplements for dogs after whelping
- Easy to administer
- Value for money
- Supports strong and regular contractions throughout labor
Cons
- It is expensive
- The tube is too small
Ingredient list: Water, calcium carbonate, calcium lactate, coconut oil, dextrose, vitamin E supplement, sodium gluconate, calcium ascorbate, magnesium citrate, vanilla flavor, xanthan gum, citric acid, pyridoxine hydrochloride, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and vitamin D3 supplement.
Item form: Gel
Item weight: 0.507 and 1.014 fluid ounces (15ml and 30 ml)
Benefits:
- Calcium paste for dogs helps during labor
- Delivers three calcium sources
Active ingredients: Calcium, magnesium, vitamin D3, vitamin B6
Seaweed Calcium for Dogs and Cats : Best Organic
Free of allergens and GMOs, makes this product one of the best organic sources of calcium. It is simple to use as you can add the flavorless powder to hot or cold dishes, and your dog will eat without knowing it. Seaweed Calcium, originally from the Icelandic Calcareous Marine Algae (Lithothamnion Sp.), is a good and natural source of calcium for dogs.
Brand: Dog Greens
Recommended uses source of calcium for pregnant dogs
Vet-recommended: Yes
Pros:
- It is purely organic
- It can easily mix with hot or cold dog food
- It is tasteless, and it does not change the taste of the food when mixed
Cons:
- It has high demand leading it to be out of stock most of the time.
Ingredient list: 100% Icelandic calcareous marine algae (Lithothamnion Sp.)
Item form: Powder
Item weight: 14 ounces (397 grams)
Benefits:
- Seaweed helps sustain good bacteria in dogs’ stomachs
- It helps support digestive sensitivity
- Contains anti-inflammatory properties
Active ingredients: Calcium, potassium, selenium, strontium, magnesium, sulfur, iodine, and ash
Upco Bone Meal Steamed Bag Supplement : Most Natural
Upco Bone Meal is easy to use all-natural supplement! It encourages healthy fetal growth and healthy skeletal development in pregnant dogs. Animals that are growing need calcium and phosphorus for healthy bone, tooth, and tissue growth.
Brand: Upco
Recommended use: Good source of calcium for nursing dogs and fast-growing puppies
Vet-recommended: Yes
Pros
- Promotes growth of offspring
- It helps in proper bone formation
- Easy to use
Cons
- It has high demand leading it to be out of stock most of the time.
Ingredient list: Procaine bone meal contains proteins, lipids, and essential amino acids
Item Form: Powder
Item weight: 16 ounces (454 grams)
Benefits:
- It is a good source of calcium for pregnant and lactating dogs
- It is an excellent source of naturally balanced calcium and phosphorus
Active ingredients: Crude protein, crude fiber, ash, phosphorous, and calcium
Nutrition Strength Calcium Phosphorus for Dogs : Most Nutritious
Nutrition Strength is a complete formula to support bone development in puppies, particularly during rapid growth.
For a grown dog, it is a good source of calcium balance. When it comes to administering this bone meal, you can choose to either include it in your dog’s diet or not.
Your four-legged friend will enjoy taking this tasty phosphorus calcium daily; easily digestible and highly absorbable, this bone meal tablet for dogs will help nourish their bones and joints. Nutrition Strength’s phosphorus calcium tablets design is suitable for canines of any breed, age, and size.
Brand: Nutrition Strength
Recommended uses: A dog calcium supplement
Vet-recommended: Yes
Pros
- Supports the growth of healthy bones
- Ideal for all breeds, sizes, and ages of dogs
Cons
- Some dogs do not like the taste of the tablet.
- It is not easy to mix with food due to the item form.
Ingredient list: Dicalcium phosphate, brewers dried yeast, whey protein isolate, natural chicken flavor, and magnesium stearate
Item form: Tablet
Item weight: 120 tablets
Benefits:
- Promotes bone and teeth formation
- Stimulates secretion of hormones
- It helps support the nervous system
- It sustains energy production in a dog’s body
Active ingredients: Calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A, and vitamin D3
Animal Essentials Seaweed Calcium Dog & Cat Supplement : Best for Digestion
The calcium supplement Animal Essentials offers is a naturally calcified seaweed product obtained from the seafloor off Iceland’s southwest coast.
The tiny red seaweed Lithothamnium grows in these waters, which are among the cleanest and purest in the globe. It comprises several vital nutrients for the body, including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.
With this product, you can be confident your pet is getting adequate calcium and other vital minerals. You can feed your pet less and expect more because Animal Essentials Calcium is much easier for them to digest and fully utilize.
Brand: Animal Essentials
Recommended uses: Calcium supplements for nursing dogs
Vet-recommended: Yes
Pros
- It easily mixes with food
- It is organic
- It is highly absorbable
Cons
- Some dogs do not like its smell.
Ingredient list: 100% Icelandic calcareous marine algae (Lithothamnion Sp.)
Item form: Powder
Item weight: 12 ounces (340 grams)
Benefits:
- Seaweed helps sustain good bacteria in dogs’ stomachs
- It helps support digestive sensitivity
- It contains anti-inflammatory properties
Active ingredients: Calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, zinc, sodium, iodine, and ash
FAQs on Canine Calcium
Is Calcium Chloride Safe for Dogs?
Digoxin or calcitriol-treated animals and those with heart or renal problems should utilize calcium supplements with caution. Although there is no formal examination, using it during pregnancy or on nursing mothers is usually thought to be safe when done so under your veterinarian’s supervision and at the correct dose.
What Can I Feed My Dog as a Supplement Alternative?
We are taught from an early age that calcium is necessary to develop into big, powerful adults. Your dogs are no exception. Try including these natural sources in their diet:
Bones
Your dogs can get a lot of calcium from bones. You will be fine enticing your dog to eat this calcium-rich treat if you use bones as a source of calcium. They satisfy their craving for something to chew on and may even support the development of healthy teeth.
Green Leafy Vegetables
Any dark leafy green, except for bulky meals like broccoli, is suitable for your dog’s diet. Who would have believed that feeding a salad to your dog could be advantageous? Try to include leafy greens like kale and spinach in any meals you prepare for them.
Fish
Because it also adds so many other helpful elements to the mix, fish is one of the greatest calcium sources for your dog. Additionally, feeding your dog fish rather than leafy vegetables is frequently easier.
Dairy Products
Dairy products can be beneficial for dogs, but there is a big catch to this addition to our list. Products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, can upset the stomachs of many lactose-intolerant dogs.
If you wish to provide your dog the calcium levels it needs by using dairy products, test it out in tiny batches or consult your veterinarian first.
How Can You Make Homemade Calcium for Dogs?
Dogs enjoy eggs, which we frequently feed them. But given the abundance of eggs in the kitchen, it makes sense to wonder if dogs can consume eggshells as they are a good source of calcium.
One of the most essential nutrients for dogs is calcium. It is crucial for blood coagulation, muscle mobility, and bone health. Eggshells are inexpensive and simple to add more calcium to your dog’s diet.
To ensure your dog gets enough calcium, top their homemade food with this easy-to-make powdered supplement. All you would need is some eggshells and something to pound it into powder form.
We’ve Got You Covered
Calcium is an essential mineral for your dog’s growth and development. It is wise for you as a caregiver to your dog to always make sure you take the best care possible.
From the five calcium sources we have, you can take advantage of one that best suits your dog’s needs, especially the Revival Animal Health Breeder's Edge Oral Cal Plus - Fast Absorbing Oral Calcium Supplement for Dogs & Cats .
Always consult your veterinary doctor before taking any step involving your dog’s health. You may purchase the above products, but a veterinarian should advise you on the proper dosage.
