How To Know That My Dog ​​needs More Calcium

At any stage of life, but especially when it is growing, your dog needs a good dose of calcium. In this way your bone health will be strong until old age. The animal’s daily diet must include an adequate amount of this nutrient for healthy development. There are some factors that indicate that your furry is lacking calcium. Do you want to know which ones? Then keep reading this article.

Calcium in dogs: what to know

First of all, it is necessary to take into account that calcium is one of the most important nutrients in the life of a dog since it is a puppy because it helps in the formation and strengthening of bones. If we want our pet to grow up healthy and strong, it is vital that it ingest a good dose of this component through food.

Whether the canine consumes a “homemade” diet or one based on commercial feed, if or if it has to have calcium on a daily basis. If this does not happen, you are likely to suffer from various problems such as broken legs. The lack of this nutrient can trigger pathologies such as rickets, a condition in which growth is insufficient and the bone structure is less than that of other dogs at their age.

A puppy dog ​​needs about 320 mg of calcium per kg of weight per day. In the case of adults, the amount decreases to 120 mg per kg. Take these data into account so that it is not exceeding the proportion either (something that is also bad for your health).

How to detect a lack of calcium in dogs?

There are different ways to realize that our pet is lacking calcium or does not receive it in the correct amounts according to their age and weight. Observing the body is the best way to detect it.

For example, if he does not grow enough in relation to other dogs (siblings are an ideal indicator), if he is too thin even if he eats well and if his bones are marked through the skin and they are very thin.

In addition, we can determine if you have muscle spasms or seizures. Attention because in these cases the causes may be other (more serious), therefore we recommend that you go to the vet for a general check-up.

Dogs that are lacking in calcium may experience other symptoms, including rapid heartbeat, disorientation, feeling fatigued, or heart arrhythmias. Also here we advise you to take it to the professional consultation.

Sources of calcium for dogs

The doctor may tell you to offer a different feed or even add special supplements to the food. This is great but not the only option. There are “homemade” sources of calcium at your fingertips that will do more than good for your dog.

Finely ground eggshell (for example in a mortar or coffee grinder) and mixed with everyday food can be an excellent idea if your pet suffers from calcium deficiency.

The bones of other animals (which are bought in butchers such as chicken) can also be very useful. Some owners offer them to them to eat whole and others prefer that they are chopped or powdered to mix them with the feed.

Dairy products are a great source of calcium (we humans know that) and some can help our furry ones improve their health. For example yogurt, which softens dry food and is very tasty for your palates. It is better if it is low in fat. Cheese is another option, we recommend the cottage type and not give it too much.

If he accepts it, give your dog fish to increase his calcium levels. Tuna, sardines, and trout are the best. But be careful, it is cooked because otherwise it can irritate your stomach and cause bacterial diseases.

Finally, if your dog is a fan of vegetables or is used to eating them without problems, do not hesitate to offer him spinach, broccoli and sweet potato.