The inclusion of essential vitamins and minerals is a very important part of a nutritious meal for your dog. One of these essential vitamins is Calcium. For those who are familiar with this vitamin, an association with strong bones and white teeth immediately occurs. A complete and healthy meal for your pet should be complemented with calcium. As pet owners become more and more aware of dietary supplements and healthy ingredients for a nutritious and well balanced diet for their dog, they are beginning to recognize the importance Calcium has in the growth and development of their pet.
More often than not, people make the mistake feeding their dog excess or small amounts of calcium. Rickets is a condition that appears on dogs that are deficient of calcium in their diet. This ailment results in weak bones that tend to bend or break under the pressure of the dog’s weight. Signs of this ailment are very apparent under the elbow, giving the appearance that they are a result of friction when your dog pushes up to stand up, and lies down.
Feeding your dog an excess amount of calcium can have negative results as well. Some pet owners of larger dog breeds like German Sheppard or Great Danes feed their dog excessive amounts of calcium in their earlier stages reaching for more growth and development in their dog. However, too much calcium in puppies will result in over sized bones that lack density and strength.
When adequate amounts of calcium are added to your dog’s diet, he will enjoy healthy, strong bones and dentures and have fewer chances to suffer from any abnormalities. Thus, it is always a good idea to follow your veterinarian’s advice regarding the proper dosage, and whether or not your dog’s food should be supplemented with calcium.
If your dog’s nourishment consists of raw foods, such as raw meat, vegetables and grains, he may not be getting all the calcium he requires. Since calcium works together with phosphorous in a one to two ratio for better assimilation into the body. However, a meat based diet presents a ratio of about 18 parts phosphorous and one part calcium. The lack of balance between these two nutrients is sure to have adverse consequences.
Another agent that aids in the assimilation of calcium in the dog, is vitamin D. Deficient amounts of vitamin D will stand as a disadvantage and prevent your dog from benefiting from the other nutrients present in his food. While on the other hand, too much vitamin D can be venomous to your pet.
Calcium as a nutrient becomes extra important if your dog is pregnant, or nursing puppies. During this period, avoid feeding your dog any supplements, and reach out for natural ingredients for a balanced diet. Do some research and talk to your veterinarian for the best choices in store shelves. Quality food from reputable companies is the best way to go when caring for what your dog eats. They have been doing research for the longest time, and have more experience at trial and error.
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