Calcium DeficiencyCalcium Absorption and Calcium SupplementsI often get questions about calcium deficiency and calcium supplements. Especially at the time of the second vaccination. In Sweden it is around 12 weeks of age. Most commonly, owners are afraid of giving too little calcium in there dogs diet. This is probably a thought from the past. Then different diseases caused by low calcium levels in the diet was more common both in dogs and humans. Truth is, both too less and too much calcium in the diet can cause problems. In the growing dogs the need of calcium is big. Especially in the large dogs cause incredible growth is seen in a relatively short time span. I use to compare there growth with building a house. If you build a big big house in a very short time, better make sure that all the materials you need at the time you need it is present - and in the right amounts. Otherwise, the house will not be a well build. Something will be missing or not done the right way. Doing it fast will make it more likley you haven't done it the right way or missed something in the process. How does this apply to dogs?
Calcium and DiseasesI can remember in the eighties. My interest i veterinary medicine started. More growth related problems compared to now occured in dogs. Panosteitis, OCD in different joints and hip dysplasia among the most common, as i recall it. Today is those diseases less frequent sees. I use to say this is because of the new dog food is so much better. But, it where also the dog food which created all these problems in the first place back then. Far to much concentrated nutrition in the dogs made them grow too fast and the result could be seen as diseases. Not diseases caused by calcium deficiency or a lack of nourishment, but diseases caused by nutritional excess. In the mean time we have learned a lot about the calcium metabolism. We know much more today about calcium absorption and how calcium supplements should be used. Below, you can see links to other articles related to both vitamin d and calcium, as these are so inter related to each other and you cannot separate them from each other. But, first i give you my recommendations regarding calcium.
My RecommendationsI have to admit it. I recommend commercial dog food of good quality both in time of pregnancy and the time of growth. I do this to minimize the risks of wrong development. Normally i tell my dog owners, to give dog food for growing dogs in the pregnant bitch. But, be aware of her not gaining too much weight of cause. This should be continued under the period of lactation in order to make sure calcium deficiency and "milk fever" is not getting a problem. When the pups are getting older it is advisable to continue this strategy. In the fast growing big dogs (adult weight more then 50 pounds or 25kg) you should give the appropriate dog food. Dog food for large dogs is restricted both in energy and in calcium so the optimal rate of growth is obtained. The rate of growth can be judged by you at home. Normally you should weigh your dog every 3-4 weeks. The mean weight gain per week should not be more than 2 pounds (one kg) And, well giant dogs can grow more. Therefor it is nice to have a good relation to your breeder. Often they know the best rate of growth in your dog so if your in doubt ask your breeder. The most sensitive period is between 3/4 months up to approx. 9 months of age. During this period most dogs breeds growing the most. And the big dogs is growing very very much. In general the small dogs do not have the same need for restricted growth. You can be a bit more relaxed. You don't have to worry about their growth that much as long as they are developing normally. Only good quality dog food and no calcium supplements is necessary. No any big risks of calcium deficiency in normal circumstances. More Related PagesGeneral information about Calcium in dogs
From Calcium Deficiency to Dog Nutrition Advice Homepage
|
