Calcium Rich Foods

Calcium rich foods can be one way of adding calcium to your dogs food if needed. Extra calcium can be devastating in some dogs or OK in others.

Just like humans, dogs need food with calcium to help with bone growth, repair and generally good health. If your dog is getting the right amount of calcium rich foods, they will not only have healthy bones - but teeth, nails and coat too. When a dog is deficient in calcium, they could suffer from diseases such as bone disease or cramps.

Natural Foods Containing Calcium

Calcium can be found in good quantities in various natural foods.

You probably know this, but dairy products such as yoghurt's can be a great natural source of calcium for dogs.

Just add a spoonful or two with their dry food and mix it in if you wish, they will at least appreciate how it will soften their dry food if nothing else.

Milk is not a good source as the lactose in it often causes diarrhea in dogs. Many dogs don't have the enzymes needed for lactose digestion.

Cottage cheese isn't a bad option either and it is not high in fat.

Some types of fish can also contain high amounts of calcium such as sardines, salmon or even caviar on special occasions.

Less tasteful foods to your dog but nevertheless calcium rich foods, are dark green leafy veg such as spinach and yams.

If you prefer the idea of giving a supplement as a source of calcium, try to find one that contains fossilized coral reefs.

Whats The Deal With Dog Bones?

Now on a very serious note, as much as animal bones from the chicken or pork can be very high calcium rich foods.

They are a great risk to your dog.

Bones in all their shapes and sizes can cause serious damage to the intestines or constipation. Dogs don't regard safe or slow to have anything to do with eating. Indigestion is a fairly minor ill, but punctured organs are far more problematic.

I don't recommend any type of bone to dogs any more.

I have done far too many operations, taking bone out from damaged intestines to think this is good food for dogs.

So, next time you go to throw a bone off your plate, stop and think about your dog's health and safety.

Opting For Supplements

If you prefer to give your dog a supplement for calcium, but only when your veterinarian has detected a calcium need.

Calcium supplements can be bought at any pet health store and for optimal effect they will be good taken alongside magnesium supplements. Calcium rich foods or supplements are sometimes needed in pregnancy or after whelping.

But ask your vet about this as it is very individually and not possible to give any general guidelines.

When Calcium Rich Foods Are Too Much

Food with calcium is necessary for good health in dogs, but when does it cross the line and become too much.

You have to monitor the intake because like having too little calcium rich foods in their diet, too much can also lead to serious health problems.

Some sources think that obsessive compulsive disorders in dogs can come from too much calcium.

I haven't heard this before, but in the future be aware if any links is possible. If you have any personal experience i appreciate if you contact me in the Ask The Vet section. i am very curious in gaining more knowledge about this.

You must take note, that giving calcium supplements as well as food with calcium can create calcium overload. This is easy to do in young fast growing dogs. They can't regulate amount calcium absorbed from the gut. They absorb whatever comes in - even if it is too much!

Very important to consult your veterinarian for further advice on food with calcium and supplements.

As a vet i normally recommend good quality dog food in fast growing dogs. Then i know best nutritional balance between the important minerals is optimized.