Calcium for dogs

Calcium for strong teeth and bones

The mineral calcium is known as an important micronutrient for teeth and bones. In fact, a look at the tooth and bone structure shows that around 99 percent of the calcium found in the body is distributed in the teeth and bones, with the majority at 90 percent being found in the bone structure. It is interesting that calcium alone would do little, the mineral needs an “ally” and that is phosphate.

A look into the biological processes

Calcium is bound to phosphate. To illustrate the amount: the average human body contains around one kilogram of calcium and around 0.7 kilograms of phosphate. In dogs, the quantitative occurrence depends on body weight and breed. The combination of the two substances creates a cooperation that is dependent on one another on the one hand and must be subject to sophisticated regulation on the other. Calcium and phosphate, as so-called “hydroxyapatite crystals”, give the bone stability and at the same time serve as a storage location. The two substances are mainly regulated by three hormones: parathyroid hormone, calcitriol and calcitonin.

Calcium – also for nerves and muscles

It does not do justice to the mineral calcium if it is “only” reduced to tooth and bone health. XThe micronutrient is always needed when muscles or nerves are activated, when cells divide or regenerate and when it comes to metabolism. Although calcium is an integral part of the body, its supply is ensured through food. This in turn means that the body can absorb the mineral at all via other substances. For this he needs a sufficient concentration of vitamin D3 and vitamin K2. Because these two substances are so-called carriers and regulators. They bring the calcium to where it is needed (vitamin D3) and take care of the regulation (vitamin K2).

Calcium in food – not everything arrives

Depending on the quality of the food, the age of the dog and its general condition, between 5 and 50 percent of the calcium ingested with food can be utilized by the organism in the intestine. In addition, an increased phytate content can impede absorption in the intestine – for this reason, dogs in particular that are given feed containing grain have an increased need for calcium.

Deficiency symptoms

A “too little” calcium is reflected in weight loss, tartar and tooth loss, joint problems, lameness, muscle breakdown or slow growth in young dogs.

The right calcium dosage

Between 80 and 100 mg of calcium are calculated per kilogram of body weight in order to avoid a calcium deficiency. Pregnant and lactating as well as older dogs have an increased calcium requirement, as do puppies and young dogs.