Proper Cat & Dog Calcium Supplementation Guide
Firstly, let's understand what calcium is. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in a pet's body, playing a crucial role in maintaining bone strength. Therefore, it's essential to maintain a proper calciumtophosphorus ratio in their diet.
1. Major Sources of Calcium
Calcium in pet food primarily comes from meat and bone meal, bone meal, and can also be found in mineral salts like calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, and calcium phosphate.
2. The Role of Calcium in the Body
More than 90% of the calcium in the body is stored, predominantly in bones and teeth, where it strengthens the skeletal structure. Calcium is vital for blood clotting, nerve impulse conduction, and muscle contraction. Deficiency or excess can lead to various issues.
Calcium Deficiency: A lack of calcium can lead to rickets in pets, causing slow growth, abnormal bone development, and other diseases.
Calcium Overdose: Excessive calcium can delay bone maturation and lead to joint diseases. Both high and low calcium intake can increase the risk of skeletal abnormalities and kidney stones.
What is the "Golden Time" for Calcium Supplementation?
1. Growth Phase
From weaning to adulthood, pets are in a critical period of growth. Insufficient calcium can result in ribcage deformities, malformed forelimbs, slow tooth growth, and even permanent lameness. Large and mediumsized dogs, in particular, have a high calcium requirement, with the 23monthold stage being crucial for intervertebral disc formation in puppies.
2. Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnant and lactating pets require additional calcium to support the growth of the fetus and the milk production process. Without adequate calcium, they may suffer from osteoporosis and poor fetal development. Lactating pets lose a significant amount of calcium during milk production, and low blood calcium levels can trigger acute hypocalcemia.
3. Old Age
Senior pets may experience accelerated calcium loss due to endocrine changes. It's important to supplement calcium moderately and maintain an active lifestyle to prevent osteoporosis, enlarged bone spurs, and an increased risk of fractures.
4. Fracture Recovery
After a fracture or bone crack, the body releases free calcium into the bloodstream. Supplementing calcium during this time can lead to hypercalcemia and increased kidney stress. Therefore, it's best to start calcium supplementation after the formation of bony callus to aid in bone reconstruction and recovery.
In addition to scientific calcium supplementation, ensure your furry friend gets plenty of sunlight and exercise. Sunlight promotes vitamin D synthesis, while moderate exercise increases bone density and aids in calcium absorption, contributing to overall bone health.
