What is a Good Calcium Source for Puppies?

Everyone, including your puppy, needs a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. However, there's such a thing as too much of a good thing, including the mineral calcium. Before you begin combing the stores for good sources of calcium for Pal, talk to the vet to learn what he really needs.

  1. Why Calcium Matters

    • Calcium and phosphorus work together to ensure Pal's bones develop properly. The correct ratios of both minerals are necessary for healthy growth, and a dog deficient in either can have bone deformities or weakness. Calcium and phosphorus are also necessary for tooth development, muscle growth, blood coagulation and nervous function.

    Mom: The First and Best Source

    • If Pal's still a nursing baby, he'll get the calcium he needs from his mother, and you won't have to worry about hunting out additional sources of calcium for him. If mom can't nurse or Pal's an orphan, he'll get all the nutrients he requires with a commercial milk replacer. Cow's or goat's milk isn't a good option because they're low in caloric density and high in lactose, increasing the risk of diarrhea. After he's weaned, a complete and balanced commercial puppy food should meet his needs just fine. Not only do dogs require a correct ratio of calcium to phosphorus, but they need the correct amount of calcium. Commercial puppy food is manufactured with a puppy's dietary needs in mind. If Pal's a large breed pup, feeding him a puppy food geared for large breed pups will ensure he gets the correct amount of calcium during his important growth phase.

    Homemade Food

    • If you cook for Pal yourself, think about not only how much calcium he gets, but how to ensure it's properly balanced with phosphorus. According to Dog Aware, the recommended calcium to phosphorus ratio for dogs falls between one to one and two to one. Discussing Pal's individual needs with your vet can help you determine the appropriate ratio for him. Commercially available calcium sources include calcium citrate, calcium from seaweed and bone meal. If you use bone meal in Pal's home-cooked food, seek out brands stating they're tested, safe and lead-free. If you have a good grinder, grind rinsed and dried egg shells to make a fine calcium supplement. If Pal's homemade diet relies on a commercial mix, check to make sure it meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials guidelines; if it does, you won't have to worry about a supplement. No matter what recipe you choose to feed your growing pup, run it by an animal nutritionist or vet to ensure Pal's getting all the nutrients he needs -- but not too much.

    Too Much

    • Avoid the temptation to pull a supplement off the shelf to make Pal a little extra-healthy. Excessive calcium competes with other minerals for absorption in the intestine, potentially depriving Pal of zinc and magnesium. Too much calcium during his puppy stage can lead to orthopedic problems, particularly in large breed dogs. The bottom line is if you're feeding Pal a healthy, balanced diet, he likely won't need extra calcium. If the vet feels he could use a boost in calcium, discuss what the best options for Pal are -- whether he requires a supplement or a bit of yogurt mixed into his evening meal.