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The Importance of Calcium for Your Dog’s Health

courtesy of ohgizmo.com

Introduction

Calcium is an essential mineral for both dogs and humans. It plays a vital role in conducting electrical impulses, contracting muscles, and maintaining strong teeth and bones. However, if dogs don't get enough calcium, they can suffer from various health issues, including rickets, muscle twitching, stiffness, and osteoporosis.

The Role of Processed Foods

While regular canned dog food should contain adequate amounts of calcium, the processing of ingredients can sometimes reduce its nutritional value. Therefore, it's important to be aware of natural foods that are rich in calcium, especially if you're feeding your dog a raw diet.

Adding Bone Meal or Crushed Eggshells

If you're feeding your dog a raw diet, it may be necessary to supplement their calcium intake. One way to do this is by adding bone meal or crushed eggshells to their food. These calcium-rich options can help ensure your dog gets the nutrients they need.

The Benefits of Eggs

Eggs are not only a great source of protein and fatty acids but also contain calcium. However, it's important to cook the eggs before feeding them to your dog to avoid potential health risks. Crushed eggshells can also be sprinkled onto your dog's food for an extra calcium boost.

Choosing the Right Cheese and Yogurt

Cheese is a good choice of human food for dogs due to its calcium, protein, and vitamin content. Low-fat options like mozzarella or cottage cheese are recommended, as well as versions low in salt. Yogurt is another calcium-rich option that can be easily mixed in with your dog's meal.

The Benefits of Fish

Fish, such as salmon, tuna, sardines, and trout, are excellent sources of calcium. However, it's important to cook the fish before feeding it to your dog to prevent stomach issues and the risk of bacteria. Removing the fish bones or grinding the fish can also make it safer for consumption.

Understanding Bones

Bones can be a contentious topic when it comes to dog food. While certain bones can be dangerous, raw meat bones with plenty of muscle meat attached can be a good source of calcium. However, it's important to monitor your dog while they eat bones and to avoid cooked bones altogether.

Conclusion

Ensuring your dog gets enough calcium is essential for their overall health and wellbeing. Incorporating calcium-rich foods like bone meal, crushed eggshells, eggs, cheese, yogurt, and fish can help support their calcium intake. However, it's always best to consult with your vet if you have any concerns or questions about your dog's diet.

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