Calcium is an essential mineral and one of the most abundant ones found in the canine body.  Bones “collect” or “hold” calcium and when the body needs more, it is released into the bloodstream.  Deficiencies are often difficult to pin point because a dog can lose up to forty percent of their bone calcium before a deficiency will show on a blood test.

Calcium is needed by the body to maintain healthy bones and teeth, activate digestive enzymes, help with blood clotting, regulate the muscles and heart, as well as a number of other critical functions.  Most high quality, balanced commercial dog foods contain adequate amounts of calcium, but the lower quality foods often do not.  Also, many unbalanced home prepared diets are deficient in calcium and supplementation is required.

The best way to ensure you dog is getting an adequate amount of calcium in his diet is to provide a high quality, balanced diet.  Raw, meaty bones are the best source of calcium followed by canned sardines, salmon, and mackerel.  Other sources include dairy products such as yogurt and cheese.  Supplement sources include ground egg shells, bone meal, calcium carbonate, and calcium citrate.

The entire diet must be reviewed to ensure it is balanced and to determine the amount and type of calcium needed through supplementation.  It is very important to remember, too much calcium in the diet can be just as dangerous and not enough.