Dogs and Cats Need Calcium

[alexthomsan]

Dogs and Cats Need Calcium

While many people are aware of calcium deficiency in people leading to osteoporosis, one of the most common chronic diseases in both woman and men, few animal guardians rarely give a thought to supplementing their pets with calcium. Calcium, as well as phosphorus, magnesium and other trace minerals are all involved with healthy skeletal, joint and oral health. Even mild deficiencies over time can contribute to chronic degenerative disorders involving not only the structural components of our body, but major organ systems such as the heart, urinary tract, as well as enzyme reactions throughout the body.

There is even some evidence in the human literature claiming calcium deficiencies help lead to the development of kidney stones, rather than calcium excess. And while most processed commercial pet foods claim to have adequate amounts of both calcium and other minerals, I often find these minerals are either not in an easily digestible form for pets, or in the case of some minerals, are destroyed in the processing of bagging or canning the pet food. That is why it is so essential to feed as fresh and minimally processed diet as possible.

Ideally this would consist of balanced homemade recipe diets such as those found in Donald Strombeck’s book as well as Richard Pitcairn’s book on natural health for dogs and cats, both of which can be found on the internet. The next best choice would be natural minimally processed commercial diets such as Eat Great Be Well from 1800PetMeds, Pet Guard or Wysong as my other favorite choices. However, even in balanced recipes found in the above books, it is often called to supplement with additional calcium to insure adequate dietary supplies. This becomes even more critical in pregnant or lactating animals, which can rapidly become calcium deficient when fed strictly grocery or pet store quality commercial pet foods.

There are many excellent options for adding supplemental calcium to a pet’s diet, including Osteoform calcium phosphorus for dogs, which is wonderful for those pregnant and lactating animals, along with the excellent multivitamin Vitachews. I will often use both of these along with essential fatty acids such as Nordic Naturals Pet Cod Liver Oil with Omega 3 fatty acids to both pregnant and lactating animals.

[brandonkuala]

Yes that's right, calcium is a very important mineral for your pet’s overall strength and good health. Of all the minerals, calcium is required in the greatest amount. It is essential in the body for many functions including bone formation, blood coagulation, muscle contraction and nerve impulse transmission. Thanks for keeping in touch.

[oliviathn]

Even mild deficiencies over time can contribute to chronic degenerative diseases involving not only structural components of body, but the reactions of major organ systems such as the heart, urinary tract, and enzymes in the body. Cooking Up Plans than those found in the book by Donald Beck 's and Strom's book by Richard Pitcairn on natural health for dogs and cats. These both books can be found on the Internet.