If you are feeding a commercially available dog food, you should not add supplemental calcium. Dog foods are formulated to contain the specific required amounts of all the nutrients a dog needs for the life stage the diet is intended for. In some cases, such as during pregnancy, additional levels of these nutrients beyond what is already provided in the diet can be detrimental to the health of the animal. Calcium is one of these nutrients. Supplementation of additional calcium during growth or gestation can cause severe health issues for the animal and is not recommended.
Calcium and phosphorus together make up the majority of the bone minerals. These two mineral are required, both in specific amounts per day as well as in a specific ratio to each other. This ratio should be maintained between 1:1 and 2:1 calcium to phosphorus. When the diet calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is out of this range, it can impair the absorption of the minerals from the small intestine. Too much calcium in the diet decreases the ability of the animal to use the phosphorus in the diet as well. Too little calcium can result in it being pulled from the bone for use, resulting in weakened bones and higher potential for breaks.
The proper calcium level is of particular importance to growing, pregnant, or lactating animals. Improper calcium-to-phosphorus ratios, particularly in large-breed dogs, can lead to weakened bone and osteoarthritis development. It is important that calcium-to-phosphorus ratios are maintained to ensure proper bone growth and health throughout the life of the dog. If you choose a high-quality, commercially available dog food that is intended for the particular life stage of your dog (i.e., growth, gestation), it will be guaranteed to provide these minerals at the proper level. If you are utilizing a home-prepared diet, you must be particularly cautious about maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio; for instance, raw meat alone will not provide the proper balance of these minerals.
For additional information, contact your veterinarian.
