Welcome to our guide dedicated to enhancing your dog's health through optimal calcium intake. At Red Dog Blue Kat, we understand the importance of a balanced raw diet, with calcium playing a crucial role in your dog's overall well-being. In this blog, we'll explore effective ways to boost your furry friend's calcium intake, featuring raw bones, bone-in meals, eggshells, and natural supplements.
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The Role Of Calcium In Dogs
Understanding the role of calcium in dogs is crucial for responsible pet parenting. Calcium is a vital mineral supporting various physiological functions, including bone formation, muscle function, and nerve transmission. Adequate calcium levels are essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth, ensuring proper blood clotting, and supporting overall muscle health.
Healthy Bone Growth and Maintenance: The inclusion of bone ensures your dog receives the necessary nutrients for healthy bone development and maintenance. This is particularly vital for growing puppies and contributes to the overall skeletal health of adult dogs.
Nervous System Support: Calcium, derived from ground poultry bones, is crucial for the proper functioning of the nervous system. Including bone in your dog's diet supports optimal nervous system health.
The Risks:
What Happens When There Is Too Little Calcium?
Insufficient calcium intake in dogs can lead to various health issues. Puppies, in particular, require sufficient calcium for proper bone development. In adult dogs, a calcium deficiency can result in weakened bones, muscle tremors, and increased susceptibility to fractures. Striking the right balance is crucial.
What Happens When There Is Too Much Calcium?
While essential, excessive calcium intake can pose risks. Too much calcium may lead to hypercalcemia, resulting in symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, and digestive issues. Prolonged exposure to high calcium levels may contribute to kidney stone formation. Consult your vet to provide calcium within recommended limits.
Unveiling 4 Calcium-Boosting Supplements for Optimal Dog and Puppy Well-Being
1. Bone-in Meals from RDBK: A Nutrient-Rich Boost for Your Dog's Health
Red Dog Blue Kat offers a selection of delicious bone-in meals. Some meals include whole bone from the entire carcass, like fish, chicken, and turkey, while others feature ground bone powder. RDBK recognizes the importance of a balanced raw diet in promoting your pet's overall well-being. Incorporating bone-in meals such as our RDBK Foundations Raw Poultry recipes underscores a commitment to providing dogs with essential nutrients. Whether you're introducing your pet to raw feeding or seeking a high-quality option, RDBK's bone-in meals present a convenient and nutritious solution. Check out our meal selection here.
RDBK ground bone / bone-in meals
Foundations Raw Turkey
Foundations Raw Chicken
Foundations Raw Herring
Foundations Raw Salmon & Tripe
Everyday Raw Reef N' Beef
Everyday Raw Farmhouse Fare
Everyday Raw Classic Harvest
Everyday Raw Wild Outback
2. Raw Bones: Endless Health Benefits for Your Dog
Raw bones are a nutrient powerhouse, serving as an excellent natural source of calcium for your dog. Chewing on raw bones not only supports dental health but also provides essential minerals, promoting healthy gums, mental stimulation, and preventing dental issues.
At Red Dog Blue Kat, we provide a selection of 15 distinct bone varieties and offer 9 proteins to meet your pet's nutritional requirements. Curious about finding the perfect match for your dog? Take our bone quiz to explore the ideal raw bone options.
For convenient access, locate a local retailer near you by clicking here and explore our selection of RDBK meals and raw bones for your beloved companion.
3. The Power of Eggshells: Cost-Effective Nutritional Boost for Your Dog's Health
Eggshells, often underestimated, emerge as a fantastic source of calcium for your dog. Unlocking their nutritional benefits is simple – crush them into a fine powder. Accessible and cost-effective, eggshells are a convenient addition to your dog's diet. Dive into more wallet-friendly tips by exploring "Budget Tips: 3 Supplements You Can Share with Your Dogs & Cats" and Feeding Raw On A Budget: The Real Cost Of Feeding Your Pet". Your pet's well-being doesn't have to break the bank!
Nutritional Benefits of Eggshells
High Calcium Content: Eggshells boast a rich calcium content crucial for fostering strong bones and teeth, especially vital for growing puppies and pregnant or lactating dogs.
Joint Health Support: The eggshell membrane within the shell houses glucosamine, collagen, and chondroitin – compounds that provide valuable support for joint health. This is particularly beneficial for older dogs or those with arthritis.
Incorporate responsibly sourced and prepared eggshells into your dog's diet to unleash their nutritional benefits, contributing to overall health and well-being.
Choosing Quality Eggshells
Opt for shells from farm-raised, organic, pasture-raised chickens, steering clear of grocery store eggs treated with chemicals. Dr. Jules, our in-house vet, also recommends Irrawsitible eggshell powder, a pre-made calcium supplement.
Grinding for Easy Consumption
To seamlessly incorporate the eggshells into your dog's meals, grind them into a fine powder using a clean coffee grinder. Store the powder in an airtight jar for convenient sprinkling.
Addressing Salmonella Concerns
While dogs generally tolerate raw eggs well, you can take additional precautions. Before use, give eggs a thorough rinse to eliminate visible dirt, and ensure they are dried thoroughly. An extra layer of safety involves baking or boiling the shells before grinding to eliminate potential bacteria. Always adhere to the same food handling rules you would for yourself. To further enhance digestibility and eliminate potential contaminants, consider baking the shells at 200°F for 10-15 minutes.
By following these simple steps and precautions, you ensure that eggshells become a valuable and safe addition to your dog's diet, promoting their overall health and well-being.
4. Other Natural Calcium Supplements For Your Pets
In addition to raw bones, consider incorporating natural calcium supplements into your dog's diet. Red Dog Blue Kat recommends several options:
Bone Meal: Derived from crushed animal bones, bone meal offers concentrated calcium.
Seaweed/Algae Calcium: Plant-based alternatives with additional minerals and trace elements.
Fish Meal: Rich in calcium and omega-3 fatty acids.
Kelp Powder: A seaweed-derived supplement containing calcium and other minerals.
Before treating your dog to a calcium boost, make sure to consult your trusted veterinarian for tailored advice. Dive into the world of canine supplements by delving into the insights shared in our blog, "4 Essential Supplements For A Raw Food Diet". Your pup's well-being deserves the best, and we've got the information to guide you on this paw-some journey!
Empowering You to Enhance Your Pet's Well-being Through a Balanced Raw Diet
Boosting your dog's calcium intake is a key aspect of responsible pet parenting. Red Dog Blue Kat empowers you to enhance your pet's well-being through a balanced raw diet, featuring raw bones, eggshells, bone-in meals, and natural supplements. Prioritize your dog's health by incorporating these strategies into their diet, witnessing a positive impact on their overall vitality. Embrace the Red Dog Blue Kat approach to pet nutrition – because a healthier dog is a happier dog.