Calcium and Puppies: Why Getting the Balance Right Matters
Note: The following information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace veterinary advice. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian or canine nutritionist when planning your puppy’s diet.
Why Calcium is Critical for Puppies
Calcium is an essential mineral for growth and development, particularly in puppies under six months of age. It plays a vital role in:
Building strong bones and teeth
Supporting nerve function
Assisting in muscle contraction
Regulating blood clotting
However, calcium is a mineral that must be managed with precision during the growth phase. Unlike adult dogs, puppies under six months of age cannot efficiently excrete excess calcium through their kidneys. This means any dietary imbalance—either too little or too much—can have significant consequences for skeletal development.
The Risks of Calcium Imbalance
Too little calcium can lead to nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism, resulting in weak bones and skeletal deformities. On the other hand, excess calcium—particularly in large and giant breed puppies—can contribute to developmental orthopedic diseases (DOD) such as hip dysplasia, osteochondrosis, and angular limb deformities.
Because puppies are unable to regulate excess calcium effectively, accuracy in their diet is critical.
Feeding Calcium Naturally
Bones as the Preferred Source
In raw feeding, raw meaty bones are often considered the most natural and bioavailable source of calcium. They provide not only calcium but also phosphorus in the correct ratio needed for healthy skeletal growth.
However, precise formulation is important—overfeeding bone can lead to constipation, nutrient imbalance, and excess calcium intake.
Eggshells: An Inconsistent Option
Some raw feeders use ground eggshells as a calcium source. While appealing for their simplicity, eggshells pose a challenge due to their inconsistent calcium content.
Independent testing conducted by canine nutritionist Monica Segal revealed that the elemental calcium in a single large eggshell can range between 1,800 mg and 2,100 mg. Such variation makes it unreliable as a sole or precisely calculated calcium source. Interestingly, factors such as the hen’s diet do not significantly influence calcium levels in the shell—other elements such as the hen’s age may play a greater role.
Calcium Supplements
When supplementation is necessary, a calcium supplement is generally more accurate than relying on eggshells. Options include:
Calcium carbonate
Calcium citrate
Other veterinary-recommended calcium formulations
The Calcium Carbonate Question
Calcium carbonate is one of the most commonly used supplements. However, it comes with a caveat: it also functions as an antacid, raising stomach pH.
When fed alongside bones, this effect can slow digestion and potentially reduce the breakdown of bone material in the stomach. While some dogs tolerate calcium carbonate without issue, others may experience digestive challenges when it is combined with bone feeding.
Practical Tips if Using Calcium Carbonate:
🦴 Consider switching to calcium citrate if digestive issues arise.
🦴 Separate meals containing bones from meals containing calcium carbonate supplements.
🦴 Add a small amount of apple cider vinegar (ACV) to bone-containing meals to help maintain an acidic stomach environment, aiding digestion.
Why Accuracy Matters
Raising puppies on a natural diet can be extremely rewarding, but it comes with responsibility. Precision matters when balancing minerals, especially calcium and phosphorus. Over-supplementation, under-supplementation, or imbalances between these two minerals can have long-term consequences on skeletal health.
For this reason, nutritional guidance or the use of a calculator or spreadsheet designed for raw feeding is strongly recommended. A nutritionist can tailor your puppy’s diet to breed, growth stage, and individual health, ensuring that your pup gets the best start in life.
References
National Research Council. (2006). Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press.
https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/10668/nutrient-requirements-of-dogs-and-catsHedhammar, Å., Wu, F. M., Krook, L., Schryver, H. F., De Lahunta, A., Whalen, J. P., & Kallfelz, F. A. (1974). Overnutrition and skeletal disease. The Cornell Veterinarian.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4416085/Hazewinkel, H. A. W., & Tryfonidou, M. A. (2002). Calcium metabolism in dogs. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 32(3), 531–546.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12237031/Segal, M. (2010). K9 Kitchen: Your Dog’s Diet – the Truth Behind the Hype. Canine Life Publishing.
https://monicasegal.com/Zentek, J., & Meyer, H. (1995). Normal and disturbed skeletal development in young dogs: Influence of diet composition and energy intake. Journal of Nutrition, 125(6 Suppl), 1659S–1663S.
https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/125.suppl_6.1659S