The element calcium (Ca) supports all animals in two main ways; it builds their skeletons and supports their muscle and nerve function. Ca is the basic mineral in vertebrate teeth and bones and invertebrate (think clams and lobsters) shells and carapaces.

Minerals play a key role in the maintenance of osmotic pressure, and thus regulate the exchange of water and solutes within the animal body. Minerals serve as structural constituents of soft tissues. Minerals are essential for the transmission of nerve impulses and muscle contraction.

While we tend to associate dietary calcium with diary products it is found in many other foods including plants. Cows obtain their calcium from grass hay which has approximately 0.4% calcium. Other plants such as alfalfa have approximately 1.5%.

Calcium is a type of mineral that is categorized as an electrolyte. Electrolytes regulate the fluid concentration in your dog’s cells and help conduct energetic impulses within their body. Cells use calcium for sending signals, contracting muscles (including the heart!) and sending / receiving neurotransmitters.

Pets with abnormally low calcium levels often show signs of muscle twitching, loss of appetite, weakness, and listlessness. In severe cases, pets may have convulsions or seizures.

According to the APCC, vitamin D3 doses below 0.1 mg/kg can cause mild, self-limiting GI upset in a healthy animal. Doses of 0.1 mg/kg or greater can cause hypercalcemia, which may lead to acute renal failure, but this dose is rarely reached with ingestion of calcium supplements.

Toxicity to pets Calcium supplements usually come in tablet or flavored soft-chew formulations and are readily found in many households. When dogs ingest these supplements in large amounts, vomiting and diarrhea or constipation are common, with potential for transiently elevated calcium blood levels.

Bone meal powder for dogs is a good calcium supplement. Rogue Pet Science’s Origins Canine 5-in-1 is an awesome source of calcium and other essential vitamins and nutrients.

Calcium is an important part of your dog’s diet and contributes to their growth, healthy bone and teeth maintenance, proper muscle building and function, a strong heart, and healthy nervous system.

Eggs are perfectly safe for dogs, Eggs are a great source of nutrition for your canine companion. They are high in protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and fatty acids that help support your dog inside and out.

Yes, dogs can eat broccoli. Dogs can eat both cooked and raw broccoli, as long as there are no seasonings or oils added. However, this vegetable should always be given in very small quantities, especially because the florets contain isothiocyanates, which can cause gastric irritation in dogs.

Dog-Friendly Vegetables

• Kale. Benefits: Kale’s key vitamins like K, A and Iron provide bone health, proper vision and immune function, fetal development and energy metabolism.
• Spinach. Benefits: Spinach contains potassium, magnesium, and vitamins B6, B9 and E.
• Carrots.
• Green Beans.
• Broccoli.
• Beets.
• Celery.
• Cucumber.

How much apple can dogs have? A slice or two of apple makes a good serving for your dog because it should only be 10 percent of your dog’s daily calories.

Chicken, turkey, lean ground beef, and chuck steak or roast are animal-based proteins, which help dogs grow strong. A few rules apply: Always cook meat well. Never serve it raw or undercooked.

Among the various meats, lamb and chicken provide the most digestible forms of protein for your dog, with beef coming in after that. When looking at a dog food’s ingredients label, a high quality dog food will list these protein sources first—lamb, chicken, beef, and some of the by-products of these animals.

Types of meat that are safe to feed dogs:

• Chicken: Chicken is one of the most common meats dogs eat and there’s good reason for it.
• Steak & Beef: Red meat is another nutritious meat for your dog.
• Lamb: Lamb is a tasty meat for dogs with any food sensitivities.

Dogs should never eat raw or undercooked eggs. Some foods can lose nutrients while they are cooked, but the protein in eggs isn’t. Cooking really helps make them more digestible. So however they are prepared–boiled, scrambled, sunny side up–cooked is best for your dog.

Safe: Cooked White Rice and Pasta. Dogs can eat plain white rice or pasta after it’s cooked. And, a serving of plain white rice with some boiled chicken can sometimes make your dog feel better when they are having stomach problems.

Yes, dogs can eat cheese. While some dogs can eat cheese, and most dogs love it, many dogs can be intolerant of cheese. Even for dogs that are able to tolerate cheese, it is probably best fed in moderation.

• Taste of the Wild Ancient Prairie.
• Instinct RawBoost Mixers.
• Orijen Original Dry Dog Food.
• Organix Chicken & Oatmeal Dry Dog Food.
• Zignature Lamb Limited Ingredient Canned Dog Food.
• Freshpet Fresh From the Kitchen.
• The Farmer’s Dog.
• Only Natural Pet MaxMeat Air Dried Dog Food.

Most peanut butter is safe for dogs to eat, and in moderation peanut butter can be an excellent source of protein and healthy fats, vitamins B and E, and niacin.

Dogs can safely eat bread in much the same way as humans—in moderation. Plain white and wheat bread is generally safe for dogs to eat, provided they don’t have any allergies, and it usually does not cause any stomach upset.

Since toast is just bread that’s been cooked again, it’s still safe for dogs to eat as long as your pooch isn’t allergic and the bread used has no harmful ingredients. Many dogs really enjoy toast, so feeding them a small crust every now and then won’t hurt them but will definitely get their tails wagging!

How Much Milk Can Dogs Drink? Milk is a safe treat in small quantities. A few tablespoons of cow’s milk or goat’s milk on an occasional basis can be a nice reward for your dog without the side effects of overindulgence. Too much fat in your dog’s diet can lead to obesity and pancreatitis, which are serious conditions.

Another quick meal, particularly for breakfast, is 2-3 scrambled eggs over vegetables and a cooked grain. Add some fruit to give your dog something sweet to munch on. You can also cook some ground beef and add that in with some cooked or raw vegetables and plain brown rice.

In moderation, bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They’re high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They are low in cholesterol and sodium, but because of their high sugar content, bananas should be given as a treat, not part of your dog’s main diet.

What are the Options?

• Protein. Beef, Turkey, Chicken, Lamb, Pork, Shrimp (fully cooked with shell removed), Tuna, Eggs (in moderation)
• Vegetables. Carrots, Green beans, Spinach, Peas Celery, Cucumbers, Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, Corn.
• Carbohydrates.
• Other Foods.
• Ingredients to Avoid.
• Calcium.