Carefully Calculated Calcium

Calcium and phosphorus are crucial for strong bones and teeth in our pets. A deficiency of dietary calcium, causes a condition known as secondary hyperparathyroidism. Recognised clinically for many years in dogs fed meals consisting mainly of meat, this disease results in major bone loss, skeletal abnormalities, and pathological fractures.

An excess of calcium, on the other hand, may also cause skeletal abnormalities, especially in growing large-breed puppies. Calcium and phosporus in the correct ratios have been added to Vegdog and V-Complete supplement. We also add tahini paste when cooking the homemade Umameo treats.

How important is Vitamin D in your dog’s plant-based diet?

Vitamin D (the sunshine vitamin) aids in the absorption of calcium and phosphate, increases bone cell activity, influences the formation and growth of long bones, and speeds the healing of fractures.

But vitamin D does far more than build a strong skeleton. Adequate D levels may help prevent heart disease, joint inflammation, skin and coat problems, cancer, vision problems, infections, inflammatory bowel disease, dental problems, and kidney disease.

It may be lacking in the diet of a dog fed a plant-based diet as it is mainly found in liver, salmon and eggs. Because vitamin D is fat soluble, it accumulates in body fat. Overdoses can be toxic and even fatal. The recommended daily amount for a 15kg dog of Vitamin D is 3.4μg. The required amount of Vit D is in the Vegdog and V-Complete supplements to ensure that your dog gets just the right amount of Vit D3 that is cultivated naturally from lichen.

An excess of Vitamin D causes anorexia, weakness, diarrhoea, vomitting, calcification of soft tissue, excessive mineralisation of long bones,  dehydration, dry and brittle hair and muscle atrophy, so an important Vitamin that is necessary but must not be oversupplemented.