Calcium
A calcium intake adapted to the animal's size and physiological condition prevents diseases caused by nutritional deficiency (osteofibrosis) or excess (anarchistic calcification). The growth and suckling periods require a high calcium intake.
A little background information
Calcium is a major mineral element, an alkalineearth metal known in nutrition as a mineral macro element because of the large amounts needed by the body. Calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) intake ratios must be perfectly balanced in the food. The ratio is 1 to 2.
Its role in the body
Calcium plays two fundamental roles in the body. 99% of the body’s calcium is retained in the bones, where it is responsible for making the skeleton solid together with phosphorus. Together they form the ‘cement’ of the bone. It also allows the transfer of information between the cells and the transmission of sensory impulses. If the calcium level in its food is very high young puppy is unable to adapt to the excess, continuing to passively absorb at least 30- 40% of the calcium ingested, which brings a risk of abnormal skeleton development.
Natural sources
Calcium is found in the bones of mammals in the form of mineral salts, as well as in the mineral sources such as calcium carbonate (chalk) and calcium phosphates.
