Calcium for homemade dog food - is Barley Grass Juice Powder enough

[DebbieZ]

I have just transitioned Belle to a fully homemade diet and due to not wanting to use raw meat, she is not on any raw bones. I understand she is supposed to have a calcium supplement and I did order one, but I have been giving her the Vimergy Barley Grass Juice Powder recommended by Medical Medium and I see from Anthony's article on it that is does provide calcium. So my question is whether this is enough calcium in the BGJP or she would need additional calcium? For reference, here is the article Barley grass juice extract powder. In his pet health article he does specifically reference the BGJP for dogs. Pet Health

• Belle, age 13, female
• spayed
• mini goldendoodle
• 32 pounds
• B - 5, E - 5, A - 10, M - 10
• Diet -just transitioned to homemade diet: cooked beef, sardines, banana, blueberries, cucumber, steamed veggies - sweet potatoes, carrots, celery, asparagus, broccoli
• rabies vaccine 3 years ago; no current medications; no toxins in the home
• Health concerns - overweight (most of her life she weighed 23 pounds, until about 2 years ago), high cortisol (31 in urine test), protein in urine, elevated liver enzymes

@Dr. Jeff

 

[NancyK]

No, the barley juice powder is not enough. In addition, it contains phytates which reduce the bioavailability of certain minerals including calcium.

I use the product Better Bones from Four Leaf Rover which is essentially freeze dried ground up bone from New Zealand cattle.

There are other types of calcium supplements, however I prefer Better Bones since it has a nutrient profile that matches real bone which is where nature intended dogs to get calcium. The form of calcium is also hydroxyapatite which is more bioavailable than other forms of calcium like calcium carbonate which is found in seaweed calcium and eggshells.

Nancy

 

[Dr. Jeff]

is enough calcium in the BGJP or she would need additional calcium?

Great question Debbie!

Yes, a supplemental seaweed calcium would be a great addition to her diet:

Seaweed Calcium for Dogs and Cats

Seaweed Calcium is the best supplement to add to the diet of your dog or cat. Enjoy more organic, whole food supplements and herbal remedies by visiting The Pet Health and Nutrition Center!

www.pethealthandnutritioncenter.com

And I agree with Nancy that the Better Bones product is another (non vegan) option.

 

[DebbieZ]

Great question Debbie!

Yes, a supplemental seaweed calcium would be a great addition to her diet:

Seaweed Calcium for Dogs and Cats

Seaweed Calcium is the best supplement to add to the diet of your dog or cat. Enjoy more organic, whole food supplements and herbal remedies by visiting The Pet Health and Nutrition Center!

www.pethealthandnutritioncenter.com

And I agree with Nancy that the Better Bones product is another (non vegan) option.

Thank you Dr. Jeff! I just went ahead and ordered this seaweed one.

 

[DebbieZ]

No, the barley juice powder is not enough. In addition, it contains phytates which reduce the bioavailability of certain minerals including calcium.

I use the product Better Bones from Four Leaf Rover which is essentially freeze dried ground up bone from New Zealand cattle.

There are other types of calcium supplements, however I prefer Better Bones since it has a nutrient profile that matches real bone which is where nature intended dogs to get calcium. The form of calcium is also hydroxyapatite which is more bioavailable than other forms of calcium like calcium carbonate which is found in seaweed calcium and eggshells.

Nancy

Thank you. I will use the calcium supplement along with it.