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Benefits of Coral Calcium For Dogs

by Darin McGilvra

Overview

Coral calcium is a supplemental form of calcium that is made out of parts of coral reefs that have fallen off or are lying at the bottom of the ocean. The manufacturers claim many added benefits over other forms of calcium, but many experts disagree. Recently, manufacturers of coral calcium have begun marketing it for pets, including dogs.
Okinawa Coral Calcium

Much of the interest in the health benefits of coral calcium began after it was discovered that the people of Okinawa, Japan, had unusually long life spans. This led to the discovery of a high-calcium concentration in the drinking water, which came from a coral reef just off the coast. However, Okinawans actually intake less calcium than the average American, according to Okinawaprogram.com. Their diet and lifestyle have a greater influence on their health than their calcium intake.

Coral Calcium

Coral calcium is a source of calcium, and calcium is an important mineral for dogs as well as humans. However, coral calcium can be expensive, and there is concern over how the calcium is harvested and how it may have adverse effects on the coral reef, which is as important to the ocean as rain forests are to the land.
Fraud Alert

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) took action against the makers of Coral Calcium Supreme because of unsubstantiated claims that the supplement could treat or cure cancer, multiple sclerosis, lupus, heart disease and chronic high blood pressure. The FTC had advised consumers that "These claims go far beyond the existing scientific evidence regarding the recognized health benefits of calcium."
Other Calcium Supplements

If you are feeding your dog commercial dog food, then your dog should be getting all the calcium it needs in its diet because it is formulated specifically for dogs. A dog that is on a homemade diet, in the final trimester of pregnancy or has recently had puppies may need to take a calcium supplement. Those condoning a natural diet for dogs recommend using bone meal for a calcium supplement, according to Petcarenaturally.com.
Benefits

Dogs can develop a debilitating bone disease if they do not have enough calcium. because the body gets the calcium it needs by taking it out of the bones, which weakens them. A calcium supplement can avoid this problem.
Risks

Too much calcium can be a problem for dogs as well as humans. It will hurt the balance of minerals in the dog's body since calcium will often compete with other important minerals for absorption in the intestines, leading to a deficiency in other minerals. Excessive calcium has been linked to canine hip dysplasia, a painful arthritic condition in the hips, according to the Pet Care Naturally. Also, large puppies that are growing rapidly should never be given a calcium supplement.