I'm quoting this from a book that I read.
Question: Is a calcium supplement for pregnant mothers beneficial for the pups develpment?
Answer: No, it is not. Any good dog foods, and well balanced home cooking will already contain the right amounts of calcium and phosphorus, in the ideal ratio of 1.2 to 1.0. Excessive calcium in the diet will actually interfere with the adsorption of zinc and manganese from food. and both of these minerals are essential for healthy puppy development in the womb. It may also predipose the mother to difficulties during labor, and has been incriminated in prediposing the pups to developing bloat after birth. Excessive calcium may even increase the risk of milk fever (eclampsia)- a serious potentially fatal form of calcium deficiency in lactating mothers. |