Kim I would caution you in using calcium before birth there are many articles that support too much calcium in a pregnant can indeed bring on eclampsia
here is a short article
Prevention of eclampsia
Supplementation of dietary calcium does not seem to play a large role in preventing eclampsia. In fact, over-supplementation during pregnancy may actually cause it. All calcium supplements must be in the proper ratio with phosphorus. This ratio should be about 1:1 (i.e., 1 part calcium to 1 part phosphorus).
In addition, it has been suggested that dog foods high in soybeans will be high in the plant product phytate. Phytates combine with calcium and can render the calcium unavailable to the bitch’s body, and therefore, make her more susceptible to eclampsia. To remedy the problem, feed diets low in soybean.
Kim IMHO if the gals are getting a very high quality puppy food and natural calcium added into the diet ie cottage cheese and yogurt with added proteins like rice or pasta and chicken, a couple weeks prior to whelping continued through nursing they are getting everything the need!
__________________ Kimberly |