When it comes to nurturing our pets' health, especially their bones and joints, calcium often steals the show. But is it truly the only hero in this story? Let's delve into why calcium, while crucial, isn't the sole solution for ensuring your pet's bones and joints remain robust.

Understanding Calcium's Role

What Calcium Does:

• Bone Development: Calcium is vital for constructing and maintaining strong bones in our pets. It aids in bone mineralization, the process that hardens bones.
• Nerve and Muscle Function: Apart from bones, calcium plays a key role in muscle contractions, nerve signalling, and even blood clotting.

The Calcium Myth for Pets

Overemphasis on Intake: While dogs and cats do need calcium, focusing too heavily on this mineral can eclipse other essential nutrients. Over-supplementation might lead to complications like skeletal deformities or urinary issues in pets.

A Holistic Approach to Bone Health

• Silicium - The true unsung hero:
  • Bone and Collagen Support: Bioavailable forms of silicon, can promote collagen synthesis and enhance bone matrix quality, bolstering bone strength and flexibility in pets. However, almost all silicium has very little bioavilability and most humans & animals are chronically lacking this mineral. This deficiency is particularly concerning because it means that even if silicon is present in the diet, it will not be utilized by the body, undermining bone health efforts.
• Vitamin D: Pets require vitamin D to effectively absorb calcium. It's primarily produced through exposure to sunlight, but dietary sources are invaluable, particularly for pets indoors or during the UK's darker months.
• Magnesium and Phosphorus: These minerals work in concert with calcium. Magnesium assists in calcium absorption, while phosphorus is essential for the bone's mineral matrix. An imbalance can negatively impact bone health.
• Protein: Bones aren't solely about minerals; they include a protein matrix. Adequate protein intake supports bone repair and maintenance.

Exercise and Lifestyle for Pets

• Physical Activity: Regular exercise suited to your pet's capabilities helps maintain bone density and supports joint health by strengthening surrounding muscles.
• Body Weight: Keeping your pet at a healthy weight reduces joint and bone stress. Obesity can lead to arthritis or other joint issues, particularly in predisposed breeds.
• Lifestyle Choices: Avoid exposing pets to smoke, and ensure they have a balanced diet rather than relying only on supplements.

Risks of Over-Supplementation Of Calcium

• Kidney Health: Excessive calcium can promote kidney stone formation in pets, especially cats, which are more susceptible to urinary problems.
• Cardiovascular Health: Concerns about artery calcification from too much calcium in humans remind us of the need for balance in pets as well.

While calcium is undeniably important, it's just one part of the complex puzzle of maintaining your pet's bone and joint health.

A balanced diet incorporating elements like silicon, regular exercise, and thoughtful supplementation, all guided by veterinary advice, will pave the way for your pet to live a healthier, happier life.