Calcium is a very important mineral, and it's crucial to supplement adequate amounts to your pet's diet. While there are several medical conditions that might lead to a Ca deficiency (kidney & parathyroid disease, pancreatitis, diabetic ketoacidosis, trauma, and IBD), generally dietary factors are the most common cause. Low Ca levels can lead to stress, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, joint, tendon, and ligament problems, lowered immunity, weakness, seizures, muscle spasms, etc. Remember, blood Ca levels will be maintained by calcium homeostasis, and hypocalcemia will only be evident on blood work when calcium storage in bones is severely deleted. The only way to check for Ca levels before it is depleted is through mineral tissue testing.
The amount of Ca needed is different for every pet and depends on size, energy levels, health conditions, and other factors. AAFCO recommends 1.25g per 1,000 calories for dogs. NRC recommends 180mg of Ca per 250 calories of food - enough for adult cat weighting 9lbs.
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