Can dogs have magnesium supplements?

Dogs are creatures that have a unique dietary requirement. One of the essential nutrients they require is magnesium. This mineral plays an important role in maintaining their overall health and wellbeing. But can dogs have magnesium supplements? In this article, we will explore this topic with a humorous touch to bring you information on the dos and don’ts when it comes to adding magnesium supplements to your dog’s diet.

What is Magnesium?

Before diving into whether or not dogs should be given additional magnesium through supplementation, let’s first discuss what this mineral is all about (and believe us when we say it isn’t rocket science).

Magnesium (Mg) is an essential mineral that helps regulate numerous bodily functions such as nerve function, muscle contractions, heart rhythm, energy production, and bone strength in mammalian bodies.

Those intelligent scientists refer to Mg’ as “the forgotten electrolyte” due to its critical yet underrated reputation among nutritionists worldwide.

Most mammals’ bodies contain around 25 grams of magnesium, found mostly within bones and muscle cells where it influences protein synthesis & metabolism regulation.

Now then… Let us move forward!

Why do Dogs Need Magnesium?

Dogs need magnesium for various reasons too! However their requirements might differ from other animals regarding dosage i.e., cats because afterall who wants those lazy fluffy little felines stealing our thunder!

For your furry friend, adequate levels of Mg promote healthy skeletal structure maintenance , optimal cardiovascular performance by regulating rhythmicity within heart muscle cells, glucose homeostasis i.e never running outta sugar, neuronal health, AND even assists normal adenosine triphosphate (ATP) functionality. Also good news alert!! Adequate levels of Mg also ward off depression n anxiety per researchers

Aren’t these cute lil pups just like humans?! Right down unathletic butter-balls that need regular doses of this “forgotten electrolyte” for their overall health!

How Much Magnesium Do Dogs Need?

As mentioned above, dogs require magnesium to maintain optimal physical and mental health. But the question always arises; how much is enough? The National Research Council of USA states: – A plain 15 mg/lb in kibble regularly consumed by your dog a day is more than enough to suffice daily requirements i.e., about 0.2% of his total diet.

However, some factors such as stress and exercise can alter the levels within the body thus inadequate supplementation may be required per recommended veterinarian treatment plans.

In cases where diets fall short due to malabsorption issues or poor-quality protein sourcing leading decreased magnesium content additional forms

Forms OF Mg Supplements For Dogs:

Many pet owners supplement their dogs’ diets with supplemental dosage however it’s imperative utmost care must be taken regarding adequacy cos nothing like an overdosed pom-pom rolling support-challenged blobby puppi doesn’t look good on anyone!

Some common forms used are:

  • Magnesium oxide: popular form being cheap
  • Magnesium citrate/malate: tendency towards better digestibility with lesser possibility for gastric upsets
  • Magnesium amino acid chelated(citroma): high bioavailability also simpler option preferred by veterinarians given its protective benefits

Dosages usual vary from 200mg elemental Mg for small dogs all through 800mg+ infrequent increasement during kidney dysfunction

Never settle prejudicially overlook possible side effects which might include diarrhea, loss of appetite and depression just cause you would love seeing a bear doing pirouette !

When do Dogs Need Magnesium Supplements?

The nutritional requirement recommendations depend upon various lifestyle aspects affecting canine activity levels including environment & breed along with preexisting health conditions-cos let’s face it those cute lil woofer bugger are prone to a number of health issues!

Dogs with suboptimal dietary magnesium inclusion or certain medical conditions such as CRF, diabetes, neoplasia may require medication which contains Mg. A bit like some humans that need additional supplements in their daily routine.

While few vet experts question whether the everyday dog necessarily needs added doses if your pooch exhibits symptoms commonly seen as “general malaise” mg supplementation might be necessitated

underperformance lethargy- reduced food intake pain and discomfort coupled with anxiety episodes darker fur appearance insulin dependency, this is when adding Mg late becomes helpful for symptomatic relief.

Can Dog’s Overdose on Magnesium?

As we’re all aware of by now -too much-of anything can make you sick even water! The same rule applies here; while the recommended daily dosage for almost all mammals’ bodies (including dogs) lies between 75mg – 400mg there exists no instance where administering excessive doses does any good…. Even poison control centers recognize management being prescribed i.e tell us an ‘ounce’ looks more nutritional than it actually is!

Some less severe side effects include increased urination Vomiting Lethargy Allergic reactions Depression

Beware unsightly fatty lumps known as lipomas sometimes develop whilst overdosing rendered incapable of executing intricate ballet moves taking immense pride-in case anyone else apart from yourself cared!

Toxicity Dosages & Overdosage Warning:

Unlike other minerals acute toxicity levels/toxic dosages are difficult to determine..can range anywhere between <800mg/kg bw to >5000 mg/kg/Bw especially when over supplemented due varying bioavailibilities present i.e., check ya powder boys!!!

Given these factors always limit usage and seek professional advice before treading down supplementing route…OR RISK IT ALL BY PLAYING RUSSIAN ROULETTE!!!!

Conclusion:

In conclusion, magnesium is an essential mineral for dogs that plays a critical role in regulating bodily functions such as nerve function, muscle contractions, and bone strength. Pet owners can give their furry friends additional supplementation by examining both lifestyle aspects and nutrient deficiencies rather than just giving it up on them

We hope this article has provided you with some interesting information while amusing your inner joker! If you have any questions or insights to add, leave us a comment below!

But let’s face it..now we gotta go enjoy caviar over gold-lined decorated bowls praising our k9 companions’ intake of the often-neglected but imperative “forgotten electrolyte” & if they’re anything like ours then high-five yourself cause ya boy’s doing something right afterall!

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