Calcium is one of the most challenging minerals for the animal body to utilize. Bone meal can be difficult for dogs, cats, and most other animals to fully digest. This is because the nutritional values of bone meal, which is typically in the range of 24% calcium and 12% phosphorus, are locked within relatively large particles that appear as jagged little, flat tiles when viewed under a microscope. These particles are very slow to digest, and most will likely pass through the body before much of their calcium can be absorbed into the body. Furthermore, the density of bone meal particles can vary by a factor of 2:1 depending on the particle size and shape--- so you never know exactly how much bioavailable calcium is in a teaspoon or cup. Animal Essentials seaweed calcium on the other hand, is 34% pure calcium that is contained in very small, porous particles that look very much like pieces of popcorn when magnified. This porosity allows digestive acids to permeate the particles so they can dissolve quickly in the stomach for more thorough digestion. Our Calcium also contains magnesium which is necessary for calcium absorption into the bone.

Bottom line: Animal Essentials Calcium is much easier for your companion to digest and fully utilize---meaning you can feed less and expect more! We recommend you use 1/4 to1/3 less Animal Essential’s Calcium than bone meal.

Dr. Richard Pitcairn recommends this calcium in his book "The Complete Secrets to the Natural Health of Dogs & Cats".