Adaptation to Different Calcium Intakes in Dogs

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Abstract
Three groups of two dogs each were reared and maintained on diets containing different levels of calcium. Balance studies showed that during the active growth period, those upon the low-calcium diet (0.114%) retained calcium much more efficiently than those fed higher levels. Repeated balance studies at different levels of calcium intake after the animals were 9 to 36 months of age demonstrated that the amount of calcium needed to maintain balance is largely a reflection of the previous calcium intake. The dogs “adapted” to a low-calcium diet had a calcium requirement for balance so low it could not be measured with accuracy and were not in consistent negative balance upon diets containing 0.034% of calcium. Chemical and histological examination of the bones failed to reveal differences in composition or abnormalities attributable to calcium deficiency.
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