Magnesium supplements for dogs: why are they important?

Magnesium is an essential trace element for the proper functioning of the body. But why is it important to give magnesium supplements to dogs?

Balanced diets for dogs provide the sufficient amount of magnesium that the animal needs. However, in some cases, due to specific health conditions, dogs may need magnesium supplements.

The amount of magnesium in the body is less than that of calcium or phosphorus. In fact, 60-70% of magnesium is stored mainly in the bones . In addition to its function of providing structure to the skeleton, magnesium is involved in other metabolic pathways in the body. In fact, it is the most abundant intracellular cation, on which many of the body’s functions depend.

The foods richest in this trace element are mostly of vegetable origin. These include whole grains, legumes and even dairy products.

Magnesium supplements can be used as a drug in pregnant or postpartum dogs.

Magnesium supplements in dogs can be used as a therapeutic drug to treat or regulate preeclampsia in pregnant dogs . Eclampsia is caused by a drop in blood calcium levels. Magnesium can also be used to treat certain types of arrhythmias.

Magnesium supplements in dogs improve diabetes

Magnesium improves glycemic control in individuals with diabetes mellitus . When magnesium supplementation is added to the diet, it helps to lower glucose concentrations both in fasting and after meals. In addition, insulin sensitivity also increases.

They prevent arteriosclerosis

Until recently, atherosclerosis was not a common disease in dogs. In fact, dogs were considered resistant to this condition. However, more and more cases of arteriosclerosis in dogs are being reported nowadays  This is thought to be due to their closeness to humans, their role as pets and the poor diet they are subjected to. For example, many dogs are overfed and fed with food intended for humans.

This disease is characterized by the formation of fibrous plaques in one of the layers of the veins and arteries and by fatty deposits. In these cases, magnesium supplements can lower blood triglycerides, inflammation and raise HDL or the so-called “good cholesterol”.

They help to counteract hypertension

Magnesium supplements work together with medications for hypertension in dogs, increasing their effectiveness . Therefore, the combined use of these supplements with targeted medications for hypertension is of interest. In any case, always under strict veterinary supervision.

They can help the health of dogs with chronic kidney disease

The progressive loss of renal function is accompanied by an alteration of bone calcification and a decrease in phosphorus excretion and also promotes vascular calcification. All of this can lead to dog hyperphosphatemia , which can lead to intoxication and, in some cases, death.

Magnesium, combined with other components, helps the absorption of free phosphorus . This improves bone calcification and reduces the concentration of phosphate ions in the blood.

Magnesium as a chondroprotector

Many chondroprotectors or other cartilage supplements for dogs contain magnesium. This is because, occasionally, joint problems can start with a deficiency of magnesium in the diet or an inability to assimilate magnesium. Thus, magnesium is responsible for fixing calcium and allowing its reabsorption.

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