Beaphar Salvikal, 250 g is a powdered vitamin and mineral supplement for dogs and cats from the Dutch brand Beaphar. The manufacturer recommends it for strengthening muscles, teeth and bones, supporting reproduction and the development of young animals, and preventing vitamin deficiency. It contains calcium (25%) and phosphorus (8.3%), inactivated yeast, vitamins A, D3, E, C, K3, B vitamins and biotin, plus iodine, copper, manganese and zinc. The dose is 1 teaspoon (5 g) per 10 kg of body weight a day.
Who needs a supplement like this
Salvikal is mainly intended for pets on home-made food: meat, grains and vegetables are low in calcium and short of several vitamins, and a mineral supplement helps balance the diet. A dog or cat on complete commercial food already gets the right amount of calcium and vitamins, so adding a supplement can cause an excess. More in vitamins for dogs and cats: when they're needed and raw or dry food for dogs.
Key specs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | vitamin and mineral supplement, powder |
| For | dogs and cats |
| Calcium / phosphorus | 25% / 8.3% |
| Vitamins | A, D3, E, C, K3, B group, biotin |
| Dosage | 5 g (1 tsp) per 10 kg a day |
| Weight | 250 g |
| Brand | Beaphar, Netherlands |
Pros
- Calcium and phosphorus. For balancing a home-made diet.
- A broad range of vitamins. A, D3, E, C, K3, B group.
- Trace elements. Iodine, copper, manganese, zinc.
- Brewer's yeast. A source of B vitamins.
- A powder. Easy to mix into food.
- For dogs and cats. One tub for everyone.
Cons
- Not for pets on commercial food. Risk of excess calcium and vitamin D.
- Large-breed puppies only on veterinary advice.
- Contains sugar and cereals.
- "6 pcs per pack" in the name. What's sold is a 250 g tub.
Ingredients and analysis
Minerals, sugar, inactivated yeast, cereals and vegetable derivatives. Analysis: protein 6.1%, fat 0.54%, fibre 0.32%, ash 52%, moisture 7.9%, calcium 25%, phosphorus 8.3%, sodium 0.78%, magnesium 0.055%, potassium 0.011%. Additives per kg: vitamin A 132,000 IU, D3 13,200 IU, B1 59 mg, B2 270 mg, B3 660 mg, B4 2300 mg, B5 220 mg, B6 59 mg, B9 12 mg, B12 470 mcg, C 200 mg, E 130 IU, biotin 2400 mcg, K3 67 mg, iodine 4.59 mg, copper 12.7 mg, manganese 219 mg, zinc 148 mg.
How to give it
Give 1 teaspoon (5 g) per 10 kg of body weight daily, mixed into food. For dry food, the manufacturer suggests moistening it slightly with a spoonful of wet food or vegetable oil, or mixing with kefir so the powder sticks. No limit on duration is given, but with long-term use it's wise to have your pet checked by a vet periodically. Fresh water should always be available.
Take care with calcium in puppies
Excess calcium is harmful to large and giant-breed puppies and can disrupt normal bone and joint development. Puppy foods already contain the right amount of calcium, so extra mineral supplements should only be given on veterinary advice. If your puppy is on home-made food, work out the diet with a vet. On puppy nutrition, see what to feed a puppy by age; for a dedicated puppy calcium, see for example Canina Welpenkalk.
Pregnancy and lactation
The manufacturer notes that Salvikal supports successful breeding. Pregnant and nursing dogs and cats on home-made diets may indeed need mineral support, but agree the dose and timing with a vet — especially before birth, when excess calcium is undesirable.
Alternatives
For dogs that need a vitamin and mineral complex in tablet form, there's for example Dolfos Multical. All supplements are in the dog vitamins collection and the vitamins and minerals section.
Verdict
Beaphar Salvikal is a powdered vitamin and mineral supplement with calcium, phosphorus, vitamins and trace elements for dogs and cats, handy for balancing a home-made diet. The downsides are that pets on complete food don't need it and may get too much calcium and vitamin D, and large-breed puppies should only have it on veterinary advice.
FAQ
How much should I give?
1 teaspoon (5 g) per 10 kg of body weight a day.
Is Salvikal needed with commercial food?
Usually not — complete food is already balanced.
Can puppies have it?
Only on veterinary advice, especially large-breed puppies.
How much calcium does it contain?
25%, with 8.3% phosphorus.
Is it suitable for cats?
Yes, it's for dogs and cats.
How do I mix it with dry food?
Moisten the food slightly with a spoonful of wet food, oil or kefir.
How much does the tub weigh?
250 g.
