Canina Welpenkalk, 150 tablets is a mineral supplement from the German brand Canina for puppies and young dogs up to 15 months. The tablets contain calcium (22%) and phosphorus (7.5%) in a 3:1 ratio, plus zinc, manganese, copper, iodine, selenium and cobalt. The formula is designed for proper skeletal and tooth development during rapid growth. The dose depends on the puppy's weight, age and diet: dry food, canned food or home-made food.
What it is and who makes it
Canina is a German company making mineral and vitamin supplements for dogs and cats. Welpenkalk ("puppy calcium") is one of its best-known products. The 3:1 calcium to phosphorus ratio is meant to complement diets that are usually higher in phosphorus than calcium, such as meat-based ones.
Ingredients
Calcium 22%, phosphorus 7.5%, sodium 3.2%. Per kg it adds zinc oxide (837 mg), manganese oxide (195 mg), copper sulphate (162 mg), calcium iodate (13 mg), sodium selenite (4 mg) and cobalt carbonate (3 mg).
Dosage
Tablets per day according to the manufacturer (age 1–5 months / 6–15 months):
| Puppy weight | Dry food | Canned food | Home-made food |
|---|---|---|---|
| up to 10 kg | 1 / 1 | 2 / 1 | 3 / 2 |
| up to 20 kg | 2 / 1 | 3 / 2 | 6 / 3 |
| over 20 kg | 3 / 1 | 4 / 2 | 6 / 3 |
Give the tablets with food or by hand. Puppies on home-made food need the most; those on complete dry food need the least.
Pros
- The right ratio. Calcium and phosphorus at 3:1 complement a meat-based diet.
- Trace elements. Zinc, copper, manganese and iodine also matter for growth.
- Clear dosing. A table by weight, age and diet type.
- Easy to give. Tablets go down easily with food.
- Long-lasting. 150 tablets last a small puppy several months.
Cons and what to keep in mind
- Excess calcium is harmful. Complete puppy food is already balanced; too much calcium in large-breed puppies raises the risk of joint and bone problems.
- Only when indicated. On dry food, give it only after consulting a vet.
- No vitamin D. It's a mineral supplement; vitamins are given separately.
- Price. Costs more than simple calcium supplements.
When calcium is really needed
The supplement makes sense if a puppy eats home-made food — meat, porridge, offal — without a vet nutritionist's calculation. Meat is high in phosphorus and low in calcium, and without a supplement skeletal growth can go wrong. Good puppy food already has calcium matched to age and breed size, and an extra dose can upset the balance. Take special care with large and giant breed puppies. More in what to feed a puppy and raw or dry food for dogs.
Large-breed puppies
Large puppies' bones grow fast, and what matters is the right amount of calcium, not the maximum. Excess is as dangerous as deficiency and is linked to joint growth disorders. That's why these puppies get a dedicated large-breed food and no calcium "just in case". How to choose — see food for large-breed dogs.
Who it suits
Puppies and young dogs up to 15 months on home-made food, puppies on a mixed diet, and those prescribed it by a vet. When vitamins are needed — see vitamins for dogs and cats; other supplements are in vitamins and mineral supplements.
Verdict
Canina Welpenkalk is a well-designed mineral supplement with a 3:1 calcium to phosphorus ratio and clear dosing. It's most needed by puppies on home-made food. On complete food, especially for large breeds, give it only after consulting a vet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Until what age should Welpenkalk be given?
According to the manufacturer's table, up to 15 months.
Does a puppy on dry food need calcium?
Usually not: complete puppy food already contains calcium. Give the supplement on a vet's advice.
How many tablets for a 15 kg puppy on home-made food?
Per the table, 6 tablets at 1–5 months and 3 tablets at 6–15 months.
Can an adult dog take it?
It's designed for puppies and young dogs.
Is excess calcium dangerous?
Yes, especially for large-breed puppies — it's linked to bone and joint growth disorders.
Does it contain vitamins?
No, it's a mineral supplement.
