Dolfos Multical, 90 tablets is a balanced vitamin, mineral and trace element complex from the Polish maker Dolfos for dogs. One tablet contains 13 vitamins (A, D3, E, K, B vitamins, biotin, folic acid and more) plus calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, iodine and selenium. The maker promises support for healthy development, immunity, digestion, skin and coat.
What it is and who makes it
Dolfos is a Polish company making vitamins and supplements for animals. Multical is an all-round complex with an emphasis on minerals: some of its calcium comes from mollusc shells, and it contains calcium and magnesium phosphates. It's aimed at growing dogs, pregnant and nursing bitches, and dogs whose diet isn't fully balanced, such as those on home-made food.
Content per tablet
| Component | Per tablet |
|---|---|
| Calcium / phosphorus | 250 mg / 125 mg |
| Magnesium | 40 mg |
| Zinc / iron | 3 mg / 2.5 mg |
| Vitamin A / D3 | 250 IU / 20 IU |
| Vitamin E | 3 mg |
| Iodine / selenium | 75 mcg / 22 mcg |
It also contains vitamin K, B1, B2, B6, B12, biotin, nicotinic and pantothenic acids, folic acid, choline, copper, manganese and sodium. Base: calcium diphosphate, brewer's yeast, magnesium and calcium phosphates, calcium carbonate from mollusc shells, magnesium oxide and maltodextrin.
Pros
- All in one tablet. Vitamins, macro- and trace minerals.
- Mineral focus. Calcium, phosphorus and magnesium for bones and teeth.
- Brewer's yeast. A natural source of B vitamins.
- Simple dose. 1 tablet per 10 kg a day.
- For different life stages. Growth, pregnancy and lactation.
Cons and what to keep in mind
- High calcium. 250 mg per tablet — be careful with large-breed puppies on commercial food.
- Not for every dog. Dogs on complete food usually don't need it.
- Dogs only. Cats have their own complexes.
- Many tablets for big dogs. A 40 kg dog needs 4 tablets a day.
Dosage
1 tablet per 10 kg of body weight a day. For puppies and pregnant or nursing bitches, the maker recommends doubling the daily amount. Tablets can be given as a treat, crumbled into food or hidden in a bite of food. 90 tablets last a 10 kg dog 3 months and a 30 kg dog a month.
When it makes sense and when it doesn't
Complete commercial food already contains the vitamins and minerals a dog needs, so adding a multi-complex "just in case" usually isn't necessary. Multical makes sense on a home-made diet, during recovery from illness, and in pregnancy and lactation, on a vet's advice. Take special care with large-breed puppies: excess calcium harms them, so a puppy on commercial food shouldn't get a double dose without a vet's approval. More in vitamins for dogs and cats: when they're needed and home-made or dry food.
Don't combine without calculating
If your dog already gets calcium (such as Canina Welpenkalk) or vitamins A and D (such as Prodevit), don't add Multical on top without recalculating doses, because these nutrients add up. It's better to choose one supplement that fits the situation and agree it with your vet. Food for growing large dogs is already balanced; see the Brit Premium Junior L review.
Who it suits
Dogs on home-made diets, pregnant and nursing bitches, weakened animals during recovery, and puppies on a vet's advice. Other supplements are in vitamins and mineral supplements.
Verdict
Dolfos Multical is an all-round vitamin and mineral complex for dogs with a good share of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. It's useful where the diet genuinely needs topping up, but shouldn't be given to large-breed puppies on commercial food or combined with other calcium supplements without a vet's advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Multical tablets for a dog?
1 tablet per 10 kg of body weight a day.
How much for a puppy?
The instructions say a double dose, but large-breed puppies on commercial food should only get it with a vet's approval.
Can a pregnant dog take it?
Yes, the maker recommends a double dose for pregnant and nursing bitches.
How much calcium is in a tablet?
250 mg, of which 85 mg comes from mollusc shells.
Is Multical needed on dry food?
Usually not, as complete food is already balanced.
Can cats take it?
No, it's designed for dogs.
