Question 1

4. Can I use human calcium supplements instead of eggshell powder?

Accepted Answer

No, I'd steer clear of those. Human calcium supplements often have added vitamin D or fillers that don't match what dogs actually need. Stick with a pet-specific eggshell powder or a vet-approved calcium supplement.

Question 2

1. How do I transition my dog from kibble to homemade food without upsetting their stomach?

Accepted Answer

Go slow, over 7 to 10 days:

Days 1 to 3: 75% kibble, 25% fresh food

Days 4 to 6: 50% kibble, 50% fresh food

Days 7 to 9: 25% kibble, 75% fresh food

Day 10 and beyond: your target ratio (70/30 for us)

Question 3

2. How much homemade food can I add without worrying about calcium?

Accepted Answer

If you're just using plain cooked meat and veggies as a topper, without any added calcium, keep it under 10 to 20% of your dog's daily calories.

Question 4

3. Is gently cooked food or raw food better to mix with kibble?

Accepted Answer

Gently cooked food tends to pair better with kibble. Raw food digests at a different speed and carries some bacterial risk, which can be rough on sensitive stomachs, while cooked food digests at a rate that's much closer to kibble.

Question 5

5. What else can I safely mix into my dog's bowl?

Accepted Answer

Plain unsweetened pumpkin puree, unsalted bone broth, and steamed carrots or green beans are all great, gentle additions for moisture and fiber. Keep them plain, though. A lot of the fall foods dogs should not eat are just the sweetened, spiced versions of those same ingredients.

calcium for dogs

Mixing Homemade Dog Food with Kibble: Is It Safe? Our 70/30 Bowl