How to Calculate Calcium in Edible Bones for Raw Dog & Cat Diets
- chica+co
- Jun 6
- 3 min read
Ensuring your dog or cat gets enough calcium in a raw diet is vital for strong bones, healthy muscles, and overall wellness. Edible bones are a key calcium source, but their calcium content varies. By learning how to calculate calcium in edible bones, you can confidently design a balanced raw diet for your pet. This guide provides a simple formula, a reference table, and practical insights to support your raw feeding journey.
Simple Formula for Calculating Calcium in Edible Bones
To determine the calcium content in edible bones, use this straightforward formula:
Calcium Content (%) = Bone Content (%) × 0.055
This formula multiplies the bone percentage in the edible portion by 0.055 (reflecting the average 5.5% calcium in poultry bones). For example, chicken feet with 60% bone content yield 60% × 0.055 = 3.3% calcium per gram. This calculation helps you estimate calcium intake to meet your pet’s nutritional needs.
Calcium Content in Common Edible Bones
The following table lists bone content and calcium percentages for popular edible bones in raw pet diets.
Bone Type | Bone Content (%) | Calcium Content (% per gram) |
Chicken Feet | 60% | 3.3% |
Duck Feet | 60% | 3.3% |
Chicken Neck | 40% | 2.2% |
Turkey Neck | 42% | 2.31% |
Chicken Wing Tips | 45% | 2.475% |
Duck Head | 75% | 4.125% |
Emu Tail | No data | No data |
Kangaroo Tail | No data | No data |
Duck Frame (whole) | 75% | 4.125% |
Duck Wing | 39% | 2.145% |
Note: Data for emu and kangaroo tails is unavailable. If you obtain bone content percentages from a supplier, apply the formula to estimate calcium.
How Calcium Percentages Are Calculated
The calcium percentages are derived from the bone content of each edible portion. Poultry bones (e.g., chicken, duck, turkey) contain approximately 5.5% calcium by weight, primarily from calcium phosphate. By multiplying the bone content percentage by 0.055, we calculate the calcium per gram. For instance, duck heads (75% bone content) provide 75% × 0.055 = 4.125% calcium per gram. Variations in bone content across types explain differences in calcium levels. This method offers a reliable estimate, though exact values may vary slightly based on the animal’s diet or processing.
Check this Video out so you can identify common Bone Types
Why Calcium Balance Matters in Raw Diets
Calcium is essential for your pet’s skeletal health, muscle function, and nerve signalling. Raw-fed dogs typically require 0.5–1.2 grams of calcium per kilogram of body weight daily, depending on age, size, and activity level, per raw feeding guidelines ([source: AAFCO guidelines]). Too little calcium can lead to weak bones or growth issues, while too much can cause imbalances. Using the formula and table, weigh bones to calculate calcium and ensure your pet’s diet is balanced. For example, a 10kg dog needing 10 grams of calcium daily could get ~3 grams from 100 grams of chicken feet (3.3% calcium).
Practical Tips for Raw Feeders
Weigh Bones: Use a kitchen scale to measure bone portions and apply the formula for accurate calcium estimates.
Check Suppliers: For bones like emu or kangaroo tails, ask suppliers for bone content data to use the formula.
Balance the Diet: Combine bones with muscle meat and organs to meet nutritional needs (see our guide on raw diet basics).
Consult Experts: Work with a veterinarian or pet nutritionist to tailor your pet’s raw diet, especially for puppies or senior pets.
By understanding calcium content, you can make informed choices to keep your pet thriving on a raw diet. For more on pet food labelling, check out our blog on decoding pet food labels.
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