Magnesium for Dogs: Benefits and Uses

Magnesium is an essential mineral not just for humans but also for our four-legged companions. Often overlooked, magnesium plays a crucial role in various bodily functions in dogs, contributing to their overall health and well-being. From supporting bone health to maintaining normal muscle function, the benefits of magnesium for dogs are numerous and significant. In this article, we delve into the importance of magnesium for canine health, its sources, potential deficiencies, and recommended dosages.

Why Is Magnesium So Important To Your Pet?

Magnesium is an essential mineral for dogs, just as it is for humans. It plays various crucial roles in their body functions, including muscle and nerve function, bone health, and energy production. Minerals such as magnesium are an important component of red blood cells. Magnesium also helps with the absorption of other minerals, including potassium, zinc, and calcium. Here's why magnesium is important for dogs in the contexts you mentioned:

Magnesium for dogs with arthritis

Arthritis in dogs is often associated with inflammation and pain in the joints. Magnesium is involved in modulating inflammatory responses in the body. It can help reduce inflammation, which may alleviate some of the discomfort associated with arthritis. Additionally, magnesium is important for maintaining healthy bone density, which can be beneficial for dogs with arthritis as it supports joint health.

Magnesium for dogs with seizures

Magnesium has a role in regulating nerve function and muscle contraction, including in the brain. In cases of seizures, there might be disturbances in the balance of electrolytes, including magnesium, which can affect nerve signaling. While the exact mechanisms are complex and not fully understood, some research suggests that magnesium supplementation may have a stabilizing effect on nerve activity, potentially reducing the frequency or severity of seizures.

Magnesium for dogs with anxiety

Anxiety in dogs can manifest in various ways, including restlessness, excessive barking, and destructive behaviors. Magnesium is involved in the regulation of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which plays a role in mood regulation. It also helps regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is involved in the body's stress response. While more research is needed, some anecdotal evidence and preliminary studies suggest that magnesium supplementation might help reduce anxiety symptoms in dogs by promoting relaxation and calming effects.

What are the Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency in Dogs?

Magnesium deficiency in dogs can manifest with various symptoms, although it's relatively rare in healthy dogs consuming balanced diets. However, certain conditions or factors such as gastrointestinal disorders, renal issues, or dietary imbalances can lead to magnesium deficiency. Here are some potential symptoms of magnesium deficiency in dogs:

• Muscle Weakness or Tremors
• Fatigue or Lethargy
• Loss of Appetite
• Irregular Heartbeat (Arrhythmia)
• Seizures or Tremors
• Hyperexcitability or Nervousness
• Hypocalcemia
• Poor Bone Health

Causes of Magnesium Deficiency in Dogs

Chronic diseases: Certain chronic diseases, such as chronic kidney disease, pancreatitis, diabetes mellitus, and gastrointestinal disorders like inflammatory bowel disease, can impair magnesium absorption or increase its excretion, leading to deficiency.

Malabsorption disorders: Dogs with malabsorption disorders, such as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), may have difficulty absorbing nutrients, including magnesium, from their food.

Diuretics and medications: Some medications, such as diuretics (e.g., furosemide) or drugs that promote urinary excretion, can increase magnesium loss through urine, potentially leading to deficiency.

Endocrine disorders: Hormonal imbalances, such as hyperthyroidism or hyperparathyroidism, can affect magnesium metabolism and contribute to deficiency.

Chronic diarrhea: Dogs with chronic diarrhea may experience excessive loss of magnesium through feces, leading to deficiency over time.

Malnutrition or starvation: Dogs that are malnourished or experiencing starvation may not receive adequate magnesium from their diet, leading to deficiency.

Sepsis or critical illness: Severe bacterial infections (sepsis) or critical illnesses can lead to magnesium depletion due to increased metabolic demands or altered magnesium metabolism.

Is Magnesium Bad for Dogs?

Magnesium is not inherently bad for dogs, as it is an essential mineral that plays an important role in their overall health. However, like any nutrient, it's important to provide it in appropriate amounts. Both deficiency and excess magnesium can lead to health issues in dogs.

Signs of Magnesium Overdose in Dogs

If a dog consumes too much magnesium, it can lead to magnesium toxicity, which can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, weakness, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, and in severe cases, even death. Therefore, it's crucial to provide magnesium supplements to dogs only under the guidance of a veterinarian and at the recommended dosage.

Additionally, some forms of magnesium supplements for humans may contain other ingredients that are harmful to dogs, such as xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Therefore, it's important to use supplements specifically formulated for dogs and to keep all human supplements out of reach of pets.

How Much Magnesium for Dogs?

The recommended starting dose of magnesium for dogs is typically in the range of 3mg to 5mg per pound of body weight per day. However, it's important to emphasize that dosages may vary depending on the specific health needs of the dog and should be determined in consultation with a veterinarian.

Example Calculation:

For a 20-pound dog:

• Minimum dosage: 20 lbs * 3 mg/lb = 60 mg/day
• Maximum dosage: 20 lbs * 5 mg/lb = 100 mg/day

Adjustment and Monitoring: The calculated dosage range serves as a starting point. Your veterinarian may adjust the dosage based on factors such as the dog's health condition, response to treatment, and any concurrent medications or supplements. Regular monitoring is essential to ensure the effectiveness and safety of magnesium supplementation.

Form of Magnesium

There are different forms of magnesium supplements available, such as magnesium citrate, magnesium oxide, or magnesium chelate. The bioavailability and effectiveness of these forms may vary, so it's advisable to follow your veterinarian's recommendations regarding the appropriate form and dosage.

What Foods is the Best Source for Magnesium for Dogs?

Here are some common food sources rich in magnesium:

• Meat: Lean meats such as chicken, turkey, and beef can provide magnesium for dogs. These meats are not only good sources of protein but also contain other essential nutrients, including magnesium.
• Fish: Fish, particularly salmon and mackerel, are rich in magnesium. Additionally, fish provides omega-3 fatty acids, which offer various health benefits for dogs.
• Leafy Green Vegetables: Vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli are excellent sources of magnesium for dogs. However, keep in mind that some dogs may have difficulty digesting large amounts of raw vegetables, so it's best to steam or lightly cook them before feeding.
• Legumes: Beans and lentils are legumes that contain magnesium and can be included in your dog's diet. However, be cautious with legumes high in lectins, such as kidney beans, as they may require proper preparation to make them safe for consumption by dogs.
• Whole Grains: Whole grains like brown rice, oats, and quinoa contain magnesium and can be included in your dog's diet in moderate amounts. Make sure to cook grains thoroughly and avoid feeding them in excessive quantities, especially if your dog has a grain sensitivity.
• Nuts and Seeds: Nuts and seeds, such as almonds, cashews, and sunflower seeds, contain magnesium. These can be given to dogs in small amounts as treats, but be cautious of high-fat content and potential choking hazards.
• Dairy Products: Dairy products like yogurt and cheese contain magnesium and can be fed to dogs in moderation. However, some dogs may be lactose intolerant, so monitor their tolerance and choose lactose-free options if necessary.

Tips

Spinach – 157mg of magnesium per cup (cooked)

Swiss Chard – 151mg per cup (cooked)

Kale – 74mg per cup (cooked)

Pumpkin Seeds –  156mg per 1oz handful

Tuna – 109mg per 6oz fillet

FAQs

Is Magnesium Stearate Safe for Dogs?

Magnesium stearate is a common additive in many supplements, including some human magnesium tablets. It's primarily used as a flow agent to prevent ingredients from sticking to manufacturing equipment and improve the consistency of the tablet.

While magnesium stearate is generally considered safe for humans and is commonly used in pharmaceuticals and supplements, its safety for dogs hasn't been extensively studied. Some concerns have been raised about its potential to contribute to gastrointestinal issues in sensitive individuals, but there's limited evidence to suggest it poses significant risks to dogs.

Can I Give My Dog Human Magnesium Tablets?

It's generally not recommended to give your dog human magnesium tablets without consulting with a veterinarian first. Human supplements may contain ingredients or additives that could be harmful to dogs, and the dosage of magnesium in human tablets may not be appropriate for your dog's size and health condition.

Additionally, dogs have different nutritional requirements than humans, so they may require specific formulations of magnesium supplements designed for their needs. Giving your dog human magnesium tablets without proper guidance from a veterinarian could potentially lead to an incorrect dosage, adverse reactions, or other health complications.

Is Magnesium Spray Safe for Dogs?

Magnesium spray, often used as a topical application for humans to alleviate muscle soreness, cramps, or tension, can be safe for dogs when used appropriately and under veterinary guidance. However, ensure that the magnesium spray you intend to use on your dog does not contain any additional ingredients that could be harmful to dogs. Some formulations may contain essential oils or other substances that can be toxic to pets. And when applying magnesium spray to your dog, avoid sensitive areas such as the face, eyes, genitals, and areas with open wounds or broken skin. Instead, focus on areas where your dog may experience muscle tension or discomfort.

Conclusion

Magnesium is a crucial nutrient that supports a wide range of physiological functions in dogs. Understanding its importance, recognizing the signs of deficiency, and knowing how to safely incorporate it into your dog's diet can contribute significantly to their overall health and well-being.