In continuing with our discussion around ratio diets and deficiencies, this week I want to talk briefly about magnesium. As I mentioned before, ratio diets are a great starting point to feeding your dog a species appropriate diet, but we need to be mindful of the nutrients these diets may be lacking, and the symptoms that are manifesting. If you are feeding a PMR (prey model raw) diet, which does not include the addition of vegetables, seeds and nuts, then the diet will most likely be deficient in magnesium because the highest concentrations of magnesium are found in seeds, nuts, and leafy greens.

Magnesium is an essential macro-mineral to the body that supports the nervous systems, a healthy heart, bone and teeth health, and involved in over 300 metabolic processes. Magnesium allows the transfer of energy for proper signaling of muscle movement and cardiac rhythm. Additionally, a low magnesium intake negatively impacts the other macro-minerals, including calcium, potassium and sodium, which are all dependent on magnesium and normal body functions. Severe magnesium deficiencies would cause hypomagnesemia, muscle weakness, muscle cramps, seizures, abnormal heart rhythm, heart disease, and more. Remember, it can take years for health issues to manifest. Dog’s are one of those species that we can nutritionally abuse, and we won’t see the negative effects right away. However, over time deficiencies and toxicity can be fatal. Okay guys… sorry for getting really serious there for a minute. Let’s take a look at some super easy wholesome foods we can add to our dogs meals to boost their magnesium intake.

· Bone - Magnesium is one of the minerals stored in bones, so your dog is getting a healthy dose of magnesium when he eats raw meaty bones (feet, necks, wings…etc.) as part of his species appropriate diet. For dogs that are not able to eat raw meaty bones, bone meal is a great substitute.

· Nuts and Seeds – Magnesium is abundant in hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and almonds. Nuts and seeds should be soaked and finely chopped / ground for maximum nutrient absorption.

o  Hemp Seed hearts – One ounce (28 g) provides 196 mg of magnesium

o  Pumpkin Seeds – One ounce (28 g) provides 156 g of magnesium

o  Sunflower Seeds – One ounce (28 g) provides 36.6 mg of magnesium

o  Almonds – One ounce (28 g) provides 76.8 mg of magnesium

· Grains – Should be soaked overnight to reduce the amount of oxalates present. Note: these should not be fed if your dog suffers from kidney issues or arthritis.

o  Quinoa – One ounce (28 g) provides 17.92 mg of magnesium

· Leafy greens and vegetables

o  Spinach - One ounce (28 g) provides 22 mg of magnesium

o  Swiss Chard - One ounce (28 g) provides 23 mg of magnesium

o  Acorn Squash - One ounce (28 g) provides 12 mg of magnesium

· Fatty Fish

o  Atlantic Mackerel - One ounce (28 g) provides 21 mg of magnesium

· Other

o  Peanut butter – 1 tbsp provides 27 mg of magnesium

Per NRC guidelines, an adult dog eating 1,000 kcals (approx. a 50 pound dog) should get 150 mg of magnesium per day. If following the BARF diet and feeding vegetables, seeds and nuts, you should be hitting the daily requirements for magnesium for your dog. However, make sure you are feeding magnesium rich foods such as those listed above!

Please let me know if you have any questions or if I can assist you in any way!

Blessings <3