Trusted advice on canine nutrition

Critical roles of magnesium in dogs' bodies

Lena SkovQuick read
Sunflower seeds for dogs

Magnesium is an essential part of a dog’s diet. It has many benefits but cannot be made in their bodies, so it must come from food. Learn more here.

  • Below are just a few examples of what magnesium does:
  • Supports bone development: Magnesium is the third most common mineral in bones, after calcium and phosphorus.
  • Helps produce energy at the cellular level: The more active a dog is, the more magnesium they need.
  • Plays a role in red blood cells: It is an important component of red cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body.
  • Aids muscle function: Magnesium helps muscles relax and contract, including the heart.
  • Works with enzymes: It interacts with hundreds of enzymes, proteins that speed up chemical reactions in the body.