Abstract
The dog is used as a model for human skeletal research, with the assumption that calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) metabolism are similar between species. A prior meta‐analysis of Ca intake and faecal excretion suggested that adult dogs are unable to adapt their Ca digestibility to Ca intake, meaning dogs lack the ability to increase Ca digestibility when dietary Ca is low. We wanted to test this hypothesis in vivo with diets reflective of normal feeding.Apparent Ca digestibility and selected Ca metabolism and safety markers were determined at baseline and every 6 weeks for 6 months of low Ca feeding (~60 mg Ca/kg BW^0.75 = Minimum Requirement (MR), Ca/P=0.6) in 11 adult dogs. During low Ca feeding there was no decrease in faecal Ca excretion and apparent Ca digestibility was negative. Markers of bone resorption increased. This study confirmed the results of the meta‐analysis: dogs fed Ca at MR exhibit negative apparent Ca digestibility and increased bone resorption suggesting that Ca regulation in the dog does not utilize changes in Ca digestibility. These data show that Ca homeostasis of the dog differs from human, and thus the dog should not be used as a model animal for human skeletal research.
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