Magnesium is involved in hundreds of enzymatic reactions in your dog's body, supporting bone health, muscle and nerve function, energy production, and heart rhythm regulation. It works closely with calcium and phosphorus — about 60% of your dog's magnesium is stored in bones. Adequate magnesium helps muscles relax properly after contraction, which is why deficiency can cause muscle tremors and cramps.
A tablespoon of pumpkin seeds provides about 45mg of magnesium — a medium dog needs approximately 150–300mg per day. Pumpkin seeds, spinach, quinoa, salmon, and brown rice are all good sources. Most balanced commercial dog foods provide adequate magnesium.
0.14% of daily nutrient intake
Magnesium makes up 0.14% of your dog's total daily nutritional requirements by weight. That's a tiny amount — but it matters.
Muscle tremors, weakness, irregular heartbeat, loss of appetite, and in severe cases, seizures. Magnesium deficiency is uncommon in dogs on balanced diets but can occur with chronic digestive diseases that impair absorption.
Excess dietary magnesium is efficiently excreted by healthy kidneys, making toxicity from food sources very rare. Dogs with kidney disease may accumulate magnesium, leading to lethargy, muscle weakness, and cardiac abnormalities.
| Life Stage | Size | Min | Max | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | medium 10-25kg | 150 | 300 | mg | NRC recommended allowance. Magnesium works with calcium and phosphorus for bone health and muscle function. |
Source: NRC 2006
