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Table of Contents
Calcium Vegetables for Dogs
Calcium vegetables for dogs, Do vegetables actually contain calcium? Yes!
While most people think of dairy products such as milk and yogurt as providing calcium in the diet, there are a host of vegetables that contribute calcium as well.
What is calcium and why is it important for my Boxer dog? Calcium is an essential mineral in dogs that is crucial for maintaining strong teeth and bones and for overall health.
Calcium also plays an important role in muscle and nerve function.
So, what are the best calcium-rich vegetables that are safe for a Boxer dog to eat?
Calcium Vegetables for Dogs – 5 Best Calcium-Rich Vegetables
- Broccoli
- Kale
- Sweet potatoes
- Collard Greens
- Turnip Greens
Calcium Vegetables for Dogs -Why Calcium is Important for Dogs
Calcium is a key mineral that is important throughout the body. Calcium works in conjunction with phosphorus, whose role is to provide strength to the bone.
In order to ensure proper absorption of calcium and phosphorus from food and supplements, sufficient quantities of Vitamin D need to be present and available. Vitamin D, similar to Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that is stored when excess amounts are available.
Too much Vitamin D can cause toxic effects so it’s important to consult with your veterinarian prior to including both calcium and Vitamin D in your Boxer’s diet.
Read our article 5 Best Supplements For A Healthy Boxer Dog Diet for additional information on Calcium and vitamin D in a Boxer’s diet.
Calcium Vegetables for Dogs -Functions of Calcium in Dogs
Calcium vegetables for Dogs, why it is important in helping to regulate body functions.
Calcium is one of the essential minerals needed by the body. It plays a major role in
- Bone Health – Calcium is involved in maintaining strong bones & teeth in dogs. It is involved in the building and repair of bone, whose cells are continually being replaced. It is also essential for maintaining bone mineral density, which relates to the strength of the bone.
- Muscle Function – Calcium plays a key role in the contraction and relaxation of muscles.
- Nerve Function – Calcium’s role in nerve function is to help transmit signals from the brain via the nerves to the muscles.
- Blood Coagulation – helping your blot clot when there is a wound.
- Heart Rhythm – Ensure the regular rhythm pattern of the heart.
- Sources – Wagwalking.com, Journal of Small Animal Practice
Calcium Vegetables for Dogs – Daily Calcium Requirements
In the table below, we calculated the amount of calcium required per day based on the weight of your Boxer. The data was generated using National Research Council guidelines of 50 mg of Calcium per day/kg of body weight.
| Dog’s Weight (kg) | Dogs Weight (lbs) | Daily Calcium Requirement (mg) |
| 2 kg | 4.4 lbs | 100 mg |
| 5 kg | 11 lbs | 250 mg |
| 7.5 kg | 16.5 lbs | 375 mg |
| 10 kg | 22 lbs | 500 mg |
| 12.5 kg | 27.5 lbs | 625 mg |
| 15 kg | 33 lbs | 750 mg |
| 17.5 kg | 38.5 lbs | 875 mg |
| 20 kg | 44.0 lbs | 1000 mg |
| 22.5 kg | 49.5 lbs | 1125 mg |
| 25 kg | 55 lbs | 1250 mg |
| 27.5 kg | 60.5 lbs | 1325mg |
| 30 kg | 66 lbs | 1500 mg |
| 32.5 kg | 71.5 lbs | 1625 mg |
| 35 kg | 77 lbs | 1750 mg |
| 37.5 | 82.5 lbs | 1875 mg |
| 40 kg | 88 lbs | 2000 mg |
Try an all-plant-based dog food Wild Earth’s – Performance Formula Dog Food Veggie Chick’n Kabob Flavor
***Disclaimer – We are not veterinary professionals. Please consult your veterinarian prior to introducing these vegetables into your dog’s diet to ensure that they are appropriate for their health status and that your veterinarian agrees they should be an appropriate part of their diet.
Calcium Vegetables for Dogs
Broccoli
Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable, meaning “they are vegetables of the family Brassicaceae also called Cruciferae” (source: en.wikipedia.com – Cruciferous Vegetables).
Cruciferous vegetables include
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussel Sprouts
- Kale
- Bok Choy
- Arugula
- Collards
- Turnips
- Source: eatright.org – The Beginners Guide Tor Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli are high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals (such as calcium), and fiber. The National Cancer Institute states that cruciferous vegetables may protect against cancer.
If you want to feed your Boxer Fresh/Frozen Dog food containing Broccoli, check the following options.
Just for Dogs Turkey and Whole Wheat Macaroni Dog Food Recipe and Fish and Sweet Potato Dog Food Recipe
Only Natural Raw Pet Blends Chicken and Poultry Feast Raw Grain Free Dog Food
Broccoli contains about 47 mg of calcium per 100g serving. In other words, it has about 47 mg of calcium for every 3.5 ounces of broccoli consumed by your Boxer.
In the table below we calculated the amount of calcium per serving and the recommended daily amount of calcium based on the body weight of an average weight 65 lb (143 kg) Boxer dog and the percentage of the recommended daily value.
| Serving of Broccoli (oz) | Amount of Calcium Consumed (mg) | Recommended Daily Calcium Requirement (mg) | % of Daily Recommended Value |
| 2 oz | 27 mg | 1500 mg | 1.8 % |
| 3 oz | 40.25 mg | 1500mg | 2.6% |
| 4 oz | 53.8 mg | 1500 mg | 3.6% |
| 6 oz | 80.5 mg | 1500 mg | 5.3% |
| 8 oz | 107.4 mg | 1500 mg | 7.2% |
| 10 oz | 134.2 mg | 1500 mg | 8.9% |
| 12 oz | 161.4 mg | 1500 mg | 10.8% |
| 14 oz | 188.0 mg | 1500 mg | 12.5% |
| 16 oz | 214.8 mg | 1500 mg | 14.3% |
As you can see, an 8 oz serving of broccoli can contribute 7.2% of your Boxer dog’s recommended daily calcium requirement. Adding the calcium-rich vegetable and food type can ensure your Boxer is getting the required amount of calcium per day.
It is important to consult your veterinarian to ensure that broccoli is an appropriate food for your Boxer and that they provide guidance on the amount of calcium they want your dog to consume on a daily basis.
Calcium Vegetable for Dogs – Kale
As with Broccoli, Kale is a cruciferous vegetable that is available throughout the year in grocery and health food stores and in local farmer’s markets.
Kale is a large leafy vegetable that can be eaten raw, seemed, poached, sauteed, and dried into chips.
Kale is a powerhouse of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals including calcium.
Kale provides 49 mg of calcium per 100-gram serving or 3.52 oz per serving.
Reference the table above on broccoli for the daily amount of calcium per ounce and the daily percentage of calcium that Kale provides based on a 65 lb (143 kg) Boxer dog.
Calcium Vegetables for Dogs – Is Calcium a Good Choice For Dogs?
There has been some debate about whether Kale is a safe and acceptable option for dogs. In the article Is Kale Safe for Your Dog?, Experts Give Their Advice, dogsnaturally.com, Marie Gagne, (2/2022) presents two opposing schools of thought on whether Kale is safe for your dog.
In stating reasons why Kale might not be a good choice for your dog, Gagne references two articles that were published on the rationale for not feeding Kale to your dog.
The first article was published in 2015, by Molecular Biologist Ernie Hubbard, who dognaturallymagazine.com states his findings saying “cruciferous vegetables may be hyperaccumulators of toxic heavy metals like Thallium. This includes Kale. The source of the heavy metals being the soil they are grown in“.
The second article they cite was published in 2005 by Jane Higdon, Ph.D., from the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. In the article by dogsnaturallymagazine.com, the author states Dr. Higdon’s concerns were that “cruciferous vegetables can lower thyroid levels”.
The article then examined Why Kale is Good for Dogs. The author points out the following benefits
- Antioxidants – contains three antioxidants lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene to reduce free radicals
- Flavonoids – quercetin and kaempferol. These are beneficial for allergies, improving heart health, protecting the brain, and controlling diabetes
- Chlorophyll – The green pigment in plants responsible for producing oxygen. It can help replenish red blood cells
- Vitamin C – Your dog can produce their own Vitamin C but Kale provides an additional source. Vitamin Chelps to absorb calcium and iron.
Finally, the author references several experts including noted veterinarians, and their support of feeding Kale to dogs. The author provides the following pull quotes.
“I don’t see that pets are at increased risk from dietary thallium if they are fed prudent diets. All mammals have effective systems for neutralizing the occasional toxin. Unless fed a predominately vegetable diet, that itself was predominantly kale, for several months, I would not worry about thallium.” – Dr. Richard S Patton Ph.D., author of Ruined By Excess, Perfected By Lack
“Follow your grandma’s advice: everything in moderation! The crucifers are the warrior veggies that knock out cancer; don’t deny your dogs the benefits of the indole-3-carbinol found in these healing foods, but use them in rotation.” Dr. Karen Becker DVM
As you can see there are two schools of thought on Kale. It would be prudent to consult with your veterinarian prior to feeding your dog Kale to ensure this cruciferous vegetable is an appropriate option for your dog.
For additional information on vegetables for dogs read our article
Two Dog Food Brands producing high-quality fresh/frozen dog food containing Kale are Nom Nom and Just for Dog. Check their recipes and pricing.
NomNom Chicken Cuisine Recipe Fresh Dog Food
Just for Dogs – Joint & Skin Support Recipe Dog Food
Calcium Vegetables for Dogs – Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a great source of calcium, as well as fiber, vitamin A, and potassium.
Sweet potatoes have 13 mg of calcium per 100-gram serving.
Calcium Vegetables for Dogs – What are Sweet Potatoes?
Are sweet potatoes part of the potato family? The answer is no. Sweet potatoes belong to the Morning Glory (nightshade) family.
Regular potatoes are root vegetables. Sweet potatoes are different in that their classification is a tuber.
According to sweetpotato.eu, “both regular potatoes and sweet potatoes grow under the ground but they have very different taste, density, and nutritional value.”
They state that sweet potatoes taste more like carrots.
Calcium Content of Sweet Potatoes Per Serving for Dogs
In the table below we calculated and summarized the amount of calcium in a sweet potato per serving, the recommended daily amount, and % of the daily requirement of calcium for a 60 lb (132 kg) Boxer dog.
| Serving Size | Amount of Calcium in mg | Daily Calcium Requirement (mg) | % of Daily Calcium Requirement |
| 2 oz | 7.42 mg | 1325 mg | 1% |
| 4 oz | 14.85 mg | 1325 mg | 1.12% |
| 6 oz | 22.28 mg | 1325 mg | 1.7% |
| 8 oz | 29.71 mg | 1325mg | 2.25% |
| 10 oz | 37.14 mg | 1325 mg | 2.8% |
| 12 oz | 44.57 mg | 1325 mg | 3.3% |
| 14 oz | 52 mg | 1325 mg | 3.9% |
| 16 oz | 59.42 mg | 1325 mg | 4.49% |
Sweet potatoes are a delicious and flavorful option for your Boxer. They are full of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients and are a good source of calcium.
Consult with your veterinarian prior to feeding your Boxer sweet potatoes to ensure they are an appropriate option based on their current health status.
For fresh dog food recipes with sweet potatoes visit
Just For Dogs Fish & Sweet Potato dog food recipe and Venison & Squash dog food recipe
Calcium Vegetables for Dogs – Collard Greens
Collard greens are a cruciferous vegetable that is available year-round. According to Specialty Produce.com, “Collard Greens are a headless forming cabbage similar to Kale. Their leaves are broad, paddle-shaped, and grey-green to deep green in color with contrasting succulent white ribs and veins. Late winter and early spring provide the sweetest and most tender Collard greens.”
Collard greens are a good source of Vitamins including A and C, and calcium. In addition, they contain antioxidants that help reduce free radicals which can lead to health issues, including inflammation and certain types of cancer.
Collard Greens are a powerhouse of leafy vegetables in terms of calcium content. A 4 oz serving (1/2 cup) provides 164 mg of calcium per serving. (source: WebMd.com 2022)
Calcium Vegetables for Dogs – Feeding Recommendations
Collard Greens are a great source of calcium for your Boxer, however, their several factors that can affect your Boxer’s health that need to be considered.
According to the article Can Dogs Eat Collared Greens? Benefits and Considerations, Masterclass.com, points out 4 considerations for feeding Collar Greens to dogs. These include
- Canned Collard Greens can have dangerous additives, including garlic, onion, and salt which can cause Gi issues and other health problems in your dog.
- Excessive consumption can lead to bladder stones. Collard Greens contains a high amount of calcium oxalate which can cause kidney stones in some dogs.
- Large quantities can affect your dog’s GI tract. Large amounts of fiber can cause gas, diarrhea, and other gi issues.
- Stems can be a choking hazard – remove the stems before feeding.
Source: Masterclass.com
As with all foods that are introduced into your dog’s diet, it is best to give small quantities and only give in moderation.
To learn more about additives that can be dangerous to your dog, like those found in canned Collard greens, read our article
Consult your veterinarian prior to feeding your Boxer Collard Greens to ensure they are an appropriate option for your dog’s current health status and get their recommendations on whether Collard Greens are a good source of Calcium for your dog.
For Digestive health needs visit Pet Care Rx Pharmacy for a wide selection of digestive health products for your dog.
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Calcium Vegetables for Dogs – Turnip Greens
Turnip Greens are cruciferous vegetables in the same family as broccoli, cauliflower, etc. Turnip greens like Collard Greens are packed with Vitamins and Minerals. They contain vitamins A, C, and K, antioxidants, and Folate.
Turnip Greens are probably the biggest superhero because they deliver the highest calcium contents of all vegetables delivering 197 mg per cup (144 g per serving).
Dogs can eat turnip greens, however, they should be cooked either steamed or roasted prior to serving them to your dog. They are a great option for adding sufficient quantities to their diet to keep them healthy.
A key watch out according to Mypet child.com is “Turnips are part of the cruciferous vegetable family and these vegetables are known for having goitrogenic properties. This property can disrupt the production of thyroid hormones in the dog’s body, especially if they are consumed in excessive amounts. Cooking turnip greens can help minimize the impact the goitrogenic compound can have on the dog’s body.”
As with all the cruciferous vegetables that are high in fiber, it is best to introduce them slowly into your dog’s diet and only feed small quantities at a time.
Consult with your veterinarian to make sure that turnip greens are an appropriate option for your Boxer dog.
Calcium Vegetables for Dogs – Summary
The top 5 calcium vegetables for dogs are:
- Broccoli
- Kale
- Sweet Potatoes
- Collard Greens
- Turnip Greens
The table below summarizes the amount of calcium in each vegetable.
| Vegetable | Amount of Calcium per Serving |
| Broccoli | 47 mg/100 g |
| Kale | 49 mg/100 g |
| Sweet Potato | 13 mg/100 g |
| Collard Greens | 164 mg/ 4 oz (113.4 gr) |
| Turnip Greens | 197 mg/cup (144 gr) |
It is important to introduce all of these vegetables into your Boxer’s diet slowly to ensure there are no GI issues from the fiber. As with all of these vegetables, it is imperative to feed in small quantities and in moderation to prevent any health issues from too much calcium or other properties found within these vegetables.
Vegetables can play a key role in keeping your Boxer dogs healthy and active. They can add flavor and variety to their diet. Ensure that your veterinarian is aware of the vegetables you are feeding and agrees that they are appropriate for your loyal companion.
Discoverboxerdogs.com are Mary and Chris Kustanbauter. We reside in Red Lion, PA with our two Boxers, Duke and Katie, who are both rescue dogs. We have been working with Adopt A Boxer Rescue for the past 17 years and have adopted 5 Boxers from this fine organization. To learn more visit our Home, Boxer Dog Family, and Blogs Pages Visit us on social media on Facebook – Discoverboxerdogs.com, Instagram, and Pinterest.
