At certain times in the life of dogs and cats, the nutritional requirements for calcium, phosphorus and vitamins may be higher than normal.
A fitting example is lactation: the nutritional requirements, particularly for calcium, of a lactating bitch or female cat are greater than at any other time in their lives and are closely related to the amount of milk they have to produce, which, in turn, depends mostly on the number of puppies.
In such cases, it may be useful to supplement the animal’s normal diet with a specific complementary feed suitable for meeting the increased need for vitamins and minerals, such as Upsi Crok.
Even animals that are fed a homemade diet can benefit from the supplementation of minerals and vitamins, as long as the ration is properly balanced according to the individual animal’s needs.
What is Upsi Crok?
Upsi Crok is a mineral-based complementary feed for dogs and cats; it is particularly suited for the optimal development of the bone tissue.
What does Upsi Crok contain?
Upsi Crok contains calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin D.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A
Vitamin A (or Retinol) is essential for the growth and normal development of the body.
In particular, Vitamin A is involved in bone and tooth formation, skin trophism, vision in dim light, immune system functioning, and spermatogenesis.
Vitamin A deficiency in dogs and cats results in retarded growth in juveniles, and anorexia, weight loss, night blindness, photophobia, and skin lesions in adults.
In addition, it causes increased susceptibility to microbial infections and parasitic infestations.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C (also called Ascorbic acid) has high antioxidant properties.
It performs a number of functions in the body: for example, it is important for bone and cartilage development, for the production of certain neurotransmitters (such as norepinephrine), for the functioning of the immune system, and for carnitine biosynthesis.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus and is critical for bone health.
It increases intestinal calcium absorption, decreases renal calcium and phosphorus excretion, and regulates bone mobilization.
In both dogs and cats, Vitamin D deficiency causes rickets in growing animals and osteomalacia in adults.
Calcium
Calcium is the main component of bones and teeth.
Calcium is found in these tissues for two reasons:
- it constitutes their structural material
- it is physiologically “stored” in them by the body.
The amount of calcium stored in the bones is in balance with the calcium found in the blood. The preservation of this balance is under strict homeostatic control.
The purpose of calcium homeostasis is to maintain a constant amount of calcium in the blood; the mechanism by which this is ensured involves several organs.
Intestinal calcium absorption is regulated through two mechanisms:
- an active mechanism, regulated mainly by Vitamin D
- a passive mechanism that does not depend on the action of Vitamin D, but on the amount of calcium in the feed ration.
This second mechanism plays a predominant role in growing puppies and kitties. Since it is affected by how much calcium is absorbed through the diet, it is extremely important to accurately monitor the amount of calcium in the animal’s feed ration in order to avoid any deficiency or excess.
In dogs and cats, calcium deficiency can lead to rickets in puppies and osteomalacia in adults, resulting in an increased risk of fractures and lameness.
Phosphorous
Phosphorus is another essential mineral for the body. After calcium, phosphorus is the second largest constituent of bones and teeth.
Intestinal phosphorous absorption happens through two mechanisms:
- an active mechanism regulated by calcitriol, a biologically active form of Vitamin D
- a passive mechanism that depends on the amount of this mineral in the diet.
Phosphorus deficiency can cause growth retardation, poor appetite, pica (i.e., a tendency to eat inedible things), bone deformities and an increased risk of fractures.
Calcium/phosphorous ratio
Similarly to humans, calcium and phosphorus are strictly connected in dogs and cats too, and the regulation of their homeostasis depends on common hormones, substances and mechanisms.
For this reason, when evaluating their content in the diet, looking at the individual amounts of the two minerals is not enough: it is also important to consider the calcium/phosphorus ratio that the feed ration contains, as the proper absorption of these two minerals depends on it too.
According to the FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation) the calcium/phosphorus ratio must meet specific minimum and maximum values. The minimum is the same for all individuals (1:1), while the maximum value varies according to the animal’s age, physiological state and size.
When is Upsi Crok indicated?
Upsi Crok is indicated in cases of vitamin A and D and mineral (especially calcium) deficiency that may appear:
- during growth
- during pregnancy
- during lactation
- following fractures and in case of osteoporosis.
It can also be used to promote optimal bone tissue formation and to supplement the feed ration of animals that are fed a homemade diet. In this case, it is advisable to consult a Veterinarian, preferably an expert in nutrition, who can prepare a balanced diet to preserve the animal’s health.
How should I use Upsi Crok?
Upsi Crok must be administered based on the bodyweight and, during growth, according to the standard weight of the breed.
Recommended daily intake:
cats and kittens | half a scoop | |
puppy dogs: | small breeds, with adult weight < 10 kg: | half a scoop per 5 kg bodyweight |
medium breeds, with adult weight < 30 kg: | 1 and a half scoop per 10 kg bodyweight | |
large breeds, with adult weight > 30 kg: | 2 scoops per 10 kg bodyweight | |
large breeds, with adult weight > 40 kg: | 3 scoops per 10 kg bodyweight | |
adult dogs: | 1-2 scoops per 10 kg bodyweight |
It is recommended that a veterinarian’s opinion be sought before use.
In which sizes is Upsi Crok available?
Upsi Crok is available in two packages:
- 150 g tub
- 500 g tub.
Where can I buy Upsi Crok?
Upsi Crok is a complementary feed and can be purchased in pharmacies, drugstores, pet shops and online on specialised pet product websites.