Understanding Calcium, Cuttlebone, and its role in
Supplementing the Diets of our Exotic Pets
Why is Calcium so Important to our pets’ diet?
Proper availability of calcium within an animals body is vital in maintaining multiple bodily functions and for skeletal formation and repair. For Avian and Reptilian species, their need for diets supplemented with calcium is well documented and is normally addressed with processed calcium powders, liquid supplements, or more preferably, with natural cuttlebone. Other species, including arthropods and crustacea require considerable amounts of dietary calcium for the development of their outer shell structures. A diet supplemented with some form of calcium, such as natural cuttlebone, will guarantee that all these companions of ours are supplied with enough calcium for development, growth, and general good health.
Where do we get Natural Cuttlebone?
Cuttlebone comes from a squid like mollusk called a cuttlefish. A common misconception is that cuttlefish are hunted specifically for their “bone”. Actually, cuttlefish meat is a staple diet food in many Asian countries, so Cuttlefish are fished commercially in many locations around the world, similar to tuna, anchovy, or mackerel. Once the cuttlefish meat is processed, the bone is left over and can then be marketed as a byproduct. Fortunately, this part of the cuttlefish can be utilized for something very beneficial and not be lost to waste.
What actually is a Natural Cuttlebone?
The Cuttlefishes dorsal bone provides a rigid internal structure that supports the cuttlefishes inner body cavity and also provides a mechanism where the cuttlefish can regulate its neutral buoyancy in the water. The actual structure of the cuttlebone is separated into two sections: the first is the dorsal shield, which is an extra dense layer of calcium carbonate. It is the “hard” part of the cuttlebone and because of its density, will generally sink when placed in water. The second section of the cuttlefishes bone is the lamellar matrix, it is the “softer” part of the bone primarily comprised of aragonite, which is a crystallized form of calcium carbonate. The reason the lamellar matrix is soft is because it is extremely porous, with a cellular structure that provides microscopic channels or avenues within the bone. These avenues can be flooded with liquid or with gases by the cuttlefish, so it can regulate its buoyancy while swimming in the water. Because of its porosity, this part of the cuttlebone will generally float when placed in water.
Why is natural cuttlebone a good dietary source?
Due to the chemical makeup of the Cuttlefishes bone, it provides an exceptional source of dietary calcium. As stated above, proper availability of calcium within an animal’s body is vital in maintaining multiple bodily functions, for skeletal formation and repair, and for general good health. For most all species of turtles, tortoises, isopods, snails, shrimp, crayfish, and even aquarium fish, clams, and corals, cuttlebone remains a preferred choice for suppling supplemental calcium.
In its natural state, cuttlebone can be used in its whole form, in chunk form, or ground into a powdered form, depending on the feeding application. When placed in water, cuttlebone will slowly dissolve allowing calcium replenishment for the benefit of aquarium ecosystems.
Where can I get natural cuttlebone for my pets?
Cuttlebone can be purchased through many channels: local pet retailers, supermarket pet isles, or online. Take care not to purchase bone that has been treated or bleached. If you are unsure of the quality, find another reliable source. Here at TropicZone for example, we supply natural untreated and unbleached cuttlebone in all popular forms: whole bone, 2 different sized chunk, and powered form. Available in multiple size packages, for every feeding application.
For additional information on care and feeding, please feel free to check out supplementary articles on the…
Used by permission. www.tropiczoneproducts.com
