Since 2010, the primary source of calcium phosphate in TCfeline Original has been MCHA (microcrystalline hydroxyapatite) calcium from New Zealand bovine bone. However, in August 2024, tighter import regulations from Health Canada made it so difficult to bring this ingredient into the country that I replace it—temporarily—with a pharmaceutical-grade dicalcium phosphate from Germany. This carefully chosen substitute is widely used in both human and animal food formulas and supplements and represents the primary calcium phosphate source in dietary formulations intended for zoo carnivores. It allowed me to keep the premix available without interruption and had its own set of benefits.

Earlier this year, one of my Canadian ingredient suppliers—an established importer of pharmaceuticals with fast-track approval from Health Canada and the CFIA—announced they are now carrying the original MCHA material. That means the supply is once again secure, and as of June 2025, MCHA calcium is back as the source of calcium phosphate in TCfeline.