What is the best food for dogs with heart problems?
Lilla Borer
2025-08-01 12:52:54
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: 15
The diet should be high in good quality, meat-based protein to maintain body mass & to provide the heart with much-needed amino acids. Taurine & l-carnitine supplementation is also an option, as is feeding mainly foods high in taurine, such as turkey, tuna & beef heart, & l-carnitine, like beef & lamb. Generally, the diet should be high in good quality, meat-based protein to maintain body mass & to provide the heart with much-needed amino acids, particularly taurine & l-carnitine.
In addition to protein, one of the most important things you can do is to ensure your dog remains a healthy weight.
So, while you’re trying to slim your dog down, stick with a food that’s 9% fat or less.
Another important factor is to keep salt intake as low as possible because dogs with heart disease have a reduced ability to excrete salt into their urine, which can lead to fluid retention.
Omega-3 fatty acids which are present in fish & fish oils have also been shown to benefit dogs with heart disease & arrhythmias.
Hester Frami
2025-08-01 12:11:41
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To determine the best way to feed your dog with CHF, you must work with your veterinarian to determine whether your dog has other medical conditions. Veterinary therapeutic diets designed for dogs with heart disease have a nutrient profile that includes restricted dietary sodium and chloride, and enhanced nutrients that support heart function. The nutrient profile of kidney diets includes reduced or restricted dietary phosphorus, reduced protein, and enhanced levels of nutrients such as potassium, B-vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids. While some sodium restriction is reasonable, it is more important that dogs diagnosed with CHF eat an appropriate number of Calories each day, since the condition called cardiac cachexia can result in weight loss and muscle wasting. Omega-3 fatty acids may be added to some commercial veterinary diets, or your veterinarian may prescribe supplements. The published dose for EPA and DHA supplementation in dogs with cardiac disease is 115 mg per kilogram of body weight. The long-term objective is to have your dog stay at a stable body weight and maintain a body condition score of 4, 5, or 6 on a scale from 1 to 9. The best nutritional plan for a dog with CHF is one that supports their daily energy needs, has balanced nutrients for all their medical conditions, and includes foods the dog will eat. Your veterinarian will help you determine the best approach for diet and feeding management at each stage of your dog's heart disease.
Eve Brekke
2025-08-01 10:10:39
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There are two methods of ensuring your dog consumes low sodium while still getting the nutrition they need: specially formulated dog food, or preparing/following a low-sodium diet at home. A well-meaning gesture could ultimately hurt your four-legged friend in the long run. If you choose to cook at home for your dog, it is vital to clear your recipes with your vet first.
The most important aspect of your dog's therapeutic diet is low sodium. Meat must be fresh and it is advised to stick to lean beef, pork, and chicken. Avoid all shellfish, cured meats, deli meat, hot dogs/sausage, beef jerky, or offal like brains and kidney. Foods like bland macaroni, unsalted cooked white rice, and home-cooked meat can be the foundation of a nutritious diet for your dog.
Your vet will ensure that the food they recommend to your pet addresses the following concerns: Phosphorus, Potassium, Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Generally, a good nutritional plan for a dog with heart disease is low in sodium and chloride, with the other elements that your dog needs. Your vet can help you choose the best food for the different stages of your dog's disease progression.
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