Just like humans, dogs also need a healthy diet to maintain their heart health. Feeding your dog with nutrient-rich foods can help support their heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Here are 10 foods that you can incorporate into your dog’s diet to help support their heart health.
1. Fish
Fish is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help support heart health by reducing inflammation and regulating blood pressure.
Feeding your dog with fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel can provide them with important omega-3s that support heart health.
2. Lean Meat
Lean meats like chicken, turkey, and beef are good sources of protein that help support your dog’s heart health.
Avoid giving your dog fatty cuts of meat like bacon or ham because they can increase your dog’s cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart problems.
3. Eggs
Eggs are a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals that support your dog’s overall health, including their heart health.
However, it’s important to feed your dog cooked eggs since raw eggs can contain salmonella, which can cause food poisoning in your dog.
4. Vegetables
Vegetables are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals that can help support your dog’s heart health.
Leafy greens like spinach and kale are rich in antioxidants that protect the heart while vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and broccoli provide important nutrients like beta carotene and fiber.
5. Fruits
Fruits like apples, bananas, and blueberries are great sources of fiber, vitamins, and minerals that can help support your dog’s heart health. Berries are also rich in antioxidants that can protect the heart from damage.
6. Brown Rice
Brown rice is a complex carbohydrate that is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals that support heart health. It can also help regulate blood sugar levels and aid in digestion, which can benefit dogs with heart problems.
7. Yogurt
Yogurt is a good source of calcium and probiotics that promote gut health and support heart health.
However, it’s important to choose plain, unsweetened yogurt since some flavored brands contain added sugars that can be harmful to your dog’s health.
8. Green Beans
Green beans are low in calories and rich in antioxidants that help support heart health. They’re also a good source of fiber that can aid in digestion and promote weight management in overweight dogs.
9. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a good source of soluble fiber that can help reduce cholesterol levels and support heart health. Avoid giving your dog flavored oatmeal that contains added sugars and instead opt for plain, unflavored brands.
10. Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a good source of fiber and antioxidants that support heart health. It can also help regulate digestion and provide relief from constipation or diarrhea in dogs with heart problems.