Heart disease is a common problem in dogs, particularly as they age. If your dog has been diagnosed with heart disease, it’s important to pay extra attention to their diet to help manage their condition.

Feeding your dog a diet that is specially formulated for cardiac care can help to alleviate symptoms and improve their overall health.

1. Choose a High-Quality Dog Food

When selecting a food for your dog with heart disease, it’s important to choose a high-quality food that is formulated for cardiac care. Look for a food that is low in sodium and contains high-quality sources of protein.

Many pet food manufacturers offer prescription diets that are specially formulated for dogs with heart disease. These diets typically contain added nutrients such as taurine and L-carnitine, which can help support heart health.

2. Avoid Table Scraps

Feeding your dog table scraps can be tempting, but it’s important to avoid giving in. Table scraps are often high in salt and fat, which can be harmful to dogs with heart disease.

Instead of giving your dog table scraps, offer them healthy, low-sodium snacks like baby carrots or green beans.

3. Monitor Water Intake

Dogs with heart disease may be prone to fluid retention, so it’s important to monitor their water intake. Limiting water intake may be necessary for some dogs with more advanced cases of heart disease.

However, it’s important to always have fresh, clean water available for your dog to help prevent dehydration.

4. Look for Low-Sodium Treats

Treats are an important part of any dog’s diet, but it’s important to choose treats that are low in sodium for dogs with heart disease.

Look for treats that are specifically formulated for cardiac care, or choose low-sodium treats like baby carrots or apple slices.

5. Feed Smaller, More Frequent Meals

Dogs with heart disease may have difficulty digesting large meals, so it’s important to feed smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. This can help to prevent your dog from becoming too full or bloated, which can exacerbate their symptoms.

Feeding smaller, more frequent meals can also help to regulate your dog’s blood sugar levels.

6. Add Supplements

Adding supplements to your dog’s diet can help support their heart health. Omega-3 fatty acids, for example, can help to reduce inflammation and improve heart function.

Coenzyme Q10 is another supplement that can help support heart health by improving energy production in heart cells.

7. Limit Fat Intake

Dogs with heart disease may have difficulty digesting fat, so it’s important to limit their intake. Avoid foods that are high in fat, such as fatty cuts of meat, and opt for leaner protein sources instead.

Foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, can be a good source of healthy fats for dogs with heart disease.

8. Work with Your Veterinarian

If your dog has been diagnosed with heart disease, it’s important to work closely with your veterinarian to manage their condition.

Your veterinarian can recommend a diet that is tailored to your dog’s specific needs and can monitor their progress to ensure that their condition is being properly managed.

9. Monitor your Dog’s Weight

Monitoring your dog’s weight is important if they have heart disease. Dogs that are overweight can be at higher risk for developing heart disease, and excess weight can also put additional strain on the heart.

Your veterinarian can help you determine an appropriate weight for your dog and can recommend a weight loss plan if necessary.

10. Be Patient

Managing a dog with heart disease can be a challenge, but with the right diet and care, many dogs are able to live comfortably for years after their diagnosis.

Be patient with your dog and work closely with your veterinarian to ensure that their condition is being properly managed.