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What is the Best Dog Food for Congestive Heart Failure? thumbnail

What is the Best Dog Food for Congestive Heart Failure?


November 5, 2009

Every dog owner hopes for the very best for their canines. Regrettably, occasionally we are forced to face the fact that our dearly loved dog has medical conditions that must be addressed. For this particular article, let us focus on what is canine congestive heart failure and how to make nutritionally reliable choices to prevent the dog heart failure.

Congestive heart failure is the result of an abnormality in yourdog’s heart structure and function. Sometimes, what occurs is that this defect causes your dog’s heart to reduce its capacity to pump blood well which leads to ultimate heart failure for the already weakened dog. Sometimes there are no telltale signs of this disorder until it is in its final stages so we would do well to learn the best dog food for congestive heart failure – it is one of the most effective tools to avoid this from happening to your dog.

As with people, a reduced salt diet will greatly help in keeping the health of the cardiovascular system. Try cooking 1/4 lb of lean beef ground meat with 2 cups of unsalted rice and 2 teaspoons dicalcium phosphate in vegetable oil. You can also use organic commercial pet food but check the nutritional content and consult with your vet before making any changes in the dog’s diet and lifestyle.

Another important nutrient that could be supplemented in your dog’s daily food intake is Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 seems to not only reduce the risk of congestive heart illnesses for dogs, but with other potentially fatal heart ailments as well. Sea food is a great source of Omega-3.

Vitamin E also tends to raise the antioxidant levels in your dog’s cardiovascular reserves. Studies have constantly shown that this particular vitamin helps animals with heart complications. When you are using a particular pet food, make sure that it has not been in storage for a very long period of time – particularly if it has a high unsaturated fat content. This is one contributing factor in depleting the pet’s vitamin E.

Other nutrients that aid in improved canine cardiovascular function are Taurine and L-Carnitine. L-carnitine improves a dog’s heart rate, tolerance for activities and protection against many types of heart diseases. L-carnitine in partner with Taurine is acknowledged as good helpers in maintaining cardiac health for animals. Taurine specifically is said to prolong the life expectancy of dogs with congestive heart disease.

When considering the best dog food for congestive heart failure, do not neglect also the value of exercise as a preventive measure for canine congestive heart failure. A symptom of this ailment is the animal’s extreme exhaustion after exercising; so when you notice that the dog is exhibiting signs of labored breathing and excessive fatigue – take him to the vet for diagnosis promptly.

Hearing news of a beloved pet’s life threatening condition is often heartbreaking. Surprisingly little effort and learning about the best dog food for congestive heart failure will go a long way in keeping your dog’s heart health. Bear this in mind and be sure to look forward to your dog’s best years to date.

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