Best Dog Food for Heart Health

Heart disease is commonly seen in dogs. It can be either congenital (present since birth) or acquired (develops over time). 95% of heart disease is acquired and symptoms typically begin to show as a dog ages. Besides aging, obesity, breed and poor nutrition also play a role in the development of the disease. If your dog has already been diagnosed with heart disease or you are trying to prevent it, this blog post will review some of the best dog food for heart health on the market today.

If your dog has already been diagnosed with heart disease, it’s always a good idea to speak with your vet about your dog’s special dietary needs. An inadequate diet for a dog with heart disease can cause more harm, so be sure to check with your vet before changing your dog’s diet.

Royal Canin Vet Diet Early Cardiac Dry Food 

Protein content:   21.5%

Fat content: 13.5%

Fiber content:   5.7%

This dog food for heart health is veterinarian formulated and a prescription is needed to purchase. Canin’s diet contains many nutrients that are known to support heart health. It has long-chain fatty acids as well as arginine, carnitine, and taurine. This food has also been formulated to help your dog maintain a healthy body weight and support her immune system. 

What we like:

• Contains nutrients found to support heart health
• Highly palatable (dogs love the taste!)
• Lower sodium content
• Helps dogs maintain a healthy body weight

Potential Negatives:

• It’s prescription only
• Higher price than some other dog foods on this list

Hill’s Prescription Diet h/d Heart Care Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food

Protein content: 14.5%

Fat content: 16.5%

Fiber content: 2.5%

Another prescription-only food, Hill’s Heart Care dog food has been formulated specifically for dogs diagnosed with heart disease. This food has been designed to support normal blood pressure levels and minimize fluid retention. It is full of nutrients that dogs on diuretics commonly lose. Hills has also made sure to include plenty of antioxidants that support the immune system and protect kidney function. Plus it’s low in sodium and contains l-carnitine, taurine and phosphorus, which support heart health.

What we like:

• Low in sodium
• Designed specifically to prevent fluid retention and support health blood pressure
• Loaded with antioxidants to support the kidneys and immune system
• Helps your dog regain important nutrients lost due to diuretics
• Contains l-carnitine, taurine, and phosphorus for heart health

Potential negatives:

• Prescription-only
• Higher price
• Only one bag size available

Purina One +Plus Joint Health

Protein content: 27%

Fat content: 12%

Fiber content: 5%

While this dog food has been formulated for healthy joints, the ingredients also happen to help support heart health! For instance, a main ingredient is fish oil, which has been shown to support both joint and heart health. It also contains calcium, which also helps support proper cardiac function. And the antioxidants in this food support the immune system in general. 

What we like:

• Great source of omega fatty acids
• Doesn’t contain unnecessary fillers
• Contains added calcium and antioxidants
• Less expensive than other foods on this list
• Highly digestible

Potential negatives:

• Not recommended for small dog breeds
• Not formulated specifically for heart disease

ACANA Wholesome Grains Small Breed Recipe

Protein content: 27%

Fat content: 17%

Fiber content: 6%

The ACANA Wholesome Grains Small Breed Recipe food has been designed for small breed dogs with heart disease. It contains moderate levels of protein and fat and is high in heart-healthy fiber (but is gluten-free). ACANA is free of legumes and potatoes, which have been linked to the worsening of heart disease. Chock full of beneficial fatty acids, the food supports heart health as well as joint, coat and skin health.

What we like:

• Gluten free
• High in heart-healthy fiber
• Great source of omega 3s
• More affordable than some foods on this list

Potential negatives:

• Not recommended for medium- or large-sized breeds

Stella & Chewy’s Stella’s Solutions Healthy Heart Support

Protein content: 40%

Fat content: 32%

Fiber content: 5%

Grain-free

Stella & Chewy’s Stella’s Solutions Healthy Heart Support is freeze-dried and can be used as a supplement to support heart health or fed as the primary diet. Free of grains, legumes and potatoes, Stella & Chewy’s food is rich in omega fatty acids to support heart and joint health. This food can be served as is or rehydrated.

What we like:

• Can be fed as a supplemental treat or as the primary food source
• Free of unnecessary and potentially harmful ingredients
• High in omega 3 fatty acids
• Can be fed as is or rehydrated

Potential negatives:

• Small bag size (if feeding as regular food may not last very long for large dogs)
• Higher price

Final Thoughts

We hope this guide has been helpful in showing you some of the best dog food for heart health. Keep in mind that it is always best to discuss proper nutrition with your vet and get their personal recommendations. If you like one or more of the foods on this list, ask your vet their feelings. If she gives you the green light, then give one or more a try to see if your dog takes to it.

Pet Health Insurance Can Help Pay for High Vet Bills Related to Heart Disease

Pet parents never really know when a health disaster will strike. One day your beloved dog is healthy and you can easily afford her yearly checkup vet bill. The next, she begins showing signs of heart disease and suddenly you’re spending thousands of dollars each year for treatment and medications.

It’s a sad reality for many people who struggle to pay for proper vet care.

Pet insurance is very affordable for most people and plans can reimburse you for up to 90% of those vet bills. If your pup isn’t yet enrolled in a plan, now’s the time to do it. Take a couple of minutes to get a free quote from top pet insurance companies in the country.

References:

https://www.thedrakecenter.com/resources/materials/dogs/heart-disease-dogs “Heart Disease in Dogs”

https://www.cvcavets.com/canine-heart-diseases “Canine Heart Disease”

Disclaimer

The information contained on this blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your pet's health care or treatment plan.

The authors of this blog are not veterinarians and do not claim to be experts in pet health. The information provided here is based on our own experiences and research, as well as information from reputable sources. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information.

We encourage you to do your own research and consult with your veterinarian before making any decisions about your pet's health.