Note: For more specific assistance, visit my Services page and book a Health Concerns Diet Review to make a plan for your dog.
Did you know that simple, real ingredients from your local grocery store can help support heart health? Considering the cases of diet-related dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) from some commercial pet foods, it is even more important to think about using better foods. And importantly, some pet foods that you think are better may actually be one of the formulas implicated in DCM. Visit my Services page to get started. Below is some information to inspire you! ~ Sarah
Heart Healthy Foods for Dogs
Red Foods. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, red foods can nurture heart health. These include:
- Organ meats
- Red meats
- Beets
- Tomatoes
- Red sweet peppers (not hot peppers)
Yin Tonics. Also from Traditional Chinese Medicine, foods considered “yin tonics” or “cooling foods” can support heart health. These include:
- Fish
- Heart meat (also considered a “like feeds like” food – heart feeds the heart)
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Brown rice
Foods with taurine. One of the issues in diet-related DCM relates to taurine, an amino acid connected with proper heart function (and many other important body processes). Taurine is found in many animal protein foods such as:
- Turkey, chicken and some other poultry – especially dark meat (I like the 93%/7% ground turkey blend – it has some dark meat, but it’s not overly fatty. Taurine is more plentiful in dark meat.
- Eggs
- Foods with certain vitamins, minerals and other compounds. Specific nutrients are known to support heart health. These can be found in some foods. Work with me to learn more. They include:
- Several of the B-vitamins
- Vitamins A, K, E
- Minerals selenium, magnesium
- Omega-3 fatty acids
Alongside excellent vet care (hopefully from a holistic vet), adding healthier foods can be an effective way of supporting your dog’s heart health.
I can offer you nutritional guidance to help with heart health. Visit my Services page and book a Health Concerns Diet Review to make a plan for your dog, whether you want to address a current heart issue, or work to prevent a future one.