A healthy diet for your dog’s heart
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Have you ever thought about how crucial your dog’s heart is to his overall well-being? It’s not just about their heartbeat, but also what powers it. As well as keeping them active and ensuring they have regular vet check-ups, providing them with a balanced diet, rich in heart-healthy ingredients, is essential to supporting your four-year-old friend’s heart health. paws and reduce the risk of certain heart diseases.
Best food for your dog’s health
You can opt to transition to a fresh food diet focused on heart health or simply incorporate additional ingredients into your dog’s meal.
Dr. Heather Mayers, in “Dog Nutrition for a Healthy Heart” published on the Pet Pal website, said the following foods are known to have significant heart health benefits.
1. Green Leafy Vegetables: Spinach and kale are full of antioxidants that fight free radicals, potentially reducing damage to the heart muscle.
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2. Fish: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fatty fish like salmon, sardines and mackerel can decrease inflammation and improve heart function.
3.Whole Grains: Brown and white rice, oatmeal and barley provide vitamins and fiber that benefit heart health.
4.Carrots, pumpkins and sweet potatoes: These vegetables are rich in beta-carotene (converted to vitamin A) and potassium.
5. Meat Organs: Particularly hearts, which are rich in taurine and contain CoQ10, a vital enzyme that fights oxidative stress in the body, making them superfoods for dogs that support heart health and strengthen muscles. immune and digestive systems.
6. Flaxseed Oil: A source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as lignans, flaxseed oil supports cardiovascular health.
7.Rosemary: This aromatic herb contains antioxidants that strengthen the immune system and may reduce your pup’s risk of cancer and heart disease.
8. Animal Protein: Chicken, beef, pork and lamb are sources of L-carnitine, an essential amino acid for heart health.
9. Blueberries: Loaded with fiber and heart-healthy antioxidants, blueberries can alleviate degenerative damage of the heart.
If your dog has been diagnosed with heart disease, it is important to consult your veterinarian before introducing any new foods. It is essential to follow your veterinarian’s dietary recommendations and guidelines to prevent possible nutritional deficiencies.
Diet Tips for a Healthy Heart
1. Give your dog high-quality protein
In the past, it was recommended to limit protein intake for dogs with heart problems, but experts have since recognized that reduced protein can lead to decreased muscle mass, which could be life threatening. hazard. Protein is essential for maintaining heart health in dogs because it strengthens the heart muscle.
2. Reduce sodium intake
Just like in humans, excess salt in a dog’s diet can be dangerous, especially for those susceptible to heart problems. Keep consumption low even if they have no symptoms. It’s crucial to feed them heart-healthy foods regularly, as sudden spikes in sodium can put a strain on heart function.
3. Provide your dog with omega-3 fatty acids
Mayers said incorporating fish oils rich in omega-3 fatty acids into their diet is crucial to promoting overall heart health. These fatty acids play a role in reducing harmful inflammation and protecting against irregular heart rhythms.
“A study on canine heart disease demonstrated improved survival rates with the use of omega-3 supplements. Natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids include cod liver oil, which can be found in some fresh, natural foods, as well as sardines and salmon. Alternatively, you can supplement your dog’s diet with omega-3 fatty acid dietary supplements,” Mayers said.
4. Taurine promotes heart function
Mayers suggested adding taurine, an amino acid, to your dog’s diet to support heart function, even if he is healthy. Although veterinarians aren’t entirely certain of taurine’s exact role, they do know that its absence can lead to an enlarged heart. Taurine can be obtained naturally from cooked lamb and raw beef liver, or it can be provided in supplement form.
5. Maintain a healthy weight
Ensuring your dog stays within a healthy weight range is essential to preventing heart problems. Portion control is important and avoid free eating. It is also crucial to balance your dog’s diet.
“Give a balanced ratio of high-quality meat proteins, natural fats like cod liver oil, and carbohydrates from nutrient-rich sources like starches, vegetables, and seeds, in a 1:1 ratio :1,” Mayers said.
Knowing the specific health risks associated with your dog’s breed can allow you to quickly recognize potential warning signs and take proactive steps to maintain their cardiovascular health. If you have concerns about your puppy’s risk of heart disease, consult your veterinarian about heart disease testing.
About the Author: Niko Gabriel Salgado graduated from De La Salle College of Saint Benilde with a degree in Consular and Diplomatic Affairs and worked in the House of Representatives. He is now an entrepreneur and volunteer with the animal welfare group Save Animals of Love and Light-Save ALL.
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