My elderly (10) year old Chiauahuah has an enlarged heart. My vet has recommended I feed him canned food that is good for the heart and is low sodium. Anyone have any suggestions?
2007-02-05 13:50:48 · 14 answers · asked by daisy_crazy32 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Check out Healthy Choice it is available in wet and dry formulas and is pure and natural.
You could always make your own dog food. I do for 2 of my dogs. 1/2 baked sweet potato (you can do this in the micro) cooked frozen green beans and a protein. I use cottage cheese (you could use low fat), hamburger, or eggs.
I would also give the dog vitamin C.
VITAMIN C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can reduce cancer risk, boost the immune system, stimulate wound repair, and reduce the risk of cataracts. Vitamin C is important for proper bone formation and the maintenance and plays a role in preventing heart disease. We also know that when a dog is stressed they need additional vitamins for their body to function properly and to protect it from disease.
There is an assumption among conventional veterinarians that because dogs manufacture a little of their own vitamin C there is no need to supplement it. However, holistic veterinarians have found that supplementing vitamin C in a dog's diet can clear up a variety of health problems. In my own case my Lucy had lots of hot spots that bothered her. A few days of Ester C and they cleared up.
Dr. Wendell Belfield points out in his book, "How to Have a Healthier Dog", "Fifteen years of clinical experience, involving over two thousand cases, has told me that dogs definitely benefit from extra vitamin C. When given supplements, they are much less likely to develop hip dysphasia, spinal myelopathy, ruptured discs, viral diseases, and skin problems. They live healthier and longer."
When supplementing vitamin C, use sodium ascorbate or some other form of buffered vitamin C because plain ascorbic acid may cause an upset stomach. The best is Ester C You can buy it in powder or tablet form and add it to your dog's food, or get it in a multivitamin. If they spit it out you can wrap it in a very small amount of cheese or a little piece of meat. The daily dosage for an adult dog is the following:
DOSAGE
Small dogs: 500 mg
Medium to large dogs: 1,000 mg to 1,500 mg
Giant dogs: 2,000 mg
2007-02-05 14:01:54 · answer #1 · answered by trishnh 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
First stop feeding him human food period . Second put down his dog food leave it for a while if he doesn't eat pick it up , but don't give him anything . after a few hours put it back and leave it . Dogs are not stupid they will not intentionally starve themselves . The reason he's not eating is you have spoiled him by giving him human food . I pay $40.00 a bag for my dogs , you cant buy it in the big grocery stores you have to go to a pet store that sells it . BUT it's all natural first ingredient is real meat . It has no additives , preservatives , artificial colors or flavors no corn , wheat or soy only fruit veggies and meat . The brand is called Taste of the wild . It comes with different bags / flavors ... Salmon , Bison fowl , Venison . It's one of the best foods on the market . TRY IT . and DO NOT give in to your dog by giving him human food .
2016-03-15 07:33:33 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are actually prescription diets you can buy from most veterinary clinics for dogs with medical problems. I know that Hill's Science Diet makes a special food called H/D, which is specifically for dogs with heart disease. This comes in dry and canned formulas. Talk to your vet. If your vet does not have it, they should be able to call a prescription in to another vet that may carry it. Good luck
2007-02-05 13:56:25 · answer #3 · answered by christa5533 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes that sounds right. The low sodium is so his blood pressure won't be raised. It problably also has other components that are healthier for a dog w/ that problem. There are also meds out there too. You're vet would be able to help you w/ that.
2007-02-05 14:00:44 · answer #4 · answered by sxycent 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You want to ask your vet.
I would recommend Natures Recipe as it is all natural. Brands like Iams, Science Diet and Eukanuba all contain corn and wheat. Those ingredients are bad for dogs and hard to digest.
2007-02-05 13:58:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
He can be on any prescription diet that is for heart problems. I know that Science Diet H/D comes in a canned formula, and I would assume that Eukanuba, IVD, and Purina offer similar products.
2007-02-05 14:12:25 · answer #6 · answered by iluvmyfrenchbulldogs 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most animals with heart failure do well with moderate dietary salt restriction (containing about 0.2 to 0.25% sodium on a dry matter basis for dogs and 0.25 to 0.33% for cats). Science Diet Senior, Hills K/D and Purina CNM NF-Formula are examples.
2007-02-05 13:56:52 · answer #7 · answered by Mary O 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My doberman had this condition. I used only Science Diet and Eukanuba foods for her. Your veterinarian should have given you a recommendation based on the condition. If he/she has not, call and ask for one. Follow your vet's advice!
2007-02-05 13:54:44 · answer #8 · answered by dressage.rider 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
vet prescribed H/D made by science diet. I can't beleive you vet doesn't sell it
2007-02-05 14:28:51 · answer #9 · answered by leftygirl_75 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would feed him iams when my dog was sick thts wut i fed her and she seemed 2 like it a lot and and my mom sed thts the best thing 2 give em and hes a veteranarian
2007-02-05 14:17:11 · answer #10 · answered by cutie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋