Best Low Sodium Dog Food For Heart Murmur

Health Problems That Require Low

High salt intake can cause many people to develop high blood pressure, but this rarely appears to happen to dogs. In fact, a 2008 study, published in Topics in Companion Animal Medicine, found that dogs adapt well to a wide range of sodium levels. The author of the study states that:

There is no strong evidence that increased dietary sodium increases the risk of hypertension in dogs and cats, and the current recommendation for hypertensive animals is to avoid high dietary salt intake without making a specific effort to restrict it.

As you can see, you probably dont need to worry about your pup developing high blood pressure unless you supplement his diet regularly with Doritos and pickled eggs. But high blood pressure isnt even the reason most dogs end up needing a low-sodium diet.

Most dogs that require a low-sodium diet suffer from congestive heart failure. Congestive heart failure causes fluid to build up in the body, and salt exacerbates this phenomenon.

Recipe Five: Homemade Pumpkin Apple Treats

Ingredients:

• ½ cup cooked mashed pumpkin
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
• Whole wheat grains flour

Preparation: Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix well. Add water if needed to make a dough consistency, then knead on a floured surface until smooth. Roll out into a thin sheet & cut with a cookie cutter or kitchen scissors! Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or golden brown in color.

Specific Ckd Heart And Kidney Support Low Sodium Dog Food

As the name suggests, this low-sodium dog food is designed specifically for dogs suffering from heart, kidney, or liver problems. Apart from being naturally low on sodium, SPECIFIC CKD Heart and Kidney Support are rich in fish oils that keep your dogs heart healthy.

Unlike other dog foods, this one is low on protein and phosphorus and helps dogs with kidney problems. Additionally, with high omega-three levels , zinc , and L-carnitine levels , it maintains the blood pressure of your pup and keeps a check on the overall heart and kidney functions.

The overall reviews of the brand are mixed, with many dog owners complaining they dont see the desired results. However, some customers said they had seen improvements in their dogs heart and kidney functions.

Pros

• Some customers say that it did not help their dogs with kidney problems
• It comes with a grain diet which may not be healthy for your dog

Don’t Miss: How To Find The Best Food For Your Dog

How To Know If My Dog Needs Low

Your dog may need low-sodium food if they suffer from hypertension, which is also known as high blood pressure.

This happens when a dogs arterial blood pressure is higher than average levels on a daily basis.

Sometimes a dog can get this health condition if they have the genetic component for it, which is difficult to recognize if you dont know who your dogs parents were.

You should switch your dog to low-sodium food if your vet recommends it or if you see your dog experiencing the following symptoms:

• Blood in the urine
• Weakness in the body or legs

Your vet will be able to spot other symptoms as well, such as protein in the urine or swollen kidneys.

Always go in for a check up if you think your dog may have blood pressure issues.

Low Sodium Dog Food Faqs

Many owners want to know more about low-sodium dog foods because their pets need them. Therefore, we found that many of them tend to ask the same questions, and we brought them a proper answers.

How can I get my Dog to have Low Sodium?

The best way to get your dog to eat low sodium is to bring it low-sodium food that it likes. Your best choice is to go for food with higher moisture, such as canned wet food or homemade wet food. As it is more palatable and tasty, your pup will have an easier time adapting to it.In case you opt for dry food, then you should add some warm water to it, and wait 10 minutes to allow the aroma and flavors to expand. As a result, your dog will feel it far tastier, and hence, have an easier time adapting to its new sodium-restricted diet. Positive reinforcement goes a long way. Therefore, make sure to praise it when it finishes eating, and reward it with a low-sodium treat.

What is the Best Dog Food for Heart Disease?Is Dog Food High in Sodium?

While some dog foods are high in sodium, for healthy pups, it is not a concern because they can easily adapt to varying levels of sodium, and the excess of it is excreted via urine. However, make sure that the total intake sits at 5-7 mg of sodium per pound.

How Much Sodium is Safe for a Dog?What Meats are Low in Sodium?

Make sure to always check the nutritional contents on the label of dog food. You can compare and analyze these percentages to check for low sodium dog food before making a purchase.

Recommended Reading: What Food Allergies Can Dogs Have

Pay Attention To Protein

The first thing you should look at is the protein content in dog food. Since puppies are carnivores, they need meat in their diet. But if your dog has certain medical conditions like kidney disease, you should lower the protein content. You should find ingredients such as chicken, lamb, beef, or fish high in protein on the package.

Which Is Better Wet Food Or Dry Food

There is wet and dry dog food on the market. The two types of dog food differ in their water content.

Dry food contains hardly any water and therefore has a longer shelf life . usually several years. Dogs that are fed dry food have to chew up more and so coach their teeth. Consuming dry food is almost like brushing your dogs teeth. For dogs that drink little, feeding dry out food can become a disadvantage. They can become dehydrated if they are provided only dry food. Therefore, it is important to provide the dog with enough water. The advantages and disadvantages of dry food at a glance:

Pros

• Almost germ-free due to heat during production
• Even more environmentally friendly than processed food

Cons

• Frequently less acceptable to your dog
• The dogs body is deprived of water, so it has to drink more.
• Can lead to overweight more quickly if it is not a diet food
• Risk of mould or mite formation if stored incorrectly

Wet dog food has a high water content. The wet food is usually portioned in tins or small bowls. Frequently one package of wet food corresponds to one meal. A large number of dogs like damp food much better than dry food. In contrast to dry food, wet food for canines once opened can only be kept for a few days and nights. It should be used up within 2 times of opening. Under we have summarised the huge benefits and disadvantages of wet food:

Pros

Cons

Recommended Reading: Should Wet Dog Food Be Refrigerated

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Early Cardiac Dry Dog Food Best Vet Recommended Diet

This vet-recommended diet from Royal Canin is highly palatable, digestible, balanced, and complete with nutrients that improve cardiovascular function.

Key Ingredients:

• Soy protein isolate
• Natural flavors

The formula features brewers rice, which is an excellent source of proteins and minerals for boosting your dogs energy levels.

The food has chicken fat that provides a more concentrated source of energy than carbohydrates or protein and also contributes to the foods palatability and texture.

The formula contains important long-chain omega 3 fatty acids for supporting healthy heart function.

This diet also contains good amounts of taurine, carnitine, and arginine amino acids, which support neurological development and optimal cardiac health.

According to the guaranteed analysis, this food contains a moderate amount of sodium , but it could be better with a lower amount.

Pros:

• Complete, balanced, and highly digestible
• Chicken fat improves texture and palatability
• Long-chain omega 3 fatty acids support a healthy heart
• Taurine, carnitine, and arginine amino acids boost cardiac health
• The vet recommended dog food for heart murmur

Cons:

• Could be better with a much lower amount of sodium

This diet is great for building the immune system of your young dogs against heart murmur and great for helping your senior pup overcome the condition.

Sodium Causes Heart Problems

Dogs with heart disease should be on a low-sodium diet. This is because reducing sodium intake prevents fluid retention, a common side effect of the disease. However, severe sodium restriction can have negative effects before symptoms even develop. Sodium restriction for dogs with early-stage heart disease is mild, but further dietary control is needed as the disease progresses. Its important to keep a record of your pets sodium intake to avoid unnecessary treatment later.

Dogs with heart disease can be given a low-sodium canned diet prepared by your veterinarian. Alternatively, you can prepare a heart-healthy diet for your dog at home. The best way to make sure your pet is eating the right amount of salt-free food is to encourage them to try a low-sodium diet. To avoid this, make sure to read the label of peanut butter and make sure that it doesnt say no salt added. The same goes for Velveeta cheese, which contains 80 milligrams of sodium per fourth-slice.

If you cant reduce your dogs sodium intake completely, consider cutting back on the amount of salt in your meals and snacks. Try to avoid foods that have a lot of salt, such as processed food. You can also try choosing foods with a lower sodium level, such as those prepared with olive oil and vinegar. Instead of bread, you can serve appetizers that contain lots of fruit and vegetables. Sodium can also be found in spices, including rosemary and allspice.

Recommended Reading: Where Can I Buy Royal Canin Dog Food

A Carefully Balanced Diet

A good low-sodium diet should not only focus on how much sodium is in it but also on the ingredients that give it a high nutritional value.

Protein and quality fat sources are important, but the presence of vegetables, fruits, and other ingredients that deliver essential mineral and vitamin content should also be considered when selecting your pups dog food.

Are There Any Other Nutritional Concerns Besides Salt Content That Can Benefit My Dog With Chf

In addition to sodium and chloride, there are other nutritional considerations that can benefit dogs with CHF. Your veterinarian can help you choose specific nutritional formulations that meet these recommendations.

• Phosphorus. Phosphorus is a concern in those dogs who also have kidney disease. Phosphorus should be restricted to 0.2% – 0.52% DM.
• Potassium. Potassium serum levels should be monitored in the dog, but a good dietary level of potassium to start with is 0.4% – 0.52% DM. Supplementation may actually be necessary if your dog is on certain diuretics.
• Omega-3 fatty acids. The omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA may help to stabilize heart muscle cells. Your veterinarian can help you to choose an omega-3 fatty acids supplement with good bioavailability, meaning that it is easily absorbed by the body. Unfortunately, no optimal dose for the dog with CHF has yet been determined.

Overall, the best nutritional plan for a dog with CHF is a therapeutic nutrient profile formulated with controlled levels of sodium and chloride that has been demonstrated in clinical studies to be helpful. Home cooking creates great risk of an improperly balanced ration as well as inadvertently high levels of sodium . Some balanced diets include Royal Canin® Veterinary Diet Canine Cardiac, Rayne Clinical Nutrition Restrict-CKD, or Hill’s® Prescription Diet® h/d®. Your veterinarian will help you determine the most appropriate nutrient profile at each stage of your dog’s heart disease progression.

Read Also: What Ingredients Should You Look For In Dog Food

Buffalo Blue Natural Veterinary Blue W+u Weight Management + Urinary Care Dry Dog Food

Life stage: Adult maintenance

BLUE W+U Weight Management + Urinary Care Dry Dog Food is a formula vet exclusive diet made to meet the special dietary needs of overweight or dogs trying to lose weight. It has a perfect amount of calories, fiber, fats to help your adult dog weight loss as well as controlled minerals with maximum sodium at 0.35% to boost urinary health.

Key benefits

• Delicious and nutrient-packed formulation to offer superior nutrition with chicken and chicken meal are the first two ingredients.
• It supports urinary health, thanks to the controlled level with maximum amounts of sodium and magnesium.
• Grain-free has no poultry or chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial preservatives and flavors.
• It has an ideal blend of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that will support immunity, and ensure a healthy oxidative balance.
• Fiber-rich formula to boost satiety and support healthy digestion.

Additional information

Working Towards A Sustainable Future

Our belief that pets make our world better inspires and gives life to our purpose of making a better A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS

Ingredients

Brewers rice, chicken fat, chicken meal, fish meal, soy protein isolate, powdered cellulose, natural flavors, fish oil, potassium chloride, L-arginine, vitamins , taurine, calcium carbonate, choline chloride, L-carnitine, trace minerals , rosemary extract, preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid.

Calorie Content

This diet contains 3673 kilocalories of metabolizable energy per kilogram or 290 kilocalories ME per cup on an as fed basis .

Guaranteed Analysis

Also Check: How To Tell If Dog Is Allergic To Food

The Best Low Sodium Dog Treats For Heart Murmur

Dogs need treats too. And if you have a dog with a heart murmur, it can be tricky to find treats that wont make your vet scold you. There are plenty of low sodium dog treats out there, but none of them are made from the same ingredients as the high-sodium treats dogs love. Theyre filled with preservatives and other fillers that arent good for your dogs health. So how do you know what to buy?

Owning a dog is a rewarding experience. But it can also be a heartbreaking one, especially if your dog suffers from a heart condition. If youre looking for the best low sodium dog treats for heart murmurs, youve come to the right place. In this article, we review the top low sodium dog treats on the market that is safe for your pet and wont aggravate their condition. Read on to find out more!

Using low sodium dog treats will help your canine companion enjoy a variety of benefits. Sodium is an essential mineral, but excess consumption can lead to a variety of health problems, including high blood pressure, heart conditions, kidney failure, and weight gain. Below are some tips for reducing Sodium intake for your pet. Read on to learn more about the benefits of low-sodium dog treats.

Organomics Turkey Duck And Chicken Dinner Organic Grain

Top 5 Ingredients: Turkey, Duck, Chicken, Water Sufficient for Processing, Organic Carrots, Organic Peas

Provide your dog with optimal nutrition with this tasty dog food by OrgaNomics. The recipe features real turkey, duck, and chicken as the primary ingredients. It also contains antioxidants, prebiotics, chelated minerals, and vitamins to support your dogs overall health. Additionally, this recipe has minimal salt content to suit dogs on a low sodium diet.

The recipe has organic ingredients like brown rice, carrots, peas, cranberries, and sweet potatoes. Its one of the best low-sodium dog food options that you can serve your dog.

Read Also: Dog Food Without By Products Or Fillers

Blood And Urine Tests

In addition to irregularity found in x-rays, physical appearance, and EKG, cardiovascular disorders can cause changes in the blood. For example, you may notice a couple of natural substances which level increases when it comes to cardiovascular disease.

In that case, pay attention to cardiac Troponin, and NT-proBNP. The blood test will measure the amount of these substances and help you diagnose a specific heart condition.

The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Grain Free Dog Food

The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Grain Free Dog Food is an excellent choice because it is made in the USA. None of its ingredients come from China. This product contains whole food ingredients that are an excellent choice for your dog. The recipe is tasty, nutritious, and ideal for picky eaters and dog breeds that cannot handle grains, gluten, or too many calories all at once.

Key Features & Details

Cons

Looking for a dog option that the vet also recommends? Go for this delicious and healthy dry low-sodium dog food, perfect for picky eaters.

You May Like: Purina E L Dog Food

How We Chose And Ranked The Best Low Sodium Dog Foods

The most important factor that determines whether a dog food is suitable or not is its macronutrient profile. This refers to the balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates present in the food. Protein and fat are particularly important, as theyre essential nutrients that fuel a range of important functions for your pup. Because of their importance, the AAFCO publishes specific guidelines that all dog food companies in the U.S. must follow . For adult dogs, these include:

• A protein content of over 18%
• A crude fat content of over 5.5%

Several of the foods on this list are designed for puppies, who have a different set of nutritional requirements to adult dogs as theyre still growing. AAFCO dictates these to be the following:

• A protein content over 22.5%
• A fat content over 8.5%
• A minimum of 1.2% calcium

The third macronutrient, carbohydrates, arent an essential part of the canine diet. While carb sources like whole grains and veggies provide a great source of vitamins and fiber, the carbs themselves simply serve as a source of energy . To cut costs, many dog food companies will pack their products full of non-nutritious grain by-products and fillers. Foods with a lower percentage of carbohydrates are usually higher quality because they dont contain these unhealthy fillers and have more room for meat ingredients. Based on this knowledge, weve developed the following guideline: