Proper nutrition is one of the most powerful weapons against poor health in both humans and dogs. It is clear that proper nutrition is essential for preventing the development of certain health conditions, but it can also be used to improve existing health conditions.
In either case, it's important to consult your veterinarian about proper nutrition for your dog, especially while managing the medical condition. But the good news is there's a lot you can do to help your dog, just by feeding them the right targeted food.
Here are some health conditions and ways dog parents can help treat their pets through targeted nutrition.
weight management
Ideal weight is not only difficult for humans to maintain. The situation can be tough for dogs, too, especially for certain breeds that are more prone to obesity.
In some cases, it may be due to the dog's history. They may have had to eat everything they could because they didn't know when they would have access to food again. It can be a difficult habit to break in order to survive.
To help your dog slim down, portion control and food restriction, rather than unlimited food intake, are the keys to proper nutrition. In some cases, dogs simply need to learn or relearn their body's hunger cues.
With your veterinarian's guidance, try reducing your dog's food intake by 15 to 20 percent for 1 to 2 months and see if that helps. Your veterinarian can advise you on the exact amount needed to lose weight while maintaining adequate nutrient intake.
Diabetes
As with humans, a common complication of obesity in dogs is diabetes. Specifically, diabetes is a condition in which dogs are unable to properly manage their blood sugar levels.
Several controllable lifestyle factors can cause this, but genetics also influence predisposition. Your veterinarian will need to diagnose the symptoms and prescribe appropriate insulin injections. However, dietary choices are also very important to keep your dog as healthy as possible.
There are several “therapeutic diets” designed to help dogs control their blood sugar. These are only available through your veterinarian, who will determine the appropriate formulation and amount needed for your individual dog.
With proper nutrition and insulin management, your dog can live a wonderful life.
arthritis
Keeping inflammatory ingredients out of the diet can greatly improve symptoms in dogs with arthritis. These include added salt, sugar, and artificial ingredients. You should also avoid grains, corn, fatty proteins, and foods high in omega-6 fatty acids (the less healthy version of omega-3 fatty acids).
According to TopDogHealth.com, dogs' bodies convert excess omega-6s, such as linoleic acid, into arachidonic acid, which is highly inflammatory for arthritis sufferers.
On the other hand, there are some great ingredients that can help make your dog's arthritis even better. Healthy omega-3s are great anti-inflammatory agents, as are other essential fatty acids like DHA and EPA.
Antioxidants are also important and are widely found in many ingredients. Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs, such as chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine) are found in many joint supplements and even foods. Some dog foods are specially formulated with essential nutrients to help with arthritis.
kidney disease
The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products from the bloodstream and excreting them through urine. Therefore, if your dog has kidney disease, it means that some of the waste products build up in the bloodstream because the filtration is not working properly.
Fortunately, there are several dog foods available from your veterinarian that target problems related to kidney disease. These foods help maintain fluid and mineral balance while ensuring adequate nutrition.
Omega-3 fatty acids are still key to helping proper function. These are abundant in kidney-supporting dog foods, which are also often low in sodium, phosphorus, and protein.
acid reflux
Acid reflux is no fun for humans or dogs. But our poor four-legged creatures don't have as many help options as we do. Fortunately, there are some dietary tips that can reduce its occurrence.
No wonder this condition is unpleasant. Acid reflux in dogs is actually the uncontrollable backflow of fluid from the stomach or intestines through the esophagus. It affects many dogs, especially young dogs.
This can cause inflammation and even permanent damage, so it's best to find a solution to alleviate the symptoms.
There are some dog foods that are specially formulated for sensitive stomachs, but in general you should stick to low-fat, low-protein foods.
