For a dog with a heart murmur, focus on a low-sodium, high-protein diet rich in omega-3s, taurine, and L-carnitine, with prescription diets like Hill's Prescription Diet h/d, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Cardiac, or Purina Pro Plan CardioCare being excellent options, but always consult your vet for specific recommendations, especially regarding weight management and supplements, as they can tailor the diet to your dog's needs and stage of heart disease, potentially using home-cooked meals if closely supervised, says Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Cardiology Specialists of Nevada.

What foods are good for dogs with heart murmur?

An ``easy'' way to make a more heart-healthy diet is also to take a food that is low in sodium that she already likes, and to add to that things like blueberries and an Omega-3 fatty acid supplement. You can add a few other add-ins like your chicken and other veggies; carrots and green beans are a great choice!

What foods are bad for a heart murmur?

Foods to avoid for heart health

• high-fat dairy products.
• fatty meats.
• processed meats.
• tropical oils and partially hydrogenated fats.
• processed foods.
• foods and beverages with added sugars.
• food high in sodium.
• alcohol.

How to reverse a heart murmur in dogs?

Antiarrhythmics: If the murmur is accompanied by irregular heart rhythms, medications like amiodarone, digoxin, or diltiazem may be prescribed. Diet and Exercise Modifications: A veterinarian may recommend a special diet, often low in sodium, and adjustments to the dog's exercise routine to reduce strain on the heart.

What not to feed a dog with heart disease?

For dogs with heart disease, avoid high-sodium foods like cured meats, deli items, salty snacks, and most canned foods, as well as excessive milk products, while also being cautious with grain-free diets heavy in peas, lentils, or potatoes due to potential links to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Focus on fresh, low-sodium ingredients, lean meats, and consult your vet for specific low-sodium or therapeutic cardiac diets to manage fluid buildup and support heart function. 

Dr. Judy's Heart Health Recipe for Dogs

What are the 16 dog food brands linked to heart disease?

FDA names 16 brands of dog food linked to canine heart disease

• Acana.
• Zignature.
• Taste of the Wild.
• 4Health.
• Earthborn Holistic.
• Blue Buffalo.
• Nature's Domain.
• Fromm.

Is grain-free bad for dogs with heart murmur?

There is growing evidence that grain-free dog foods are linked to a heart condition called Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). Unfortunately, there is a lot we still don't know. Here are the facts: DCM is a serious disease that causes the heart to enlarge and beat with less force, potentially causing heart failure.

How long will a dog live with a heart murmur?

A dog's life expectancy with a heart murmur varies greatly, from normal for innocent murmurs to months or a few years for murmurs due to underlying heart disease, especially once Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) develops, but early diagnosis, specialized care (medication, diet, monitoring), and sometimes surgery can significantly improve prognosis and quality of life.
 

What is the best thing to do for a heart murmur?

Medications that might be used to treat heart conditions associated with murmurs include:

• Blood thinners (anticoagulants). This type of medicine prevents blood clots. ...
• Water pills (diuretics). This medicine removes excess fluid from the body. ...
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. ...
• Beta blockers.

What is the most common cause of heart murmur in dogs?

Most commonly, heart murmurs in small dogs are caused by a leaky mitral valve (the heart valve in between the left atrium and left ventricle). The mitral valve allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle but does not allow for blood to flow back into the left atrium.

What triggers a heart murmur?

Heart murmurs are caused by turbulent blood flow through the heart, which can be harmless (innocent) in healthy hearts, especially in children, or indicate an underlying problem like defective valves (leaky or stiff), holes in the heart, thickened heart muscle, infections, anemia, fever, or hyperthyroidism, leading to sounds like whooshing or swishing when listening with a stethoscope.

What is the best vitamin for a heart murmur?

6 popular heart health supplements

1. Fish oil (Omega-3 EPA/DHA) Several different omega-3 fatty acids exist, but the majority of cardiovascular research focuses on two forms, EPA and DHA, which are found in seafood and fish oils. ...
2. Coenzyme Q10 “CoQ10” ...
3. Red yeast rice. ...
4. Vitamin D. ...
5. Fiber. ...
6. Phytosterols.

Are sweet potatoes good for dogs with heart murmur?

If DCM is diagnosed (or early changes, such as heart enlargement, reduced contraction of the heart, or irregular heartbeats), the diet should be changed to one without pulses or potatoes/sweet potatoes that is reduced in sodium.

How do you strengthen a dog's heart?

Make sure they get regular exercise.

Dogs dig cardio, and it'll do your heart good, too. Whether you both prefer fetch, running, walks, surfing, whatever ... it's all good as long as it gets your dog's heart pumping.

What supplements are good for dogs with heart murmurs?

Use Vet-Recommended Heart Supplements - Natural supplements like CoQ10, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants support heart muscle strength, reduce inflammation, manage symptoms, and protect heart tissue. Supplements are an important part of managing heart murmurs and CHF when used alongside veterinary care.

What is the best diet for a heart murmur?

A wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Whole grains and products made up mostly of whole grains. Healthy sources of protein (Mostly plants such as legumes, and nuts; fish and seafood; low-fat or fat-free dairy; and, if you eat meat and poultry, ensure it is lean and unprocessed.)

What not to feed dogs with heart murmurs?

Avoid all shellfish, cured meats, deli meat, hot dogs/sausage, beef jerky, or offal like brains and kidney. Do not use any salt, seasoning salts, etc in cooking. Don't give your dog any cereals (unless it's low-sodium puffed wheat)

Can you reverse a heart murmur in dogs?

The prognosis ranges from excellent to grave, depending on the cause of the murmur. If the murmur is physiologic, no treatment is required and the prognosis is generally good to excellent. If the murmur is caused by extracardiac disease or a functional problem that can be treated, the murmur may resolve over time.

Is walking good for a dog with a heart murmur?

Yes, it is OK to walk a dog with a heart murmur. Depending on the cause of your dog's murmur, a veterinarian may recommend shorter walks or avoiding certain types of exercise. But overall, walking your dog is still good for their health even with a heart murmur.

What dog food is good for heart murmurs?

Hill's Prescription Diet Heart Care h/d and Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Early Cardiac are other solid options. These diets are sodium-restricted, which helps prevent fluid accumulation and supports healthy blood pressure — both of which are important for cardiac patients.

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