The line separating food and medicine can be blurred. Eating a handful of raspberries provides your body with important nutrients and antioxidants. Salmon fillets are rich in protein, but they’re also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation.
Pet food manufacturers are taking the idea of food as medicine a step further by designing products to help manage a variety of diseases. These foods are only available with a veterinarian’s prescription, as they can be harmful if used in the wrong circumstances.
Here’s what you need to know about prescription dog food.
What is prescription dog food?
Prescription dog food (also known as therapeutic dog food or veterinary food) is a combination of ingredients and nutritional supplements in the right proportions to support the health of dogs with specific illnesses or diseases. Masu.
For example, veterinarians give dogs with arthritis a formula with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants to reduce inflammation, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate to protect joint cartilage, and L-carnitine (an amino acid). Dog food may be prescribed. To keep your muscles strong.
Before a prescription dog food can be sold, manufacturers must conduct extensive testing to prove it is safe and effective for dogs with specific illnesses. Manufacturers also adhere to strict safety and quality control standards when producing these special meals. All of this helps ensure that prescription dog food is worth the extra money.
When should you start a prescription dog food diet?
Many health problems in dogs can be managed, at least in part, through diet. A veterinarian who is familiar with the specifics of your dog’s symptoms is in the best position to determine whether a prescribed dog food is appropriate. Talk to your veterinarian about prescribed dog food if your dog has any of the following:
1. Your dog needs to lose weight
Increased body fat shortens lifespan and means less fun for overweight dogs. It can also cause or worsen many health problems, including:
If your dog is just a little overweight, use a commercially available diet dog food such as: Hills Science Diet Adult Perfect Weightmay be helpful. But dogs that have to lose a lot People who weigh less tend to do better on prescribed weight loss foods.
Although different diets seem to be effective for different dogs, most prescription dog foods recommended by veterinarians include a medium- or It combines high protein and low levels of carbohydrates and fats. A good option is
Your veterinarian will help you develop a weight loss plan tailored to your dog’s individual needs, monitor how it is working, and make any necessary changes depending on your dog’s situation. body condition It changes.
2. Your dog has bladder stones.
Symptoms of bladder stones in dogs include blood in the urine, straining to urinate, and discomfort. Some types of bladder stones can be dissolved with prescribed dog food or medication, while others may need to be physically removed through surgery or other treatments. However, with a proper diet, the chances of bladder stones recurring can be reduced in most cases.
For dogs prone to bladder stones, wet food is usually preferred over dry food. This is to keep your dog’s urine dilute and reduce the chance of stones forming. Royal Canin® Veterinary Diet Adult Urinary Tract SO and Hill® Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Dissolves struvite stones and reduces the formation of struvite and calcium oxalate stones. Hill® Prescription Diet u/d Urinary Tract Care Helps dissolve uric acid and cystine stones and prevent recurrence.
Your veterinarian can determine the type of bladder stones your dog has and how to treat them.
3. Your dog has kidney disease
Dogs with chronic kidney disease can live for many months (or even years) with proper treatment. Prescription dog food for kidney disease can be an important part of treatment.
These meals typically contain a moderate amount of high-quality protein and are low in phosphorus and sodium to reduce stress on the kidneys. Omega-3 fatty acids, essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can all be supplemented to promote kidney function and overall health and wellness. Dogs with kidney disease should eat wet dog food whenever possible to prevent dehydration.
Dogs with kidney disease often have a decreased appetite, so it’s important to find a kidney food that your dog will enjoy eating. You may need to try several options before finding the best one for your dog. Typical examples include:
5. Your dog has arthritis
Arthritis is very common in dogs, especially as they get older. A combination of different treatments, including diet, can help reduce your dog’s discomfort and increase his ability to exercise.
Therapeutic dog foods that veterinarians prescribe for dogs with arthritis are typically rich in omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and antioxidants to reduce inflammation and promote joint health. is. These foods are often slightly calorie-restricted to help your dog maintain a lean body shape, and are supplemented with L-carnitine, an amino acid that helps your dog build and maintain muscle. Hil®l Prescription Diet j/d and Purina® Pro Plan® Veterinary Diet JM Joint Mobility Both are excellent prescription diets for dogs with arthritis.
These aren’t the only conditions that can be managed with prescription dog food. for example:
If you think your pet may benefit from prescription dog food, please consult your veterinarian.
How to switch your dog to a prescription diet
If your veterinarian recommends a prescription dog food, your next question is probably how to transition to the new diet. In most cases, it is best to migrate slowly.
Over a period of 1 to 2 weeks, gradually increase the amount of the new food and reduce the amount of your dog’s previous food. This gives your dog a chance to get used to the new food taste and gives his digestive tract time to adapt. If your dog is finicky or turns up his nose at new foods at first, go even slower.
However, in some cases (such as when dealing with a food allergy or intolerance), your veterinarian may recommend a quick transition to a new food, so be sure to follow your veterinarian’s instructions. If you can’t get your dog to eat a new prescription diet, talk to your veterinarian about other options available.
Prescription dog food reduces and sometimes eliminates the need for your dog to take medications or undergo other treatments. Ask your veterinarian how diet affects your dog’s health.
Featured image: iStock/Chalabala
