Food is an important aspect of pet health. It can both promote healing or promote disease depending on what it is comprised of and the amounts being fed. Pets who have chronic conditions such as cancer, arthritis, and diabetes can see tremendous improvements in their condition if they are on a proper nutrition plan. Our veterinarians in McKinney are able to give knowledgeable and practical advice regarding your pet’s nutritional needs. We also can provide prescription pet food for certain conditions such as obesity or joint pain. If you have any questions about your pet’s nutritional needs, the best food for your pet, the amount that your pet should be eating, or any other aspect of veterinary nutrition, please feel encouraged to ask your veterinarian.
Are you concerned that your pet is obese or overweight?
More than one out of three dogs over the age of one in America is overweight or obese. For cats, the ratio is one out of four. Overweight pets are more likely to suffer from chronic conditions and tend to have shorter lifespans. Their day-to-day lives are also affected because they may regularly feel uncomfortable and lethargic.
At Highlands-Eldorado Veterinary Hospital, we can help you gain control of the situation and help redirect your overweight pet back toward a healthier lifestyle. Similar to humans, the reason for pet weight gain is a simple relationship between calories burned and calories consumed. If your pet is consuming more calories than they burn, they will gain weight. If they are burning more calories than they consume, the result will be weight loss. One step our veterinarians will take to begin the process of weight loss is to help you understand appropriate portion sizes for your pet based on their age, size, and activity level. In the past, the overweight pet was over consuming, so to reverse their condition, they will have to end that habit. In addition to food and portion control, we recommend an increase in exercise. Take your dog on a long walk, or play laser-pointer tag with your cat for a few minutes. Not only will they have fun, but it will be good for their health too!
In general, we recommend all dogs eat dog food that meets the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) guidelines. Our team will help you with brand recommendations based on your pet’s health needs. In recent years, there have been connections with taurine, an ingredient in pet food, grain-free and grain-containing diets with life-threatening diseases, such as Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM).
What is DCM?
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is considered to be a genetic and life-threatening condition in which the heart’s ability to pump blood decreases because the heart’s main chamber is enlarged or weakened. New research from the FDA indicates that DCM can be caused by your pet’s diet. There is discussion around a spike in taurine deficiency-related canine DCM, especially whether diet plays a role and whether a simple food switch may be our most effective therapy and preventative.
Recommended Brands
It’s important to keep in mind that all recommended diets are formulated by a veterinary nutritionist. The diets manufactured by the brands below, meet the WSAVA guidelines:
Ingredients to Avoid
The common thread of ingredients to avoid appears to be legumes, pulses (seeds of legumes), and/or potatoes as the main ingredients.
Our Role
First and foremost, we are here for your pet family to make personalized dietary recommendations. Our doctors take into consideration age, breed, lifestyle, and other factors, while only recommending brands that we feel comfortable utilizing for our own dogs.
Additional Resources
Visit taurinedcm.org for more details and frequently asked questions and answers regarding concerns with diet and DCM. If you have any direct questions or concerns about your pet’s diet or nutrition, please reach out to our team at 214-726-0838.
Regardless of breed, background, or diet, if your dog is showing possible signs of DCM or other heart conditions, you should seek veterinary care as soon as possible, even accessing emergency care after-hours. If you have questions or concerns with your pet’s diet or nutrition, please reach out to our team at 214-726-0838.
Located directly off of W Eldorado Parkway next to Primrose School of Eldorado.
Phone: 214-726-0838
