THERAPEUTIC NUTRITION

Cats with heart disease often appear healthy until their heart is failing. Once diagnosed with heart failure, nutritional modifications can help support heart health.

Nutrition can play an important role in helping to manage the clinical signs that occur when the heart no longer adequately compensates for changes associated with heart disease.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) caused by taurine deficiency in cats was once a common diagnosis for feline heart disease. Today, DCM accounts for less than 10% of feline heart disease. Good nutrition plays many roles in heart health.

Cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) often appear healthy. If clinical signs do occur, then nutritional modifications can be an important part of patient care.

Diet elimination trials are the gold standard for the diagnosis of food allergies and food intolerances.

Food allergies and food intolerances are types of adverse food reactions.

Nutritional management usually leads to resolution of clinical signs for dogs with zinc-responsive dermatosis.

When unexplained weight loss occurs, assess the pet’s diet, energy needs, and appetite. Targeted nutrition can help the pet regain a healthy weight and body condition.

Obesity has many adverse impacts on pet health. Dietary therapy is a cornerstone of weight management in dogs and cats.