Foods for Heartworm Positive Dogs

Part of pet ownership is knowing and understanding dangers that affect your dog. One such health danger is heartworm. Heartworm is a worm that lives in the affected dog's heart which, if untreated, can be deadly. It is carried by mosquitoes, and is a significant health concern for dogs, particularly during the summer months when mosquitoes are prevalent. An owner can prevent his dog from catching heartworm in a variety of ways, including medications and holistic supplements, but once a dog is bitten by a mosquito with the heartworm, it is heartworm positive for life. A special diet may be prescribed by vet to aid a heartworm positive dog in maintaining a healthy life.

  1. Minor Heartworm

    • A healthy dog is a happy dog.

      For dogs that are heartworm positive but do not have a change in heart function, you can maintain the dog's normal healthy diet. Dogs can continue their normal diet of dog food that they enjoyed prior to the discovery of heartworm if the heart remains healthy and the heartworm infection is treated promptly so that the heart is not adversely affected. A heartworm positive dog with no ill effects to the heart can maintain the same diet they have consistently enjoyed.

    Heartworm Positive Dogs in Treatment

    • Talk to your vet about proper feeding for your dog.

      The best resource for determining what food your dog should eat if the heart is compromised, or the heartworm is currently being treated with medication, is your vet. Your vet can recommend a healthy diet or prescribe a veterinary approved diet of dog food specially formulated for each stage of your dog's treatment to ensure the dog is getting the proper nutrition.

      Dietary restrictions will depend on how significantly the heart is affected. If the heart is only slightly affected and the heartworm disease is being actively treated, there will be no sodium restrictions to the diet. However, if the heart is severely compromised, a low or no sodium diet will be prescribed by the vet to avoid fluid buildup near the heart. Reduction in sodium in the diet can adversely affect a dog if not medically appropriate, so consulting with a vet is vital.

      Potassium and magnesium supplements are recommended for heartworm positive dogs in treatment because they will aid heart health and will help a dog maintain a regular heartbeat.

      High protein diets are recommended for dogs that are heartworm positive, either during or after treatment, because a diet lacking in protein creates heart stress and a reduction in heart muscle strength and mass.

    Dry Dog Food

    • Healthy dry dog food is the key to good health.

      For a dog that is recovering from heartworm and has the approval of the treating vet to return to dry dog food, a healthy and balanced dog food is the key. Generally, a healthy dog food should be 50 percent vegetables, 40 percent meat, and 10 percent grain. An adult dog will benefit from a high protein diet, and a dog food that gives it at least 18 percent protein in the food will be ideal. Check the label on dry dog food to make sure that there is a sufficient mix of these things in the food. Puppies and dogs with special needs will require a different mix of these essential nutrients, so it is always best to check with your vet to make sure the dog food you are feeding is healthy.

    Holistic Diet

    • Dogs benefit from consistent high quality food.

      Some owners prefer to feed their dog a holistic or natural diet, particularly after diagnosis of heart worm. Holistic vets agree that a consisting mostly of raw food and fresh water is key to improving a heartworm positive dog's health. Raw meat, raw bones, and chopped raw vegetables are all recommended for a balanced holistic diet. Avoiding milk and certain fruits that are toxic such as grapes are key to ensuring ongoing good health.