Heart Disease & Diet: Taurine, DCM, and Cardiac Nutrition in Dogs
Heart disease affects an estimated 10% of dogs, making it one of the most common conditions managed in veterinary cardiology. For many owners, a diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) or mitral valve disease (MVD) is alarming — and understandably so. But diet plays a meaningful supporting role alongside medication, and understanding the nutritional principles involved helps you make better decisions for your dog. The two main forms of canine heart disease Mitral valve disease (MVD) is the most common cardiac condition in dogs overall, and is especially prevalent in small breeds such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Dachshund, and Chihuahua. The mitral valve — which separates the left atrium and ventricle — gradually degenerates and leaks, reducing the heart’s pumping efficiency. ...