Veterinary Heart Institute offers nutritional counseling for pet owners. If you have any questions about your pet’s diet or would like more information about your pet’s’ nutritional needs, please contact us today. We can connect you with a veterinary nutritionist to create a specific nutrition plan. Nutrition is very important for the health of our pets, particularly if affected by cardiac disease.

Few hot topics in veterinary nutrition

CARDIAC DISEASE AND BEG DIETS. As you may be aware, the FDA is actively investigating a potential link between certain pet food diets and dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs. These diets have been defined BEG diets, “BEG” diets – boutique companies, exotic ingredients, or grain-free diets

“The apparent link between BEG diets and DCM may be due to ingredients used to replace grains in grain-free diets, such as lentils or chickpeas, but also may be due to other common ingredients commonly found in BEG diets, such as exotic meats, vegetables, and fruits.  In addition, not all pet food manufacturers have the same level of nutritional expertise and quality control, and this variability could introduce potential issues with some products.” (Source)

The condition does not appear to be related to low taurine levels, though a small % of dogs present with low taurine level. Taurine levels can be tested by sending a blood sample to the US Davis Aminoacids Laboratory. Please ask the staff at the Veterinary Heart Institute if you are interested in this test.

Raw diets and homemade diets are not safe alternatives. 

For more information visit  this link or contact a nutritionist at petfoodology.com

OBESITY. Obesity is a common problem among pets, as it can be easy to overfeed a cute dog or cat that knows how to beg. Being overweight is a serious problem for animals, and can cause real health problems. With proper diet and exercise, all pets should be able to meet their dietary needs and stay within a healthy weight range.

Pets’ nutritional needs change as they enter different stages of their lives. The best way to make sure your pet’s needs are being met is to consult with us about a diet made specifically for his or her lifestyle.

Please contact us if you have any questions.

Health Awareness Calendar

EACH MONTH FREE CARDIAC EXAM TO PATIENTS WITH THESE CONDITIONS. (only applies to new clients). The disease needs to be documented on the medical record by your veterinarian. Free exam includes physical exam. An echocardiogram and other tests, if needed, are not included in this offer.

Cardiac Health Awareness Service

Cardiac disease occurs concomitantly to other conditions. Awareness is the first step to cure. Each month a patient with that specific condition will receive a free cardiac exam. Your evaluation and diagnosis of this condition needs to be in the medical record for the clients to qualify.

Who can benefit from this service?

Any dog with known cardiac signs or physical exam findings (heart murmur, arrhythmia) or any pet part of predisposed breeds.

How does it work?

The exam will be discounted 100%, Recommended diagnostics will be charged at full price.

For more information on the potential link between certain diets and canine dilated cardiomyopathy, please click here!