If my dog had a serious illness would he need a different diet?
Posted by Dog Supplies Advice in Dog Supplies Q&A, Dog Supplies Tips, tags: Dog, Dog Advice, dog care, Dog Healths, dog Q&A, dog supplies, dog supplies advice, Feeding, Feeding Problems, Pet SuppliesIf my dog had a serious illness would he need a different diet?
Yes, the successful control of a number of illnesses involves important dietary changes. It is particularly important in chronic renal failure where the kidneys’ inability to excrete substances derived from the breakdown of proteins results in their accumulation in the blood. High levels of these products are toxic, causing loss of appetite, vomiting and ulceration of the mouth. Feeding a diet containing minimal protein of high biological value plus more calories, vitamin B and salt than usual is an essential part of managing the disorder, and the dog should be encouraged to eat those foods usually regarded as unsuitable for pets (chocolate, ice cream, cake, chips, jam and honey) rather than meat products.
Heart failure requires a low salt diet, intestinal disturbances a bland and easily digested diet and diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes) a diet low in fat and carbohydrate.
In the convalescent stage of debilitating illnesses a readily digestible diet containing additional high-quality protein is extremely valuable in speeding the animal’s recovery. A few pet food manufacturers produce specialized canned or packet diets (available from your veterinary surgeon) to assist in treating some of the above conditions.
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