When managing heart disease in pets, beyond the primary nutritional goals, certain dietary supplements can offer benefits. However, it’s crucial to select these supplements carefully, considering potential side effects and risks, and using them at the appropriate dosage. The regulation of dietary supplements for both humans and pets is limited, often leading to questionable effectiveness, safety, and quality control, with some products being potentially harmful or entirely useless.
It is advisable to opt for dietary supplements verified by programs like the United States Pharmacopeia Dietary Supplement Verification Program, which tests for ingredients, concentrations, dissolvability, and contaminants in human supplements. ConsumerLab is another independent entity that evaluates supplements, primarily for human use but also for some pet products. Always consult your veterinarian regarding specific supplements that have demonstrated benefits for your pet, possess a low risk of side effects, and are from reputable brands.
Combination supplements, containing a mix of various nutrients, can pose challenges in maintaining quality control and ensuring optimal levels of each individual nutrient. Therefore, individual supplements are generally recommended. Before initiating any supplement, discuss potential interactions with your pet’s heart medications or any risks associated with specific supplements with your veterinarian.
Taurine: A Crucial Amino Acid for Heart Health
Taurine, an amino acid, plays a vital role in preventing a specific heart condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) when a deficiency is the cause. This deficiency-induced DCM is most commonly observed in cats. High-quality, nutritionally complete, and balanced commercial cat foods typically contain sufficient taurine. However, diets that are not complete and balanced (intended for intermittent or supplemental use only), vegetarian diets, those prepared by inexperienced manufacturers, or homemade diets may be low in taurine. If your cat is diagnosed with DCM, a veterinary cardiologist will likely test plasma and whole blood taurine levels to determine if a deficiency exists. If a deficiency is confirmed, taurine supplements will be prescribed to aid in treatment.
Unlike cats, dogs do not inherently require taurine in their diet if they consume adequate amounts of its precursor nutrients, methionine and cysteine. Nevertheless, certain breeds, including Cocker Spaniels, Newfoundlands, St. Bernards, English Setters, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers, may necessitate higher levels of these precursors (or some taurine) to avert a deficiency. Diets rich in lamb and rice, very low-protein diets, and high-fiber diets in these predisposed breeds can increase the likelihood of developing taurine deficiency and subsequent heart disease. If your dog is diagnosed with DCM, your veterinarian or a veterinary cardiologist may measure plasma and whole blood taurine levels or suggest taurine supplementation. Beyond addressing deficiency, taurine can offer mild benefits, acting as an antioxidant and supporting heart muscle contraction, even in pets without a deficiency.
L-Carnitine: Supporting Energy Production in the Heart
Carnitine is a nutrient essential for energy production within the heart muscle. While most dogs diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy do not present a carnitine deficiency, a specific family of Boxers was identified with this deficiency, leading to recommendations for L-carnitine supplementation in Boxers with DCM. Additionally, L-carnitine may provide some moderate benefits for dogs with DCM, irrespective of a deficiency, by assisting in energy production within the heart muscle.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil): Reducing Inflammation and Muscle Loss
Omega-3 fatty acids are a unique type of oil that can help mitigate inflammation throughout the body and reduce muscle wasting, known as cachexia, in pets suffering from congestive heart failure. It is important to note that, unlike in humans where omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent coronary artery disease, they do not prevent heart disease in dogs and cats, as this particular condition does not occur in these species. Omega-3 fatty acids are recommended for dogs and cats experiencing congestive heart failure, particularly those with a diminished or altered appetite or any signs of muscle loss. Omega-3 supplements can also be utilized, in conjunction with appropriate medication, for managing dogs with abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). While fish oil is generally safe, supplementation should be carefully considered with your veterinarian if your pet has a bleeding disorder or is already consuming a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil is readily available over-the-counter in most human pharmacies, but the dosage and quality can vary significantly. Refer to our handout for specific brands and doses of omega-3 fatty acids for guidance.
Antioxidants: Combating Cellular Damage
Antioxidants play a crucial role in eliminating harmful substances from the body that cause cellular damage. In pets with congestive heart failure, these damaging substances are produced at elevated levels, while the body’s natural antioxidant production may decrease, creating an imbalance. Supplementing with antioxidants can help restore the body’s balance and reduce the stress placed on the heart. However, some antioxidants can be detrimental, and many products lack stringent quality control. Therefore, it is imperative to consult with your veterinarian before introducing any antioxidant supplements.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): A Natural Support for Heart Energy
Coenzyme Q10 is a substance naturally produced within the body that functions as an antioxidant and assists heart muscle cells in energy production. While definitive studies evaluating coenzyme Q10 in dogs or cats with heart disease are limited, some human studies on dilated cardiomyopathy suggest potential beneficial effects.
Consulting with your veterinarian is the most important step to ensure the safety and efficacy of any supplement for your pet’s heart condition.
