How Diet Impacts Heart Health in Older Dogs

Kristina Voltin
Mar 28
5 min read

Updated: Mar 28

Focus on High-Quality Proteins: Supports muscle and heart strength.
Include Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Helps reduce inflammation and supports cardiovascular health.
Control Sodium Intake: Too much salt can strain the heart.
Manage Weight: Proper portions and nutrient-dense meals help maintain a healthy weight, reducing stress on the heart.
Choose Nutrient-Rich Foods: Whole foods with essential vitamins and minerals protect heart cells.

Freeze-dried raw foods, like those from Loyal Saints, are a great option for senior dogs. They retain nutrients without artificial additives, support digestion, and help with portion control. Pair this with regular vet visits, exercise, and careful monitoring of your dog's health for the best results.

Key Tip: Transition diets gradually to avoid stomach upset and track your dog's energy levels, appetite, and weight to ensure the new diet is working.

Dr. Judy's Heart Health Recipe for Dogs

Heart Problems in Senior Dogs

As dogs age, they become more prone to heart conditions that can impact their well-being. Below, we’ll outline common signs of heart disease and factors that contribute to these issues.

Signs of Heart Disease

Be alert to these warning signs, which may indicate heart trouble:

Persistent coughing, especially at night or after activity
Reduced stamina and quicker fatigue during walks
Difficulty breathing or unusually fast breathing while resting
Changes in appetite or unexplained weight gain or loss
Swelling in the belly, possibly due to fluid buildup
Restlessness at night
Gums that appear bluish or gray, signaling poor blood circulation

What Causes Heart Problems

Several factors can lead to heart issues in senior dogs:

Age-Related Changes: Over time, the heart muscle may weaken, making it less effective at pumping blood. Larger breeds often experience these changes earlier than smaller ones.
Diet: Diets high in sodium or lacking essential nutrients can strain the heart. Providing high-quality proteins and a balanced nutrient mix is crucial for senior dogs.
Weight: Excess weight puts extra pressure on the heart. A combination of proper diet and regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight.
Breed-Specific Risks: Certain breeds are more susceptible to specific heart conditions. For example, small breeds may develop mitral valve issues, while larger breeds are at higher risk for congestive heart failure.
Environmental Factors: Limited physical activity, exposure to secondhand smoke, and chronic stress can weaken circulation and heart function.

Feeding your dog a balanced diet with quality proteins and natural nutrients can reduce strain on their heart. Foods like raw freeze-dried options - such as those from Loyal Saints - preserve nutrients without added preservatives, meeting the nutritional needs of senior dogs.

Key Nutrients for Heart Health

Supporting your dog's heart health begins with proper nutrition, especially as they age. A well-rounded diet made from wholesome ingredients can help keep your senior dog's heart functioning at its best.

Protein Needs

Providing high-quality protein is crucial for maintaining muscle strength and overall vitality. Loyal Saints' freeze-dried recipes offer protein in an easily digestible form, free from unnecessary fillers.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3s play a key role in reducing inflammation and supporting heart health.

Essential Vitamins and Minerals

Diets based on whole foods supply important vitamins and minerals that protect heart cells and promote cardiovascular health.

Building a Heart-Healthy Meal Plan

Creating a meal plan for your senior dog's heart health involves selecting the right ingredients and managing portions carefully. A heart-friendly diet focuses on low-sodium, nutrient-rich foods.

Reducing Salt Intake

Too much sodium can put extra strain on your senior dog's heart and lead to fluid retention. Opt for ingredients that are naturally low in sodium and avoid processed foods. Check labels on treats for hidden sodium content, and use dog-safe herbs to flavor homemade meals instead of salt. Additionally, choose food preparation methods that maintain these low-sodium benefits.

Why Raw Freeze-Dried Food Works

Freeze-dried food is a great option for supporting heart health. This method preserves essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins that help maintain heart function. Loyal Saints' freeze-dried recipes deliver complete nutrition with premium proteins and nutrient-packed fruits and vegetables - without unnecessary additives or fillers.

"Rather spend on high quality food than on health care" - Thomas

Benefits of freeze-dried food include:

Nutrient retention: Keeps vital vitamins and minerals intact
Gentle digestion: Formulated for easy digestion
Portion control: Dense nutrition means smaller, measured servings

Weight Management Tips

After choosing the right foods, portion control plays a key role in supporting your dog's heart. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight reduces the strain on their heart:

Use a kitchen scale to weigh portions
Serve smaller meals more frequently
Limit treats to no more than 10% of daily calorie intake
Adjust portions based on activity levels and weight changes

"Finished the servings right away. Actually ate less since the servings are smaller. Guessing it is because there is less filler. I think sticking with this brand is a no brainer. Worth the little extra than the fridge foods we've been buying." - Adam T.

Pair good nutrition with gentle, regular exercise tailored to your senior dog's needs. Always consult your veterinarian for advice on portion sizes and dietary adjustments specific to your dog.

Starting and Tracking Diet Changes

Switching Foods Safely

When changing your senior dog's diet, do it gradually to avoid upsetting their stomach. Start by mixing 25% of the new food with 75% of their current food. Every 3–4 days, increase the new food by another 25% until the transition is complete. For dogs with sensitive stomachs, extend this process to 2–3 weeks. If you're using freeze-dried food, make sure to rehydrate it according to the package instructions.

"After transitioning Nef to Loyal Saints over a few weeks, they noticed a huge improvement in some of the stomach issues he was experiencing on his previous food." - NefariansMom

Tracking Health Changes

Keep an eye on these key health indicators to see how your dog is adjusting to their new heart-friendly diet:

Health Indicator	What to Watch For
Energy Levels	More stamina on walks and increased playfulness
Coat Quality	Shinier fur with less shedding
Appetite	Steady eating habits and enthusiasm for meals
Breathing	Easier breathing during rest and light activities
Weight	Maintaining a healthy weight or progressing toward a goal

These observations can be a helpful starting point for conversations with your veterinarian.

Working with Your Vet

Regular vet visits are essential. Share your tracking notes during appointments so your vet can tailor your dog's diet plan. They might suggest supplements or other adjustments to better support your dog's heart health.

"In an undated review, 'Colin J' mentioned gradually transitioning their dog from raw food to Loyal Saints freeze-dried food, and their dog, who has always had a picky stomach, experienced no problems during the transition." - Colin J

Conclusion

Focusing on heart-health strategies, one key takeaway is the importance of nutrition tailored specifically for senior dogs.

Providing the right diet plays a crucial role in supporting their heart health. A balanced, AAFCO-compliant diet packed with quality proteins and essential nutrients can help improve their energy levels and overall well-being.

"I'd rather spend $200 a month on my picky eater and have them happy for years than a couple thousand on vet bills. This food rocks!" - Tony Eiguesse

Choose foods with premium protein, natural ingredients to aid digestion, and balanced nutrients designed to meet specific needs. Wholesome ingredients can also help reduce sensitivities. These dietary choices support heart health by easing strain on the cardiovascular system.

The right nutrition not only helps prevent potential health problems but also improves your dog's quality of life. Regular vet visits and consistent monitoring ensure they continue to get the support they need.