You know that dog food is a science. It's also one of the cheapest ways you can invest in your dog's health and prevent dietary-related ailments. We encourage you to give the pups the best you can possibly afford, and wanted to let you know that dog foods are so advanced nowadays that you can even address certain medical conditions with them. With the insight and support of your vet, of course.
NOTE: remember that symptoms can point to several diseases and conditions. Never diagnose your dog’s problems yourself. The dog is the one who pays for your sincere guesses. Always consult a qualified veterinary doctor.
Why go pro?
All dogs are equal, but their dog food needs are not. A dog’s nutritional needs varies depending on how old they are, their genetics, their background, their immediate environment, and any ailments they may suffer. Careful balancing of carbohydrates, lipids (fats), proteins, minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients means that your dog - with that very particular need - could live better and suffer less. Luckily there’s a whole industry dedicated to solving this issue for you.
Here are some issues that specially-designed and researched premium dog food can help address.
Dog food for specific health conditions
Stress
Some dogs are highly strung by nature. Others come from bad backgrounds and can never calm down. Others, still, are stressed by pack relations with the other dogs they live with. This affects all bodily functions, especially digestion and absorption of food. You can’t always solve this issue at the source, but you can address them through the tummy! Foods for stress contain mild doses of medicine to alleviate the symptoms.
Try: Hills Prescription Diet i/d Canine Stress Mini with Chicken
Joint pain
Whether it’s age or breed or bad luck, some dogs suffer from joint pain. You might see them licking their knees and toes or getting up and settling down more slowly. Some foods focus on joint pain alleviation very strongly, others address it more generally. Your vet will help you decide on the right food for your pooch.
Try: Hills Science Plan Healthy Mobility
Skin/allergies
Anybody who’s dealt with a dog that has allergies or skin issues knows the turmoil of not being able to help the poor doggie. While the cause can be environmental or psychological, it can also be due to digestion and nutrition. Hills offers scientifically tested dry food that addresses gastrointestinal disorders and skin conditions. They may contain yummy ingredients like duck and salmon.
Try: Eukanuba Daily Care Sensitive Skin Adult Dog Food or Royal Canin Anallergenic
Kidney care
Managing kidney disease in dogs is an undertaking. This serious condition can be addressed at every meal. Dedicated food is clinically tested “to improve and lengthen quality of life” by reducing the frequency of uremic episodes. This, of course, goes with the guidance of your vet as well as any specific medication s/he might have prescribed for your dog at any time.
Try: Hill’s Prescription Diet Kidney Care
Testy tummy
Some dogs are like some humans and need a little extra care in their food. Pooch may not be gluten-intolerant, but he may struggle with grains (which form a substantial part of many dry dog foods by default). Help his gut out with specialised formulae that are kinder to the stomach, intestines, and colon. Better nutrition means a happier, healthier hound, after all.
Try: Royal Canine Gastro Intestinal GI 25
Breed-specific
We know that certain purebred dogs are likely to develop characteristic medical issues. Pugs might struggle to breathe, German Shepherds get hip issues, and more. Eukenuba makes breed-specific foods for different dogs. They’re balanced to answer the nutritional needs of specific genotypes. No wonder your chihuahua has always been so fussy! She wanted her own formula!
Try: Eukenuba’s breed specific range
p.s. DYK we cover prescribed medication up to a set limit on our Basic, Standard and Superior plans. This includes chronic medication. Remember though, that we don’t cover medication for pre-existing conditions.
