Every self-respecting owner sooner or later comes across a wide variety of super-premium dog food. Medicinal foods on the shelves of specialized stores attract attention with their design and composition, so you can get confused. In this article we will study each of them in more detail, help you with the choice and introduce you to the problems of dog nutrition.
The essence of the veterinary diet
Every pet requires special attention from the owner, and a sick dog needs it doubly.
Why is medicinal food necessary?
Animals suffering from gastritis, pancreatitis, digestive problems, urolithiasis and other ailments are very sensitive to food. Often it is the wrong diet that leads to disruptions in the functioning of the four-legged friend’s body.
Therapeutic dry and wet dog food is designed to normalize the patient’s condition and provide him with the vitamins and microelements necessary for health. It is difficult for the owner to prepare such food on his own, so store-bought mixtures become the best choice for the duration of treatment - or for the rest of his life.
Is it possible to feed an animal with a veterinary line without a veterinarian's prescription?
There is a wide range of food on the shelves of specialized stores. It is difficult to choose a suitable veterinary line for a dog suffering from chronic diseases. Moreover, the owner does not always understand which ingredients in the composition are useful and which are not.
A consultation with a veterinarian will help you find out which brand of products is best suited for a particular individual with health problems. But independent choice can lead to a worsening of the condition and the development of complications.
General characteristics of the group
Not every dog food manufacturer has a medicinal line. In order to produce specialized veterinary food, it is necessary to have a strong scientific and material base.
Now we will find out for what purpose such a diet is prescribed, and which dogs need to be fed medicated food.
A specialized line of dry food is intended for the treatment or prevention of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). This product contains special substances and microelements (depending on the specific disease), which help improve the pet’s condition and reduce the manifestations of pathology.
Therapeutic nutrition is an addition to medications, which allows for a combined effect on the disease.
The medicinal product is produced by 3 main manufacturers: Royal Canin, Hills, Purina. Each has its own subtypes aimed at treating the most common diseases.
Features of medicinal feeds
Dietary food recipes are developed by specialists together with veterinarians. Therefore, the products have a special composition that supports the healthy condition of the pet.
Compound
Only a carefully thought-out and balanced composition of food will help a dog suffering from chronic or temporary illness to remain active. Therefore, specialized food is enriched with useful elements and strictly checked for the balance of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Most recipes include:
- carbohydrates from cereals;
- protein in strictly controlled quantities from duck, fish, rabbit or lamb meat;
- fats from oils that are healthy for dogs.
It must be remembered that the composition depends on the disease for which the diet is prescribed. The entire product line undergoes thorough quality control, so the owner can be sure that his pet receives all the necessary elements.
Special balance of microelements and nutrients
The veterinary diet for four-legged animals contains only useful components that have a beneficial effect on maintaining and maintaining health. Dry and wet formulas do not contain high protein or high fat ingredients. Special components are used to control metabolism.
Sometimes egg powder or fruit pulp is used in production. These ingredients have a positive effect on the digestive processes, helping to cope with allergies and diseases of the internal organs. All medicinal feeds are easier to digest than conventional industrial feeds.
In some pathologies, specific substances are contraindicated for the animal - for example, in case of renal failure, it is necessary to keep the phosphorus level to a minimum. Accordingly, phosphorus will be contained in microscopic quantities in food for a kidney dog.
Another situation is that in case of heart failure, potassium is vitally needed, with which the product labeled Cardiac is enriched. But it contains significantly less fat than regular food.
How to choose food for dogs with sensitive digestion?
A dog's health largely depends on its diet. Owners of pets who have digestive problems should be especially careful about this. In this case, special food is indicated.
Poor digestion in dogs can include constipation and diarrhea, pancreatitis, gastritis and gastroenteritis, and inflammation of the intestinal walls. This, in turn, can lead to problems with the pet’s coat, skeletal system, and teeth, which is caused by non-absorption and, as a consequence, deficiency of certain nutrients. The animal may become restless or, on the contrary, lethargic.
The cause of an intestinal disorder is usually the action of a toxic component or the pet’s individual intolerance to a specific food ingredient.
In this case, the use of medicated and specialized food for dogs with sensitive digestion is indicated. Such products have the following characteristics:
- optimizes the digestive process due to hypoallergenic ingredients and their rapid absorption;
- protects the gastrointestinal tract, has a beneficial effect on the gastric mucosa;
- normalizes the functioning of the excretory system, including the liver and kidneys;
- improves intestinal motility, promotes faster and better cleansing, and normalizes intestinal microflora.
This food contains only natural ingredients and a high content of animal protein. However, only dietary varieties are used as a meat component - turkey, rabbit, lean veal, lamb.
If we are not talking about grain-free food, then rice and oats act as carbohydrates. Foods for dogs with sensitive digestion have a reduced fat content, the latter usually being fish oil.
To improve digestion, the food contains prebiotics and antioxidants, dried vegetables and fruits, and flax seeds.
Varieties with examples
The production of the best medicinal dog food is carried out by large companies that have specialists on their staff to develop dietary recipes.
For sensitive digestion
Therapeutic dog food for gastrointestinal diseases is suitable for dogs with pancreatitis, gastritis and hypersensitive digestion. The composition of the Gastro or Gastrointestinal class mixture has a reduced content of proteins and fats - this helps prevent problems with food digestion. All components are well absorbed and eliminate constipation or diarrhea.
The Gastro category includes:
- Royal Canin Gastro Intestinal;
- Farmina Vet Life Gastrointestinal;
- Happy Dog Intestinal.
The balanced composition of the products of these companies protects the dog’s stomach from the occurrence of peptic ulcers. To achieve this, the mixtures are enriched with special prebiotics to normalize microflora, as well as vitamins and minerals to maintain overall health.
For liver diseases
Liver diseases in advanced form are very dangerous for a pet. The duration of treatment and diet therapy depends on the complexity of the pathology. Chronic liver failure is normalized only by a lifelong diet.
Hepatic class products:
- Royal Canin Hepatic HF16;
- Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HP Hepatic.
They contain highly digestible plant proteins, as well as a reduced copper content and an increased amount of zinc. A complex of antioxidants slows down the process of liver cell destruction.
For renal failure
Kidney problems occur in dogs of all ages. Improper functioning of organs leads to serious disruptions in the functioning of the entire body and requires proper treatment and a special menu. Kidney or Renal mixtures will help you follow your diet. These include:
- Hill's Prescription Diet k/d;
- Happy Dog Renal;
- Royal Canin Renal RF14.
They contain an increased percentage of proteins and phosphates, which helps slow the development of kidney failure. Reducing sodium, phosphorus and protein helps remove toxins and improve your pet's well-being.
For urolithiasis
Metabolic disorders lead to the appearance of stones in the urinary tract. This disease leads to severe suffering for the pet. He whines in pain, and blood becomes visible in his urine. To alleviate the patient’s condition, the doctor prescribes Urinary class food:
- Advance Urinary;
- Hill's Urinary Care;
- Pro Plan UR Urinary dry.
They contain a balanced mineral formula that prevents the formation of stones in the kidneys and other organs of the urinary system. Having the correct levels of magnesium, calcium and potassium ensures normal bladder function and prevents inflammation.
For allergies
The range of hypoallergenic foods is varied. A consultation with a specialist, who must accurately determine the cause of the allergic reaction in the patient, will help you choose this or that product. For the menu of sick animals, monorecipes from the Hypoallergenic category are best suited:
- Royal Canin Hypoallergenic DR21;
- Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hypoallergenic;
- Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Food Sensitivities.
This also includes foods marked Grain-Free. They are used for celiac disease - gluten intolerance.
These brands do not contain chemical compounds that cause dermatitis and manifestations of food intolerance. The recipe excludes certain ingredients that cause allergic reactions. Typically, hypoallergenic foods are prescribed to the animal for life, since switching to any other type of food is fraught with severe health problems.
For cardiovascular diseases
The balance of useful and nutritious substances in Cardiac class foods normalizes the condition of patients with cardiovascular diseases. Before developing a menu, the doctor performs tests on the patient. It is important to know what level of sodium is present in the patient's body. There are only two types of Cardiac class products available in stores:
- Farmina Vet Life Cardiac;
- Royal Canin Cardiac EC.
The diet helps at the first signs of heart problems. The components reduce the load on the organ and prevent fluid retention. The formulation contains the additive L-carnitine, which has a positive effect on lipid metabolism. In case of congenital pathology of the cardiovascular system, the diet is prescribed for life.
For joint problems
Elderly individuals often experience problems with the musculoskeletal system. A special diet can normalize joint mobility and protect against inflammation and complications. Mobility class foods include:
- Royal Canin Mobility C2P+;
- Advance Articular Care;
- Pro Plan JM.
They contain ingredients that are beneficial for the functioning of joints, bones and cartilage. The food is enriched with calcium, collagen and elastin - they stop the destruction of connective tissues and increase muscle mass.
For diabetes
Diabetic class mixtures are intended for the lifelong diet of dogs with diabetes. The vet line helps to increase the dog’s activity and control blood glucose levels. The pet's menu should include only foods low in protein and sugar. These include:
- Farmina Vet Life Diabetic;
- Advance Diabetes Colitis;
- Royal Canin Special Low Carbohydrate.
The Diabetic class contains fiber to control glucose levels. Reduced carbohydrate content. The beneficial vitamins and minerals included in dry and wet mixtures solve problems with diarrhea and constipation. Food is quickly digested without increasing blood sugar levels.
For obesity
Excess weight becomes a serious problem, due to which disorders of the endocrine and cardiovascular systems develop. If your pet is obese, you should not overfeed your pet or give him treats. Diets/Obesity category foods will help cope with excess body weight:
- Pro Plan Veterinary Diets OM Obesity Management;
- Royal Canin Satiety Weight Management Wet;
- Hill's Prescription Diet Metabolic Mini Weight Management.
Low-calorie composition includes proteins, vitamin-mineral complex and nutrients. They help reduce excess weight and maintain normal muscle mass.
Wet or dry?
In the diet menu of a pet, it is allowed to use only dry and only wet food, as well as its combination - natural food is prohibited. If there are no special contraindications in the form of problems with the oral cavity and jaw bones, then the pet can calmly eat dry granules. They clean the teeth, massage the gums and train the dog's jaws.
Wet mixtures are designed to increase fluid intake and diversify the diet of your four-legged friend with new tastes. It is optimal to alternate wet and dry food in your pet’s menu.
How to follow a veterinary diet correctly
The purpose of a veterinary diet is to relieve an illness or support the animal’s body. Medicinal products are prescribed only during illness or during an exacerbation. Preventative types are suitable for regular use.
Only a veterinarian can prescribe feeding options and daily dosage. To do this, the weight, age and condition of the patient are taken into account. It is not recommended to increase the volume of food or the frequency of feedings on your own. You should also not skip meal times or mess with your meal plan.
When treating your pet to dietary food, you need to monitor its reaction. You should not force feed a sick person. During a period of exacerbation of illness, it is dangerous to treat your pet with a treat that is not provided for in the diet.
It is important to maintain the correct drinking regime for your dog. If your four-legged dog consumes little water, then it is better to supplement its menu with wet veterinary food.
No breed of domestic animal is protected from disturbances in the functioning of internal organs. Regular visits to the veterinary clinic, timely diagnosis and proper treatment will help save the life of your pet and improve the quality of its existence. Industrially produced medicinal food can provide the necessary level of nutrients in the body, even if the dog has been diagnosed with a serious illness.
The article is for informational purposes only. Contact your veterinarian!
Royal Canin Renal RF14
Royal Canin is the most widespread brand of pet food in Russia. Mainly thanks to a wide advertising campaign. Royal Canin is everywhere - in clinics and pet stores. The brand is owned by a true global giant – the MARS company.
The history of the company began in France in 1967, the founder was veterinarian Jean Katari. Previously (and still today) Royal Canin food was imported from France. Since 2004, food has been produced in Russia.
Royal Canin Renal food contains:
- 14% protein;
- 18% fat;
- 2.4% fiber;
- 0.2% phosphorus.
Advantages of Royal Canin Renal food:
- Record low phosphorus levels;
- Good palatability (appetizing enough for dogs);
- Fish oil (lots of Omega-3 fatty acids);
- Easy to buy, always in stock.
Disadvantages of Royal Canin Renal food:
- In addition to rice and corn, it contains a large amount of gluten (gluten), which means that most of the protein in the declared 14% is of plant origin;
- The composition does not contain meat or eggs, and there is no addition of synthetic essential amino acids;
- Cost 600-700 RUR/kg.
