Published on: 03/31/2020, updated on: 10/12/2021

Best Low Sodium Dog Food for Congestive Heart Failure

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The health condition “congestive heart failure” is linked with the inability of the heart to pump or supply blood to the rest of the body. When blood remains in the lungs, it becomes a severe issue for the heart and the lungs.

Dogs with this health issue are considered dogs with cardiovascular system issues. If your dog is diagnosed with congestive heart failure, then it would need all the support it could get such as exercise, adequate diet plans, and a healthy lifestyle.

One of the best ways to help your dog get over this condition is to feed it with the best dog food for congestive heart failures.

There are dog foods formulated to help with this issue, and we are going to take a look at the best of the best options in the market. Here are the reviews of some of the best dog food for dogs with congestive heart failure.

Our top pick is the Hill’s Prescription Diet h/d Heart Care Dry Dog Food. This dry dog food is formulated to cater to the heart health of your pup. It comes with high-quality, highly digestible ingredients. It is low in sodium and chlorine, with great protein sources to help your dog recover quickly.

The Best Dog Food for Congestive Heart Failure Are:

1. Hill’s Prescription Diet h/d Heart Care — Best Dog Food for Heart Disease

Hills Prescription Diet h d Heart Care Dog Food

The first on our list is the Hill’s Prescription Diet h/d Heart Care Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food. This is one of the best dog food for congestive heart failure as it is formulated specifically to care for dogs with heart disorders, such as congestive heart failure. It comes with high-quality ingredients that boost the cardiovascular system, which is why it made it to the top of our list.

The top five ingredients of this food are whole grain corn, soy protein isolate, pork fat, chicken liver flavor, and chicken by-product meal. Dogs with congestive heart failure tend to retain fluid, and this is a common symptom that accompanies this health condition. This can have a negative impact on the performance of your dog and reduce organ function.

Fortunately, this Heart Care Chicken flavor from Hill’s is low in chlorine and sodium, and it helps to reduce fluids in your dog. This food features a combination of animal-based and corn-based proteins, which are great for dogs with congestive heart failure, or so-called CHR. This food also contains L-carnitine and taurine to ensure the cardiovascular system functions properly.

It helps to maintain normal blood pressure, with essential nutrients to protect vital kidney function. This food supports a healthy immune system, thanks to its clinically proven antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

The protein content of this diet is 14.5 percent while the minimum crude fat content is 16.5 percent. It contains a maximum crude fiber of 2.5 percent with a caloric content of 410 kilocalories per cup.

Specs

  • Form: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Breed Size: All breed sizes
  • Special Diet: Veterinary diet, pea-free

Pros

  • Supports heart health
  • Protects vital kidney function
  • Low in sodium
  • Reduces fluid retention

Cons

  • It is expensive

2. Wellness Complete Health Adult Dry Dog Food

Wellness Complete Health Adult Dry Dog Food

Wellness is one of the most trusted brands when it comes to the dog food manufacturing industry. The brand has been around for quite some time and they are known for making premium dog foods for different breeds, ages, and sizes.

The Complete Health Adult Lamb & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food from Wellness is a great pick for dogs with CHF, as it is formulated to accommodate the health issues of dogs and help them recover.

The top five ingredients of this food are lamb, oatmeal, lamb meal, menhaden fish meal, and ground barley. This food is made with all-natural ingredients with great protein sources such as lamb meat. It also contains plenty of healthy veggies and fruits to provide your pup with all the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants it needs to recover quickly.

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It contains chicory root, which helps to protect the body against worms, and Yucca Schidigera, which ensures adequate digestive functions. This food is free of corn, soy, and wheat. It does not contain artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. This food also contains taurine to boost the heart health of your dog and multiple protein sources to maximize absorption.

It also supports healthy joints, thanks to the chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine supplements. The protein content of this food is 24 percent while the minimum crude fat content is 12 percent. It contains a maximum crude fiber content of 4 percent with a caloric content of 417 kilocalories per cup.

Specs

  • Form: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Breed Size: All breed sizes
  • Special Diet: No wheat, corn, or soy

Pros

  • All-natural ingredients
  • No additives
  • Supports a healthy heart
  • Great protein sources

Cons

  • It may not be ideal for dogs with grain sensitivity

3. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food — Best Dog Food for Heart Murmur

Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain Free Dry Dog Food 3

The Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is one of the best low sodium dog food for dogs with congestive heart failure. This unique formula from Taste of the Wild comes with real ingredients and zero grains. The top five ingredients of this food are salmon, ocean fish meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and peas.

This food also contains other protein sources such as salmon meal and smoked salmon. It comes with healthy veggies and fruits including tomatoes, raspberries, blueberries, chicory root, and yucca schidigera to boost the immune health of your dog. Your pup needs pure and lean meat to recover quickly from any health condition.

The smoked salmon and the canola oil contain enough omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to boost the heart health of your dog. They can also provide your pup with healthy skin and a shiny coat. The ingredients of this diet are highly digestible and they are ideal for dogs with allergies and sensitivities. This food is generally friendly to the tummy, thanks to its blend of probiotics.

It is completely free of grains, corn, soy, and other common allergens. This food is made in the United States and it is ideal for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes. The protein content of this food is 25 percent while the minimum crude fat content is 15 percent. It contains a maximum crude fiber of 3 percent with a caloric content of 360 kilocalories per cup.

Specs

  • Form: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Breed Size: All breed sizes
  • Special Diet: No wheat, corn, or soy

Pros

  • Grain-free formula
  • Supports a healthy immune system
  • Contains plenty of healthy fruits and veggies
  • Supports healthy skin, coat, and digestive system

Cons

  • The kibble size might be too large for smaller dogs

4. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain Free Dry Dog Food 1

The Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe is another grain-free formula for dogs with congestive heart failure. This food features a blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to boost the heart health and overall wellbeing of your dog. It is completely free of grains, with no common allergen to upset the tummy of your dog.

The top five ingredients of this food are deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, pea protein, and tapioca starch. The chicken meal is also a great source of glucosamine to provide your pup with healthy joints.

It is also rich in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids from sources such as flaxseed, chicken fat, and menhaden fish meal. Instead of grains, this food contains other great carb sources such as peas and sweet potatoes.

It also contains carrots, calcium, and pea fiber to promote the digestive health of your dog. The kibbles are easy to chew and they are easily digestible. This food is free of fillers such as wheat, soy, and corn. All the ingredients are highly digestible, and it features added antioxidants from blueberries and cranberries.

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This food also supports life stage requirements, immune health, and a healthy oxidative balance. The protein content of this food is 34 percent while the minimum crude fat content is 15 percent. It has a maximum crude fiber of 6 percent while the caloric content is 409 kilocalories per cup.

Specs

  • Form: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Breed Size: All breed sizes
  • Special Diet: High-protein, grain-free, no corn, wheat, or soy

Pros

  • No additives and fillers
  • Grain-free formula
  • Real salmon as the number one protein source
  • A blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals

Cons

  • Some fussy dogs may not like the taste
Blue Buffalo Wilderness for Dogs | Chewy

5. Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach

Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Sensitive Skin Stomach 1

This natural dry dog food from Purina is one of the best low sodium dog foods out there, making it a great option for dogs with congestive heart failure. This will help provide your pup with all the nutrients it needs to maintain healthy muscle mass and recover quickly. It is made with salmon and rice, which together make a great taste that your pup will love.

The top five ingredients of this diet are salmon, barley, ground rice, canola meal, and oatmeal. This food contains whole grains to provide your pup with enough energy to battle this health condition. It contains antioxidants and probiotic fiber to boost the digestive health of your dog while increasing the digestibility of the food. It also helps to regulate the immune system of your dog.

Other high-quality ingredients in this diet include salmon meal, which is a great source of glucosamine, fish meal, animal fat, and fish oil, which are great sources of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. These fatty acids help to promote healthy skin and a glossy coat. It is loaded with natural sources of essential vitamins and minerals to support the overall health of your dog.

This food is free of corn, soy, wheat, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. It is made in the United States and it is ideal for dogs of all breeds and sizes. The protein content of this food is 26 percent while the crude fat content is 16 percent. It contains a maximum crude fiber of 4 percent with a caloric content of 429 kilocalories per cup.

Specs

  • Form: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Breed Size: All breed sizes
  • Special Diet: Sensitive digestion, pea-free, no corn, wheat, soy, pea-free

Pros

  • Great protein sources
  • High-quality ingredients
  • Highly digestible carbs
  • Supports healthy skin, coat, and immune system

Cons

  • It does not contain chondroitin

6. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food

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If your large breed dog is having congestive heart failure as well as a joint issue, then the Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed dry dog food is one of the best options to consider. This food contains chondroitin and glucosamine from natural sources to support healthy joints, bones, cartilage, and mobility.

The top five ingredients of this food are lamb meal, brown rice, whole grain wheat, brewers rice, and corn gluten meal. It is not a grain-free formula, but it contains plenty of wholesome, healthy grains. Other notable ingredients in this diet are chicken fat, beet pulp, chicken liver flavor, cracked pearled barley, flaxseed and soybean oil.

It is also rich in omega fatty acids to boost the skin and coat health of your dog. This protein-rich formula from Hills contains a blend of vitamin E, vitamin C, and antioxidants, which work together to support a healthy immune system. It is made with only natural ingredients, with no traces of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.

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This food is nutritionally balanced and complete for dogs with congestive heart failure, and it will help them to recover quickly. However, it is ideal for only large and giant breeds. It contains 19 percent protein, 12 percent minimum crude fat, 3 percent maximum crude fiber, and 367 kilocalories per cup.

Specs

  • Form: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Breed Size: Large and giant breeds
  • Special Diet: Supports a healthy immune system

Pros

  • Supports healthy joints and cartilage
  • Boosts immune health
  • No artificial ingredients
  • Support healthy skin and coat

Cons

  • Formulated for only large and giant breeds

7. The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Beef Recipe Dehydrated Dog Food

The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Beef Recipe Dehydrated Dog Food

The last on our list is the “The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Beef Recipe Dehydrated Dog Food.” This is one of the best dog food for congestive heart failure, thanks to its unique formula and ingredients.

If your dog is not allergic to grains, whole-grain diets are the best you could feed your pup. This dog food comes with highly nutritious, digestible grains and the healthiest ingredients.

The top five ingredients of this food are dehydrated beef, organic barley, organic oat, potatoes, and organic flaxseed. It also contains dehydrated carrots, dehydrated apples, dried cranberries, dehydrated spinach, with plenty of minerals and vitamins. This formula features moderate levels of protein and fat, making it a great pick for overweight dogs.

It helps with adequate weight management. This food is free of by-products, artificial, and GMO ingredients. This is dehydrated dog food and it is quite easy to prepare. All you have to do is to mix it with warm water, stir, leave it for three minutes, and then serve.

The protein content of this food is 22.5 percent while the fat content is 8.5 percent. It has a maximum crude fiber of 5.8 percent with a caloric content of 441 kilocalories per cup.

Specs

  • Form: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Breed Size: All breed sizes
  • Special Diet: No corn, low-calorie, human-grade, non-GMO, pea-free

Pros

  • High-quality protein
  • No additives
  • No GMO ingredients
  • Healthy weight management

Cons

  • It is pricey
The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Dog Food | Chewy

Best Dog Food For Congestive Heart Failure: What To Look For

Low Levels Of Sodium

Dogs with congestive heart failure will greatly benefit from low sodium food, depending on the severity of the condition. When it comes to mild heart disorders, only mild sodium restriction should be applied.

However, if the CHF case is severe, then dog foods without sodium or extremely low amounts of sodium are the best. Nevertheless, you should consult your vet to find out what is best for your dog.

Added Vitamins And Minerals

Dogs with this health condition need plenty of essential vitamins and minerals. The food should contain antioxidants such as vitamin E to get rid of free radicals and restore adequate body function.

L-Carnitine And Taurine

L-carnitine and taurine play a major role in the diet of a dog. Lack of taurine can result in specific cardiovascular disorders. Taurine is an amino acid that is very important to the body system of a dog, and the best dog food for congestive heart failure has enough taurine.

L-carnitine also comes in really handy, as it protects the heart of your dog and keeps it healthy.

Omega Fatty Acids

Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids also play a significant role in the nutrition of your dog. While omega fatty acids promote healthy skin and coat, they also show positive results with heart diseases.

Dogs with congestive heart failure will greatly benefit from omega fatty acids, as it would help boost their appetite and prevent muscle loss. It also helps with proper brain function.

Conclusion

To wrap it up, the clear winner for the best dog food for congestive heart failure is the Hill’s Prescription Diet h/d Heart Care because it is specifically formulated to cater to the heart health of your dog.

It features a low sodium content, great protein sources, and highly digestible ingredients. It is also rich in omega fatty acids to boost the heart health, skin, and coat of your dog.

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