Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canine Early Cardiac Dry Dog Food is a specialized nutritional solution formulated to support dogs with cardiac conditions or those at risk of developing them. This veterinary-exclusive formula is designed to be a complete and balanced diet that addresses the specific needs of dogs with heart issues.
Key Benefits of Royal Canin Early Cardiac
The Royal Canin Early Cardiac formula offers several key benefits tailored to support cardiovascular health in dogs:
- COMPLETE AND BALANCED: It is a highly digestible, palatable, complete and balanced adult dog food with nutrients essential to support cardiovascular function, specifically formulated for dogs suffering from or at risk of cardiac disease
- HEALTHY HEART FUNCTION: The inclusion of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, plays a vital role in promoting heart health and overall cardiovascular function.
- OPTIMAL CARDIAC HEALTH: The formula contains arginine, carnitine, and taurine for optimal cardiac health.
- REDUCES HEART WORKLOAD: The diet incorporates a moderate sodium restriction, rather than a severe one, to help reduce the workload on the heart.
- IMMUNE SYSTEM SUPPORT: The formula is naturally preserved with mixed tocopherols, which act as antioxidants to boost the immune system.
How Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canine Early Cardiac Dry Dog Food Works
Royal Canin has over 40 years of experience in health nutrition. Their work with pet nutritionists, breeders, and veterinarians from around the world has provided them with knowledge about the specific nutritional requirements of dogs.
Ingredients Analysis
A detailed look at the ingredients provides insight into how this diet supports cardiac health.
Main Ingredients:
- Brewers Rice: Brewers rice is a common carbohydrate source in dog food. It is easily digestible and provides energy.
- Chicken Fat: Chicken fat is a source of energy and essential fatty acids, contributing to the palatability of the food.
- Chicken Meal: Chicken meal is a concentrated source of protein and minerals, made by cooking and drying chicken.
- Fish Meal: Fish meal provides high-quality protein and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for heart health.
- Soy Protein Isolate: Soy protein isolate is a highly digestible source of plant-based protein.
- Powdered Cellulose: Powdered cellulose is a source of fiber that can aid in digestion and help manage weight.
- Natural Flavors: Natural flavors enhance the palatability of the food, making it more appealing to dogs.
- Fish Oil: Fish oil is a crucial source of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, which are vital for cardiovascular health.
- Potassium Chloride: Potassium chloride is an electrolyte that supports various bodily functions, including nerve and muscle function.
- L-Arginine: L-arginine is an amino acid that plays a role in cardiovascular health by supporting blood vessel function.
- Vitamins: The formula includes a comprehensive blend of vitamins, including:
- DL-alpha tocopherol acetate (source of vitamin E): An antioxidant that supports immune function.
- L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin C): An antioxidant that supports immune function.
- Biotin: Important for healthy skin and coat.
- Niacin supplement: Supports energy metabolism.
- D-calcium pantothenate: Supports energy metabolism.
- Riboflavin supplement: Supports energy metabolism.
- Pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6): Important for protein metabolism and nerve function.
- Vitamin A acetate: Supports vision and immune function.
- Thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1): Supports carbohydrate metabolism.
- Vitamin B12 supplement: Important for nerve function and red blood cell formation.
- Folic acid: Important for cell growth and development.
- Vitamin D3 supplement: Supports calcium absorption and bone health.
- Taurine: Taurine is an amino acid that is critical for heart muscle function and overall cardiovascular health.
- Calcium Carbonate: Calcium carbonate is a mineral that supports bone health.
- Choline Chloride: Choline chloride is important for nerve function and liver health.
- L-Carnitine: L-carnitine is an amino acid that helps the body use fat for energy and supports heart muscle function.
- Trace Minerals: The formula includes a blend of trace minerals, including:
- Zinc oxide: Supports immune function and skin health.
- Ferrous sulfate: A source of iron, essential for red blood cell formation.
- Manganous oxide: Supports enzyme function.
- Copper sulfate: Supports enzyme function and iron metabolism.
- Sodium selenite: An antioxidant that supports immune function.
- Calcium iodate: A source of iodine, essential for thyroid function.
- Rosemary Extract: Rosemary extract is a natural antioxidant that helps preserve the food.
- Preservatives: The food is preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid, which are natural antioxidants.
Guaranteed Analysis:
- Crude Protein (min.): 21.5% - Essential for muscle maintenance and overall health.
- Crude Fat (min.): 13.5% - Provides energy and supports the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
- Crude Fiber (max.): 5.7% - Aids in digestion and helps maintain healthy bowel movements.
- Moisture (max.): 10.0% - Ensures the food remains palatable and prevents spoilage.
- Eicosapentaenoic + Docosahexaenoic acid (EPA+DHA) (min.): 0.24% - Omega-3 fatty acids that support heart health and reduce inflammation.
- Sodium (max.): 0.28% - Controlled sodium levels to reduce the workload on the heart.
- Vitamin E (min.): 560 IU/kg - An antioxidant that supports immune function.
- Omega-3 fatty acids* (min.): 0.38% - Support heart health and reduce inflammation.
- Taurine* (min.): 0.15% - Supports heart muscle function.
- L-Carnitine* (min.): 490 mg/kg - Helps the body use fat for energy and supports heart muscle function.
- Ascorbic acid* (min.): 200 mg/kg - An antioxidant that supports immune function.
Understanding the Ingredients and Their Benefits
Each ingredient in Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canine Early Cardiac Dry Dog Food is carefully selected to contribute to the overall health and well-being of dogs with cardiac issues.
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Protein Sources
The diet includes multiple protein sources like chicken meal, fish meal, and soy protein isolate. These proteins are essential for maintaining muscle mass and supporting various bodily functions. Fish meal, in particular, offers the added benefit of omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for heart health.
Fat Content
Chicken fat is a primary source of fat in this diet. Fats provide energy and help in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. The fat content is carefully balanced to meet the energy needs of dogs with cardiac conditions without putting undue stress on their hearts.
Carbohydrates
Brewers rice serves as the main carbohydrate source, providing easily digestible energy. Carbohydrates are essential for fueling daily activities and maintaining overall energy levels.
Fiber
Powdered cellulose is added as a source of fiber. Fiber aids in digestion and helps regulate bowel movements. It can also contribute to a feeling of fullness, which can be beneficial for weight management.
Vitamins and Minerals
The diet is fortified with a comprehensive blend of vitamins and minerals to support various aspects of health. These include:
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- Vitamin E and Vitamin C: These are potent antioxidants that protect cells from damage and support immune function.
- B Vitamins: These vitamins play a crucial role in energy metabolism and nerve function.
- Vitamin A: Essential for vision and immune function.
- Vitamin D3: Supports calcium absorption and bone health.
- Taurine and L-Carnitine: These amino acids are particularly important for heart muscle function.
- Trace Minerals: Zinc, iron, manganese, copper, selenium, and iodine support various enzymatic processes and overall health.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The inclusion of fish oil ensures a rich supply of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA. These fatty acids have been shown to have numerous benefits for heart health, including reducing inflammation, supporting healthy blood pressure, and improving overall cardiovascular function.
Sodium Restriction
One of the key features of this diet is its moderate sodium restriction. Excessive sodium intake can lead to fluid retention and increased workload on the heart. By limiting sodium levels, this diet helps reduce the strain on the heart and supports healthy blood pressure.
Nutritional Additives and Their Roles
Several nutritional additives in Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canine Early Cardiac Dry Dog Food play specific roles in supporting cardiac health:
Taurine
Taurine is an amino acid that is critical for heart muscle function. It helps regulate the flow of calcium in and out of heart cells, which is essential for maintaining a normal heart rhythm. Taurine deficiency has been linked to heart problems in dogs, making its inclusion in this diet particularly important.
L-Carnitine
L-carnitine is another amino acid that plays a key role in heart health. It helps transport fatty acids into the mitochondria of cells, where they can be burned for energy. This process is particularly important for heart muscle cells, which rely heavily on fat for fuel. By supporting efficient fat metabolism, L-carnitine helps improve heart muscle function.
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Arginine
Arginine is an amino acid that is a precursor to nitric oxide, a molecule that helps relax blood vessels and improve blood flow. By promoting healthy blood vessel function, arginine can help reduce blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health.
Antioxidants
The diet is preserved with mixed tocopherols (a source of vitamin E) and citric acid, which are natural antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can contribute to inflammation and disease. By neutralizing free radicals, antioxidants support overall health and immune function.
Feeding Guidelines and Considerations
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canine Early Cardiac Dry Dog Food is designed to be fed to adult dogs suffering from or at risk of cardiac disease. It is essential to follow the feeding guidelines provided by your veterinarian, as individual needs may vary depending on the severity of the condition, activity level, and overall health status.
Transitioning to the Diet
When switching to Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canine Early Cardiac Dry Dog Food, it is important to transition gradually over a period of 5-7 days. Start by mixing a small amount of the new diet with the old diet and gradually increase the proportion of the new diet each day until you are feeding only the new diet. This helps prevent digestive upset and allows your dog to adjust to the new food.
Monitoring Your Dog's Response
It is important to monitor your dog's response to the new diet closely. Watch for any signs of digestive upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, and contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns. Additionally, monitor your dog's overall health and energy levels to ensure that the diet is meeting their needs.
Prescription Requirement
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canine Early Cardiac Dry Dog Food is a veterinary-exclusive formula and requires a prescription from your veterinarian. This ensures that the diet is being used appropriately and that your dog is receiving the best possible care.