Medical dog food is available to treat a variety of medical needs in dogs. While some dogs may live and function normally on general branded food, others have a condition that requires the diet only medical dog food can provide.
What Is Medical Dog Food?
Medical dog foods are specially formulated foods, canned and kibble, that focus on providing maximum amounts of nutrition while catering to the specific condition of your dog. As a puppy, your dog may require the special nutrients that can only be found in puppy chow, however as your dog ages, he may need a more substantial diet that is designed to treat a particular condition that effects him.
How Is Medical Dog Food Evaluated?
In order to assist in the treatment of a particular condition, medical dog food is expected to be of the highest quality. Regular testing for pesticides, metals, bacteria, melamine and cyanuric acid is done on medical dog foods to ensure that they are safe and healthy.
What Types of Medical Dog Foods Are Available?
Nutrition is one of the most important aspects of maintaining a healthy lifestyle for your dog. Medical dog food can assist in the treatment of an ailment that your dog is experiencing. Here is a listing of some of the most commonly used and needed types of medical dog food:
- Calorie Control - A food that is formulated to be high in protein and low in calories, which helps control weight limits in overweight dogs.
- Cardiac - A food that is specially formulated with nutrients designed to protect and improve cardiac function.
- Hypoallergenic - A food that uses wheat and gluten-free ingredients for dogs that are prone to food allergies.
- Preventative - A food that is formulated to promote a healthy urinary tract.
- Recovery - A food that is formulated to help restore natural functions and weight gain for dogs who are recovering from a major illness or surgery.
How Much Does Medical Dog Food Cost?
When choosing to put your dog on a medical diet, cost is an important factor. Hypoallergenic and urinary tract support foods tend to be much higher in cost than other medical foods. Their price comparison is roughly 3 to 4 times higher than that of regular dog food. However, most other medical dog foods, such as the cardiac and recovery formulas, tend to be comparable in price to regular dog food.
What Are the Benefits of Medical Dog Food?
Medical dog food can help to ease and maintain certain functions and structures within the body. By using medical dog food, you can be assured that while the food is focused on maintaining a particular system in the body, it is still providing the essential nutrients that your dog need. Because the health of your dog is directly linked to the type of nutrition he receives, providing him with a specially formulated medical food can be a good investment for his future.