Healing through Nutrition A Deep Dive into Prescription Dog Food

Healing through Nutrition: The Essential Guide to 50 Plant-Based Nutritional Sources

I LOVE this nutritional cookbook!Why?ScientificI love knowing which vitamins, minerals, and medicinal properties various foods hold, the details here are something to treasure.Delicious recipes that I make and eat.The author, Eliza Savage, (RD, MS, CDN,) shares amazing tips that foodies will find most beneficial such as:Storage Tipshow long till expiration, storing methods, etcCooking Tipsvarious cooking appliance options, prep work, substitution tips, etcRecipes even include ingredient Per Serving Info as you see on professional food labels (Calories, Saturated Fats, Total Fats, Total Carbs, Protein, etc.)ConsumptionI'm so glad the author shares consumption because no one wants to poo their brains out by consuming too much of a particular food! Beautiful lay-outI am enamored with the presentation, and how easy it all is to interpret! The colors, photos, and illustrations are great!*My only wish is that every recipe came with a photo. I'm a foodie who loves to pick out dishes to recreate by visual. Make my mouth water first, then I'll dive into the recipe with complete inspiration and motivation.*I have over half of these recipes bookmarked! (54 currently, to be exact!) This is a cookbook I refer to OFTEN and is among my more used/referenced cookbooks in my kitchen.It's easy on the eyes + the recipes are delicious and can be quick for me to make, which is of utmost importance. Throw it all together, boom done... and healthy!I'm notorious for grabbing what's available to eat and needing to eat quickly because of my metabolism crashing, I love to make a few of these items on what I like to call a PREP DAY. That way I'm not binging on cereal, crackers, or other processed food, just to get something in quickly. *Even buying a veggie tray if I don't have the energy for the prep work is a big help occasionally, if anyone needs any little tips out there.*As I'm healing from long time (multiple) parasitic infections, including more plant-based recipes in my diet, is an absolute must for me. I simply didn't eat enough vegetables previously and had become addicted to sugar and processed foods. Meat and potatoes were about the healthiest thing I ate (and my favorite), if there were any veggies included, they were frozen and often loaded with dairy, which also wasn't doing the issues and symptoms I experience any justice.Each food discussed includes two recipes that followed the insightful and quick education.Here are some of my favorite recipes from the cookbook so far:Green Smoothies(you can get tons of veggies in here and mask the taste with delicious pineapple or mango, it works!) Just be sure to use ICE while blending!!OR freeze single leaves of romaine lettuce to blend... or else the smoothie can turn out chewy and not a fun experience!Trust me I choked down a few before I gave into adding ice. Ice lowers my body temp, even more, hence my hesitation. Freezing single leaves, then blending turns it into a more powdery consistency. Dehydrating and powdering greens is potentially in my future.Banana Chia Pudding* Be aware if you have seed, nut, or (obviously banana) allergies. My fianc sometimes doesn't realize which of my recipes are sweetened with banana before digging in (which is something he can't have.) Chia seeds were a surprise to us that it makes his tongue itch and slightly swell, just like other food allergies he experiences. So if you get an itchy tongue/throat, please consider seeking out professional nutritional or medical help.The VinaigrettesRoasted ChickPeasBeet Apple SaladThe Quinoa DishesStrawberry Watermelon Lime Cooler(Natural Electrolyte Drink) I love this because the natural electrolyte drink I make with tart cherry, salt, lime, honey, and water, has way too much honey (higher naturally occurring sugar than what I want going in my body with what I have going on right now.)I look forward to trying the Cauliflower Blueberry smoothie! The author explains cauliflower is a creamy texturizer for smoothies!Avocado and veggies in my smoothies weren't something I was elated to try at first simply because my Midwest roots had never taught me such things, but I quickly realized avocados make smoothies so creamy, now I literally stomp when I'm out. Growing my own avocado tree(s) is a future must! The stories behind avocados as well are pretty amazing! (Research Mexico + avocados + cartel) I support California grown or US-based Avocados only. My fianc just recently spoke on how he heard somewhere, giant sloths eating wild, giant-sized jungle avocado and how humans saved and evolved it to what it is today. I still need to research what he was talking about but thought I'd mention the fun topics!)I love using the power of food as medicine. I love healing and growing my relationship with foods and new recipes! I am so grateful for such recipes to be readily available to us, no longer kept as "family secrets". Thank you to all who share their recipes freely, helping the world be better aquatinted with cultures, lifestyles, and most of all delectable foods!Much gratitude to publisher Rockridge Press, for the paperback copy; compliments of Callisto Media. I was under no obligation to write a review, my honest opinion is given voluntarily.

Veterinary Diet Dog Food

Prescription dog food can help you manage your dog's specific health issues through his daily diet. These formulas require a prescription and are typically prescribed as part of your pet's overall health plan under the care of a veterinarian. Vet recommended dog food differs from the average over-the-counter food because it's created to treat a specific health condition. There are many types to choose from including vet recommended wet dog food, vet recommended dry dog food and vet recommended dog treats. Non-prescription foods, on the other hand, are made to feed pets that are in relatively good overall health. Two of the most popular brands that you'll find online and at your vet's office are the Hill's Prescription Diet and Royal Canin Veterinary Diet lines. Each prescription dry dog food and canned dog food recipe is formulated by veterinarians to treat a particular health condition and has been clinically tested with proven results. Ingredients are selected based on their therapeutic properties and carefully combined with palatability in mind to formulate the best dry veterinary dog food possible. Some of the health concerns that can benefit from a prescription diet include weight management prescription dog food, food allergies prescription dog food and sensitivities, urinary tract infections prescription dog food, gastrointestinal disease prescription dog food, diabetes prescription dog food, proper heart functioning, kidney disease prescription dog food and skin conditions prescription dog food. The first step is to visit your veterinarian to determine the best vet recommended dog food for your dog. Once you've discussed all of the possible options, you and your vet can decide which veterinary dry food is right for your cat or dog, and which fits into the overall treatment plan for your pet's ailment. Then you'll be able to order your newly prescribed vet diet online and have it shipped right to your door. Chewy has an entire prescription team dedicated to helping pet parents with their prescription dog food orders from the online dog store and free dog food delivery. Your pet's veterinary dry food order will ship to you after the prescription team gets authorization from your vet confirming the prescription. Once you start your pet on his new veterinary diet, it's important to follow the directions given by your vet or on the back of the bag exactly for the best results. Because each dry vet dog food recipe is made to treat a specific issue, these diets are not interchangeable. Stick to the prescribed diet without supplementing with other foods or even treats. There are usually a few prescription treat options available that complement your pet's vet diet -just be sure to always check with your vet first. Find this and more on Chewy's online pet store where you can find the best dog supplies today!

Related Categories: Freeze-Dried Dog Food, Human-Grade Dog Food and Treats, Dehydrated Dog Food, Frozen Dog Food, Dog Food Toppers & Gravy, Dog Food, Prescription Dog Treats

How can I get a vet-recommended dog food prescribed to my dog?

You can get a vet-recommended dog food prescribed to your dog by seeing a veterinarian for an exam, diagnosis and prescription. You can usually get a refill vet-recommended dog food prescription by just calling your vets office. If you order your prescription dog food from Chewy, simply enter your vets info at checkout and we will contact your vet directly.

Where can I get prescription dog food?

You can get prescription dog food online from Chewy with a prescription from your vet. You can also find prescription food for canines at some local pet stores and online pet stores that serve your area. Some veterinarians will carry prescription dog food, as well.

Which dogs need prescription dog food?

Dogs that need prescription dog food usually have an ailment or chronic illness that requires a special diet. Dogs with kidney issues, diabetes, or digestive issues will often require special prescription canine food. Those with food intolerance or allergies may need a hypoallergenic or novel protein prescription dog food. Only your vet can recommend and prescribe the right prescription dog food for your pet.

What is veterinary diet dog food?

Veterinary diet dog food is dog food recommended and prescribed by vets. Veterinary foods often feature special formulations for dogs with specific ailments like food intolerance, chronic disease or recurring issues like urinary tract infections. Only feed your dog veterinary diet recipe foods if you are specifically instructed to do so by your vet.

Should You Feed Your Pet Prescription Dog Food? Here's When It's a Good Idea

The line dividing food and medicine can be fuzzy. When you eat a handful of raspberries, youre providing your body with important nutrients and antioxidants. A piece of salmon contains a lot of protein, but its also high in omega-3 fatty acids that can reduce inflammation.

Pet food manufacturers have taken the idea of food as medicine a step furtherby designing products to help manage a wide variety of diseases. These foods are available only with a veterinarians prescription because they can do harm when used under the wrong circumstances.

Heres what you need to know about prescription dog food.

What Is Prescription Dog Food?

Prescription dog foods (also called therapeutic dog foods or veterinary diets) are made with ingredients and nutritional supplements combined in just the right proportions to support the health of dogs who have a particular disease or illness.

For example, a veterinarian might prescribe prescription dog food for a dog with arthritis that contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants to reduce inflammation, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate to protect joint cartilage, and added L-carnitine (an amino acid) to keep muscles strong.

Before a prescription dog food can be sold, the manufacturer must put it through extensive testing to show that its safe and effective for dogs with specific diseases. Manufacturers also adhere to rigorous safety and quality control standards when making these special diets. All of this helps ensure that prescription dog foods are worth the extra money.

When to Start a Prescription Dog Food Diet

Many health problems in dogs can be managed, at least in part, through their diet. A veterinarian familiar with the specifics of a dogs case is in the best position to determine if a prescription dog food is appropriate. Talk to your veterinarian about prescription dog food if any of the following apply to your dog.

1. Your Dog Needs to Lose Weight

Extra body fat makes life shorter and less enjoyable for overweight dogs. It can cause or make many health problems worse, too, including:

If your dog is only a little overweight, an over-the-counter diet dog food, such as Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight, may help. But dogs who need to lose a lot of weight tend to do better on a prescription weight loss food.

Different diets seem to work better for different dogs, but most vet-recommended prescription dog foods combine increased fiber to help dogs feel full without adding calories, moderate or high protein to maintain muscle, and low levels of carbohydrates and fats. Good options include

Your veterinarian can design a weight loss plan tailored to your dogs individual needs, help you monitor how its working, and make necessary changes as your dogs body condition changes.

2. Your Dog Has Bladder Stones

Symptoms of bladder stones in dogs include bloody urine, straining to urinate, and discomfort. Some types of bladder stones can be dissolved with prescription dog foods or medicine, while others need to be physically removed via surgery or other treatments. But an appropriate diet can almost always reduce the chances that bladder stones will return.

For dogs who are prone to bladder stones, wet foods are usually preferable to dry because they help keep the dogs urine dilute, which reduces the chances that stones will form. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Urinary SO and Hill's Prescription Diet c/d Multicare dissolve struvite stones and help reduce the formation of struvite and calcium oxalate stones. Hill's Prescription Diet u/d Urinary Care helps dissolve and prevent the recurrence of urate and cystine stones.

Your veterinarian can determine what type of bladder stones your dog has and how they should be treated.

3. Your Dog Has Kidney Disease

Dogs with chronic kidney disease can live for many months (or even years!) with appropriate treatment. Prescription dog foods for kidney disease can be an important part of therapy.

These diets usually contain a moderate amount of high-quality protein and are low in phosphorous and sodium to reduce the workload on the kidneys. Omega-3 fatty acids, essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants may all be supplemented to promote kidney function and overall health and wellness. Whenever possible, dogs with kidney disease should eat wet dog food to help prevent dehydration.

Because dogs with kidney disease often have a reduced appetite, its important to find a kidney diet that your dog enjoys eating. You might need to try several options before finding the one that works best for your dog. Some go-to's include:

5. Your Dog Has Arthritis

Arthritis is very common in dogs, particularly as they get older. Combining different forms of treatment, including diet, can decrease a dogs discomfort and increase their mobility.

Therapeutic dog foods that veterinarians prescribe to dogs with arthritis are usually enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and antioxidants to reduce inflammation and promote joint health. These foods are also often slightly calorie-restricted to help dogs stay slim and supplemented with L-carnitine, an amino acid that helps dogs build and maintain muscle. Hill's Prescription Diet j/d and Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets JM Joint Mobility are both excellent prescription foods for dogs with arthritis.

And these arent the only conditions that can be managed with prescription dog food! For example:

If you think your pet could benefit from prescription dog food, talk with your vet.

How to Transition Your Dog to Prescription Food

If your veterinarian has recommended prescription dog food, your next question is probably how to switch to the new diet. In most cases, its best to make the transition slowly.

Gradually mix increasing amounts of the new food in with decreasing amounts of your dogs old diet over a week or two. This gives your dog a chance to get used to the taste of the new food and gives their GI tract time to adapt. Go even more slowly if your dog is finicky or initially turns up their nose at the new food.

But there are times (when youre dealing with a food allergy or intolerance, for example) when your veterinarian may recommend making a quick transition to a new food, so always follow your vets instructions. If you cant get your dog to eat their new prescription diet, talk to your veterinarian about other options that may be available.

Prescription dog foods can reduce and sometimes even eliminate the need for a dog to be on medications or receive other forms of treatment. Ask your vet how diet can play a role in your dogs healthcare.

Featured Image: iStock/Chalabala

WRITTEN BY

Jennifer Coates, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Jennifer Coates is an accomplished veterinarian, writer, editor, and consultant with years of experience in the fields of veterinary...