Dogs with a dietary allergy or intolerance are occasionally prescribed prescription dog food or those with a particular medical condition.
Diet is one of the most important things a dog needs to maintain good health. The essential nutrients for a dog include water, carbs, lipids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients contribute to the creation of structural components, the movement of substances throughout the body, the maintenance of body temperature, participation in metabolic processes, and energy production.
Except for water, premium dog meals (such as Eukanuba®) supply all the nutrients a dog needs. Therefore, for most pet owners, supplying fresh water and top-quality kibble is sufficient to guarantee that their dog receives a nutritionally balanced diet. But what if your dog has a particular medical condition, food allergy, or food intolerance? If so, prescription dog food may be necessary.
Rx Dog Food
Several firms, including Hills® and Waltham®, specifically made prescription dog foods for specific ailments. These consist of:
- Gastrointestinal Disorder
- Failure of the Kidneys (Kidney Disease)
- Diabetes Dental Disease
- Overweight
- Food Sensitivity
- Joint Issues
- Lower Urinary Tract Disorder (Bladder Stones)
Why Purchase Prescription Dog Food
Dogs with specific medical concerns need particular care; prescription dog food may assist manage and controlling the situation and veterinarian treatment. For example, if left untreated, a dog with diabetes mellitus, a condition characterized by a shortage of insulin or hormonal changes that limit the impact of insulin, may develop further issues (such as cataracts). In addition to insulin injections, a particular prescription dog food may be provided to decrease variations in blood glucose levels or to help in weight reduction for an obese diabetic dog.
Joint-challenged dogs may benefit from a prescription diet including omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants that preserve joint cartilage, decrease joint discomfort and inflammation, and promote joint health and mobility. In addition, dogs with bladder stones (the mineral crystals that develop in the urinary bladder) may benefit from prescription dog food that helps dissolve crystals and prevents their re-formation.
Price of Prescription Dog Food
Because a veterinarian must recommend prescription meals, they are often only available at veterinary clinics and animal hospitals. However, prescription diets are not much more costly than premium meals.
Even though your pet won’t mind if the kibble is mixed, supermarket brand pet meals often include additional water and coloring to make the food seem more appetizing, so dogs must consume more of it to get the necessary nutrients. Therefore, the cheaper products are not much more cost-effective in the long run and often cause your pet to produce far more waste!
Prescription dog chow is intended to aid in managing and controlling medical disorders in combination with veterinarian therapy. In addition to being beneficial for the animal’s health, these meals may reduce the likelihood that the animal will need surgery or problems, minimizing the possibility that the animal would incur additional medical expenses.
Prices may vary across clinics, but veterinarians supply pet food to customers as a service rather than to earn a profit. However, since rates vary, it is recommended to contact your local veterinarian clinic/s for a quote.
Therefore, if your dog has a medical issue, specially prepared prescription dog food is well worth the expense to help manage and control the sickness and improve his quality of life.