Heart Disease In Cats: The Best Foods To Help

Heart disease is a common condition in cats, affecting 10-15% of the total cat population. While cats may exhibit symptoms such as sudden shortness of breath, apparent weakness, or a distended abdomen, the disease often shows no symptoms. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a specific type of heart disease, was once the most common heart disease in cats and was found to be caused by a deficiency of the amino acid taurine in their diet. Taurine is now added to commercial cat foods, and taurine-associated DCM has all but disappeared. However, cases of DCM still occur in cats fed vegetarian or home-cooked diets, and the FDA is currently investigating the potential link between certain diets and DCM in cats.

Taurine deficiency

Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats, which cannot be made by their bodies because they lack the necessary enzymes. It is naturally found in uncooked meat, which is a large part of wild cats' diets. Taurine is critical for normal vision, digestion, heart muscle function, a healthy immune system, and the maintenance of normal pregnancy and fetal development.

If left untreated, taurine deficiency can lead to permanent damage, including blindness and heart failure. However, if caught early enough, dilated cardiomyopathy caused by taurine deficiency may be reversible with dietary supplementation. Treatment of taurine deficiency in cats typically involves supplementation with taurine, which may be lifelong but is usually only needed for a few months until improvement is seen.

To prevent taurine deficiency, it is important to feed cats a diet with adequate sources of animal meat and by-products, as taurine is found in high quantities in animal protein. Commercially prepared cat foods approved by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) have included adequate amounts of taurine since 1987, making taurine deficiency less common.

Dilated cardiomyopathy

In cats, DCM was historically caused by a deficiency in taurine, an amino acid. Commercial cat food is now supplemented with taurine, so cases of DCM in cats are rare. However, DCM can still occur in cats fed non-commercial diets, such as vegetarian food, baby food, or home-cooked food. It can also be caused by a genetic mutation or be idiopathic, with no known cause.

The most noticeable symptom of DCM is severe respiratory distress due to pulmonary edema and/or pleural effusion. Other signs may include breathlessness, tiredness, ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen), and arrhythmia. DCM can be diagnosed through echocardiography, which will show a dilated left atrium and left ventricle, and decreased contractility.

The prognosis for cats with DCM is grave, with a median survival time of 2 weeks. However, if the DCM is caused by taurine deficiency, the condition is completely reversible with taurine supplementation.

If you suspect your cat is displaying any of the above symptoms, please consult your veterinarian for advice and treatment options.

Commercial cat food

When it comes to heart health in cats, it is important to ensure that their diet includes sufficient taurine, an amino acid-like molecule. Taurine deficiency has been linked to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a type of heart disease where the heart muscle stretches thin, hindering normal contractions. While this used to be a common issue, nutritional changes have been made to commercial cat food since the 1980s, and taurine-associated DCM has become rare. Still, it is important to ensure your cat's food contains enough taurine, especially if they are on a vegetarian diet, as plants contain little of this nutrient.

When choosing commercial cat food, look for options that are complete and balanced, containing all the essential nutrients in the correct proportions. The pet food label should include a nutritional adequacy statement from the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), indicating that the food has undergone feeding trials or has been formulated to meet the nutrient requirements for cats.

It is worth noting that, while rare, there have been some reports of heart disease in cats linked to certain pet foods, particularly grain-free diets. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received a small number of reports of DCM in cats on grain-free diets, which often use legumes like lentils and peas as a base ingredient. However, no therapeutic diets manufactured by major pet food companies have been associated with these cases.

In addition to taurine, there are other dietary considerations for cats with heart disease. For example, veterinarians recommend feeding cats with heart conditions a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid build-up and make it easier for their heart to work effectively. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil can also help reduce inflammation and muscle loss associated with congestive heart failure.

Vegetarian and home-prepared diets

Vegetarian and Home-Prepared Cat Food

Cats are obligate carnivores, and their diet should reflect their natural eating habits. While it is possible to feed cats a vegetarian or home-prepared diet, it is important to ensure that their nutritional requirements are met to maintain their health. Here are some guidelines and recipes for vegetarian and home-prepared cat food.

Vegetarian Cat Food

It is essential to understand that cats are obligate carnivores, and their digestive systems are designed to process meat. While it may be tempting to feed them a vegetarian diet for ethical or other reasons, it is crucial to ensure that their nutritional needs are met.

Plant-based diets for cats are controversial. Some people argue that cats can get their nutrients from various ingredient combinations, but there is limited research on cats' ability to digest and absorb nutrients from plant-based sources.

If you decide to feed your cat a vegetarian diet, it is vital to work closely with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure the diet is complete and balanced. Here are some general guidelines and a recipe to consider:

• Supplements: Cats require certain essential nutrients, such as taurine and arachidonic acid, which are typically found in animal-based proteins. Therefore, if you feed a vegetarian diet, you will need to supplement these nutrients.
• Protein Sources: When feeding a vegetarian diet, ensure you provide high-quality plant-based proteins like soy, legumes, and grains. These can include tofu, tempeh, quinoa, and beans.
• Variety: To ensure your cat gets a range of essential nutrients, offer a variety of plant-based proteins and ingredients.
• Digestibility: Keep in mind that cats may have difficulty digesting certain plant-based proteins, so consider cooking or processing them to improve digestibility.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup dry vegan cat food
• 1/4 cup warm soy or almond milk
• 3 tsp catnip

Directions:

• Put the cat food and dairy-free milk in a bowl and mix.
• Sprinkle with catnip and mix again.
• If your cat prefers a warm soup, warm it in the microwave or on the stove. This soup can be served warm or cold.

Home-Prepared Cat Food

Preparing cat food at home can be a rewarding experience, but it is crucial to ensure the diet is nutritionally complete and balanced. Here are some guidelines and recipes to help you get started:

• Work with a Veterinary Nutritionist: Creating a balanced home-prepared diet can be challenging, so it is best to work with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure your cat's specific nutritional needs are met.
• Use a Premix Supplement: Consider using a premix supplement, also known as a meal completer, to fill in any nutritional gaps in your homemade diet. These supplements are formulated to be mixed with fresh meat and provide essential nutrients.
• Variety of Ingredients: To ensure your cat receives a complete and balanced diet, offer a variety of animal-based proteins, organs, and other ingredients. This can include chicken, turkey, beef, fish, and organ meats like liver and heart.
• Safe Handling: When working with raw meat, practice safe food handling procedures. Clean and disinfect all surfaces and utensils that come into contact with raw meat. Wash your hands thoroughly, and do not allow your cat to lick your face after eating.

Turkey Breast and Sweet Potato Recipe (using Balance It® Carnivore Blend® premix):

Ingredients:

• 3 ⅜ oz. (96g) turkey breast, meat only, cooked
• 1 ⅝ tsp (7g) canola oil
• ⅖ ml (0.37g) Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet Liquid
• 5/16 cup (63g) sweet potato, baked
• ⅛ tsp (0.75g) iodized salt
• ¾ tsp (3.07g) Balance IT Carnivore Blend

Directions:

• Roast the turkey breast at 350℉ until it reaches an internal temperature of 165℉.
• Bake the sweet potato with the turkey until the flesh is tender.
• Scoop the flesh from the sweet potato and weigh out the desired portion.
• Finely chop the turkey breast and weigh the required amount.
• Combine the sweet potato and turkey in a mixing bowl.
• Add the supplements and stir well.
• Divide into desired meal portions, feeding one immediately and storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Cooked Meat Recipe (using EZComplete Fur Cats):

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. (907g) ground meat (turkey breast, chicken thigh, or pork loin)
• ½ cup (53.3g) EZComplete Fur Cats premix
• 1 ½ cups (12 oz.) water

Directions:

• Place the ground meat in a slow cooker and add ¼ cup of water per pound of meat.
• Cover the cooker and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours until the meat is cooked through.
• Let the meat cool, then shred or finely chop it into bite-sized pieces.
• Stir in the EZComplete premix until thoroughly mixed.
• Divide the mixture into individual portions, trying to distribute the cooking juices evenly.
• Refrigerate or freeze in airtight containers and feed as desired.

Raw Ground Rabbit Recipe (using Alnutrin for Meat & Bone):

Ingredients:

Boutique, grain-free diets

While the cause of DCM is unknown, genetics are believed to be a factor. Typically, large and giant dog breeds are affected, but the FDA has also received reports of smaller breeds developing DCM, suggesting that something other than genetics may be the cause.

The FDA's investigation found that the majority of the products linked with DCM were grain-free and contained legumes like peas and lentils. However, no definitive link between grain-free diets and DCM in dogs or cats has been established.

One theory is that grain-free diets may cause taurine deficiency, as taurine is an essential amino acid that helps maintain heart health. Cats are unable to produce their own taurine and must obtain it from their diet. While commercial cat foods typically contain sufficient amounts of taurine, some pet owners may feed their cats unbalanced diets that do not meet their nutritional needs.

It's important to note that not all grain-free diets are inherently bad, and some cats may benefit from them, especially if they have food allergies or sensitivities. However, it's always best to consult with a veterinarian to determine the most appropriate diet for your cat's individual needs.

Frequently asked questions