boxer with heart condition

Question
I have a 9 year old boxer with enlarged heart.  He is still eating but doesn't eat much and I want to know what I can feed him that has lots of nutrients and calories in a small serving?  I will do whatever it takes, we now have to grind his food because he can't chew up solid food.

Answer
Hi Trelena,

Aww, I'm so sorry to hear about this.
Would you be interested in a home made diet? I can help if you want to work with me on this, or check my website at www.thepossiblecanine.com under Services. I would also suggest joining the yahoogroups as follows:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/caninehearthealth
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ThePossibleCanine-Nutrition
I own both these groups and we have a wealth of information at both, on diet for heart health and general nutrition support.

In general, I would suggest using a higher protein diet, with well cooked brown rice for carbohydrate, and sweet potato or acorn squash for potassium (well cooked). Emphasize turkey, beef heart, a little liver, fish, and be sure to include fatty fish like salmon and sardines. This is not a balanced diet at all, but it's a start. Your dog also needs vitamins and minerals supplemented to help ensure no deficiencies develop. Bvitamins and magnesium are extremely important for the heart.

You could also look inot a preium canned or dehydrated raw diet like The Honest Kitchen. The trick is to offer variety and still ensure optimal nutrition.

Fish oils, CoQ10, Vitmain E and L-taurine are important additions for the heart as well.
But much more detail at the groups.

I wish you all the best, I've been through this one myself.
Catherine