Does your beloved dog seem to be drinking more water than usual, panting constantly, or perhaps their coat looks a little thin? These might be subtle signs of Cushing’s disease, a common hormonal imbalance in older dogs. Finding the right diet for a dog with Cushing’s can feel like navigating a maze. Many owners worry about ingredients that might worsen symptoms, like high sugar or certain types of fat. It’s tough balancing your dog’s need for tasty food with the specific dietary restrictions this condition demands.
You want your furry friend to feel their best, but knowing which dog food truly supports their health is confusing. This guide cuts through the noise. We will break down exactly what nutrients matter most when managing canine Cushing’s. By the end of this post, you will have clear, actionable steps to choose foods that help manage symptoms effectively. Let’s dive into the best nutritional strategies to keep your dog comfortable and happy.
Top Dog Food For Cushings Recommendations
- 𝗔𝗗𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗕𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 – Prana Pets Adrenal Balance effectively aids in treating the common symptoms of Cushing’s in dogs. Simply administer the recommended drops into their mouth or add it to their wet or dry food daily.
- 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 – Because Adrenal Balance is comprised of tonic, adaptogenic herbs, it gently and safely helps support normal hormonal balance and helps a dog’s body adapt to stress.
- 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐇𝐏𝐀 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇 – Rather than just suppressing the symptoms of Cushing’s, our proprietary formula aids in restoring the entire HPA axis, while promoting enhanced energy levels and stamina, strong skin and coat, and a healthy appetite. This formula also helps alleviate excessive thirst and urination.
- 𝗣𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗔 𝗣𝗘𝗧𝗦 - Helps pets, and the people who love them, live their best lives through our holistic approach to health and wellness. Our best-in-class natural products and herbal remedies help alleviate common ailments in pets.
- 𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘 – All our products are made in the USA and tested by an independent, third-party lab. You can buy with confidence that our products are safe for your pet.
- 𝐂𝐔𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆’𝐒 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓 – Melatonin and lignans together help manage the symptoms of Cushing’s, such as excessive thirst, panting and urination. Get even better results when used with Prana Pets Adrenal Balance.
- HEALTHY CORTISOL LEVELS - Adjusted for more effective support in lowering cortisol levels, especially helpful for dogs with Cushing’s.
- NEW FORMULA - Improved Lignans and Melatonin Blend formula offers more precise dosing with new added benefits. Now with adjusted amounts of SDG lignans and melatonin for more accurate dosing.
- ADDED BIOTIN - Now includes biotin for healthier skin, coat and nails. Promotes a shiny coat, healthy skin and strong nails while helping to reduce hot spots and hair loss.
- LESS JUNK - No more artificial flavors, sorbitol and sucrose so you can worry less about what you are giving your beloved pooch. Non-GMO, Gluten & Soy Free.
- 100 percent complete and balanced adult dog food pouch
- Purina Moist and Meaty dog food made with real beef
- Moist dog food in individual pouches for quick, no-mess meals
- Stay-fresh soft dry dog food pouches preserve flavor and tender texture
- Unique soft and meaty beef dog food texture is a dog-pleasing choice you can feed them as a treat, meal or dog meal toppers
- Cushings Treatment For Dogs: Restore your pets endocrine balance without antibiotics. Our Аdrеnаl support supplements for dogs normalize the functioning of your pet’s аdrеnаl glands, stabilizing mood and promoting natural behavior.
- Аdrеnаl Balance For Dogs: Cushings syndrome occurs when your pet’s endocrine system is out of balance. The Ashwagandha, Licorice Root and Rhodiola Rosea combined with other herbs in our all-natural Cushings treatment for dogs work together to bring it back into harmony while optimizing your pet’s long-term health.
- Dog Cushings Supplement: The liquid nature of our dog Cushings treatment makes it a snap to serve to your pet, either by squirting it directly into the mouth or adding them to wet or dry food. Plus, even the pickiest animals will enjoy the taste and come back for more every day!
- Made Right Here: Our аdrеnаl support supplements for dogs are manufactured in the USA using ingredients specifically chosen by veterinary experts and specially grown in country as well. The result is a Cushings treatment for dogs that you can give your pet with confidence and peace of mind.
- TwoFurFinds Commitment: We’re all in the same boat; we want to ensure our pets live a long, happy life. That’s why we’re committed to making the best possible pet wellness products for our furry friends that you and your pet can rely upon day after day.
- Ferdinald, Roy (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 88 Pages - 06/03/2025 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
- Feed as a meal, snack or topper for 100 percent complete and balanced adult dog food nutrition
- Individual single-serve Purina moist and meaty dog food pouches for quick, mess-free serving
- Unique soft and tender meaty texture that comes in stay-fresh packaging keeps dog food soft and moist till the last bite
- This delicious soft dog food recipe is manufactured and tested for quality and safety in Purina-owned USA facilities
- This Purina moist and meaty dog food with real bacon is the result of Purina's more than 90 years of experience pushing pet nutrition forward
- 100 percent complete and balanced adult dog food pouch
- Purina Moist and Meaty dog food soft recipe made with real chicken
- Moist dog food in individual pouches for quick, no-mess meals
- Stay-fresh dog food pouches preserve flavor and tender real meat dog food texture
- Unique soft and meaty chicken dog food texture is a dog-pleasing choice you can feed them as a treat meal or dog meal toppers
- FOR SLIGHTLY OVERWEIGHT SMALL DOGS: Royal Canin Small Weight Care Adult Dry Dog Food is formulated for small dogs weighing 9-22 lb, that have a tendency to gain weight or need to lose a little bit of weight
- WEIGHT LOSS: 88% of slightly overweight dogs fed this dry food lost weight within two months
- HEALTHY METABOLISM: Provides L-carnitine to help with fat metabolism and adapted protein content to help maintain muscle mass while supporting an ideal body condition and healthy weight loss in dogs
- WEIGHT MANAGEMENT: An ideal fiber blend helps dogs feel full and helps limit additional weight gain
- MAINTAINS LEAN MUSCLE MASS: Delicious dog kibble formulated with the nutrition dogs, with a body condition score of up to 6/9, need to maintain a healthy weight
Finding the Best Dog Food for Cushing’s Disease: A Buyer’s Guide
Cushing’s disease, or hyperadrenocorticism, is a common condition in older dogs. It happens when a dog’s body makes too much cortisol. Good nutrition plays a big role in managing this illness. Choosing the right dog food can help your furry friend feel much better. This guide helps you pick the best food for your dog with Cushing’s.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for dog food for a dog with Cushing’s, certain features really matter. Look for foods that support overall health while managing the disease’s effects.
- Low Fat Content: Dogs with Cushing’s often have trouble processing fat. Look for foods that are naturally lower in fat. High fat can make other health issues worse.
- High-Quality Protein: Muscle wasting is common with Cushing’s. You need good protein to keep muscles strong. Choose foods with named meat sources (like chicken, beef, or fish) as the first ingredients.
- Digestible Carbohydrates: Some dogs with Cushing’s develop diabetes or weight gain. Easily digestible carbs help manage blood sugar levels. Look for ingredients like sweet potatoes or brown rice instead of too much corn or wheat.
- Antioxidants: Cortisol affects the body’s cells. Foods rich in antioxidants (like Vitamins E and C) help fight cell damage.
Important Ingredients and Materials
The quality of the ingredients makes a huge difference in how well the food works.
What to Seek Out:
Good dog foods use whole, identifiable ingredients. Look for lean protein sources. Fiber is also important for digestive health, which can sometimes be sensitive in these dogs.
What to Avoid or Limit:
Avoid foods with excessive amounts of fillers like corn or soy, especially if they are listed high up on the ingredient list. Also, strictly limit foods high in saturated fats. Too much sodium should also be avoided, as Cushing’s can affect blood pressure.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Food Quality
The way the food is made and balanced directly impacts its usefulness for a dog with Cushing’s.
Improving Quality:
Foods specifically formulated for endocrine health often include added nutrients that help the body cope. Supplements like Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish oil) can reduce inflammation. Nutrient density is key; you want every bite to count toward your dog’s health.
Reducing Quality:
Low-quality foods often use by-products instead of whole meats. These offer less usable nutrition. If the fat content is not clearly listed or seems very high, that food probably isn’t the right choice. Always check the guaranteed analysis panel.
User Experience and Use Cases
Owners report different results based on the food they choose. The main goal is to stabilize weight and improve energy levels.
Successful Use Cases:
Many owners see improvements when switching to a lower-fat, highly digestible diet. Dogs often gain back some lost muscle mass. Better skin and coat health are also commonly reported benefits. The food must be palatable, too; even the best food won’t help if your dog refuses to eat it.
When to Switch:
If your dog is lethargic, drinking excessively, or losing weight despite eating well, a diet change is a good step. Always talk to your veterinarian before making a big switch. They can guide you based on your dog’s specific blood work and overall health status.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dog Food for Cushing’s
Q: Does special food cure Cushing’s disease?
A: No. Special food helps manage the symptoms and supports your dog’s body while they take medication. It is not a cure.
Q: How much fat should the food have?
A: Generally, look for foods with less than 15% fat on a dry matter basis. Your vet can give you a precise target for your dog.
Q: Can my dog eat prescription diets?
A: Yes. Many veterinarians recommend prescription therapeutic diets made just for managing Cushing’s. These are often the best starting point.
Q: Why is high protein so important?
A: Cushing’s disease causes muscle breakdown. High-quality protein helps your dog maintain strong muscles and fight weakness.
Q: Should I worry about carbohydrates?
A: Yes. Some dogs with Cushing’s develop insulin resistance. Choosing complex, digestible carbs helps keep blood sugar more stable.
Q: How long does it take to see results from a new food?
A: You might start noticing small improvements in energy within a few weeks. Significant changes in body condition can take one to two months.
Q: Is grain-free better for dogs with Cushing’s?
A: Not necessarily. The quality of the carbohydrate matters more than whether it contains grain. Focus on digestibility.
Q: Can I feed my dog homemade food for Cushing’s?
A: You can, but it requires careful planning. You must work closely with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure all nutrient needs are met.
Q: What if my dog won’t eat the new, healthier food?
A: Try warming the food slightly or adding a small amount of low-sodium broth. If refusal continues, discuss a different, palatable option with your vet.
Q: Does the food need special supplements?
A: If you feed a high-quality commercial or prescription diet, extra supplementation is usually not needed. Always check with your vet before adding vitamins.