Best Commercial Dog Foods for Cushing’s Disease [Dry, Canned and Treats]

Cushing’s disease is a condition where too much cortisol is produced in the body.

The excess cortisol causes many problems — including a range of other conditions that your dog may suffer from.

This can cause a wide variety of symptoms, including weight gain, lethargy, increased thirst, and even vomiting and diarrhea.

If you think your dog might have this disease, there are many commercial foods on the market that can help.

We’ve researched over 30 different products and found that the best ones contain Omega 3 fatty acids which help to control cortisol production.

And, many of these foods also include probiotics to help balance the gut microbiome.

Here are our top picks for commercial dog foods for cushing’s disease.

Commercial Dog Foods For Cushing’s Disease

1. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Adult Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food
2. DIAMOND NATURALS Pet Food
3. SPORTMiX Wholesome Fish Meal and Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
4. The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Grain Free Clusters Dry Dog Food – Chicken

Canned Dog Food for Cushing’s Disease

1. Weruva Grain-Free Natural Canned Wet Dog
2. Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ High Protein Senior Dry Dog Food
3. Nulo Adult & Puppy Grain Free Canned Wet Dog Food

Dog Treats for Cushing Disease Dogs

1. Hill’s Prescription Diet Dog Treats, Veterinary Diet
2. Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Canine Treats

Review of the Best Dog Food For Cushing’s Disease

#1. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Adult Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food

It’s low in fat, high in protein and contains zero artificial preservatives and dyes. This recipe is also free of grain, gluten, wheat, soy, artificial colors, and preservatives. And, there are no eggs or dairy in it either. That is why it is considered as a good option for dogs suffering from Cushing’s disease.

#2. DIAMOND NATURALS Pet Food

This dog food recipe is ideal for dogs with hyperthyroidism or Cushing’s disease.

Hyperthyroidism is caused by excessive production of thyroid hormones. Cushing’s disease occurs when your dog suffers from too much cortisol.

These diseases can lead to a variety of issues, including a weak immune system and a weak digestive system. Because of this, your dog will have a harder time maintaining weight. This is where a dry dog food can help.

This product is formulated with real chicken protein and is grain-free. As a result, this food is not as hard to digest. Your dog will be able to feel the difference when they start eating. The probiotic blend added to this dog food recipe helps regulate gut flora and maintain proper digestion.

#3. SPORTMiX Wholesome Fish Meal and Rice Formula Dry Dog Food

This dog food has a special recipe made specifically for dogs suffering from Cushing’s disease. It’s a grain-free formula that doesn’t include any grains like corn and wheat. It is also free of any added sugar or artificial flavors. It is made of 100% natural ingredients like chicken and rice. It contains an abundance of nutrients that support the body’s immune system and help promote healthy bones. You will see a significant improvement in your dog’s overall health.

#4. The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Grain Free Whole Food Clusters Dry Dog Food – Chicken

This dog food is formulated with high-quality ingredients and offers a nutrient profile that is balanced for dogs with Cushing’s disease. It doesn’t contain any artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, or synthetic hormones. The main ingredients are chicken, which is a healthy source of protein, and fish, which is rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. It also contains flaxseed oil, chia seeds, and pumpkin seeds. These contribute to a healthy gut and support skin health.

You should see a difference in how your dog looks and feels within days of using this dog food.

Review of Canned Dog Food For Cushing’s Diseas

#1. Weruva Grain-Free Natural Canned Wet Dog

This dog food for Cushing’s disease is among the best products on the market.

Not only does it contain 100% chicken, but it is also a great source of vitamins and minerals. It doesn’t contain any artificial colors or preservatives. And, it doesn’t have any byproducts or fillers. So, this is one of the best dog foods for Cushing’s disease.

In fact, many Cushing’s disease dogs are able to eat this product without any issues. This is because it is free of grains and soy. However, there is still a chance of developing gastrointestinal upset if your dog is very sensitive.

If you want to give this recipe a try, make sure to give them adequate time to adapt. It is a wet food, which takes a little bit more time to digest than dry kibble. But once they get used to it, they will love its delicious flavor and nutritious content.

#2. Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ High Protein Senior Dry Dog Food

This dog food is perfect for dogs with Cushing’s disease or hypothyroidism. The ingredients in this recipe are selected because they can support a healthy thyroid function. The omega-3 fatty acids help to promote the health of the thyroid gland. This is why it is so important to feed this recipe for dogs suffering from hypothyroidism. It includes a rich source of protein to keep your dog feeling full and satisfied.

In addition, it is packed with a good amount of vitamins to help your dog fight off infections. You will find the folic acid, choline, biotin, and zinc that can contribute to a healthier immune system. This recipe also features a low amount of sugar and starch.

#3. Nulo Adult & Puppy Grain Free Canned Wet Dog Food

If you suspect your dog has Cushing’s disease, you will need to get to the bottom of this issue immediately. The disease causes excess cortisol and adrenal hormones to leak into the blood stream.

Fortunately, this issue can be treated, although not cured, by dog owners. If you want to avoid all these problems, you need to look for dog food recipes that do not have any soy in them.

This formula has no soy at all. That means your dog is getting a safe, healthy diet devoid of any additives. The recipe is formulated to help dogs with Cushing’s disease and includes ingredients like probiotics and vitamin C.

As a Cushing’s dog food, it will prevent your pet from gaining weight. It also helps control the excess cortisol and prevents all kinds of health issues.

Reviews of Dog Treats for Cushing Disease Dogs

1. Hill’s Prescription Diet Dog Treats, Veterinary Diet

If you own a Cushing’s dog, your dog has probably been fed this brand of dry dog food for years. It is well-loved by pet parents because it is convenient. With less than 10 ingredients, this formula contains no corn, wheat, or soy and is free of artificial additives, colors, and flavors. You can trust this recipe for a healthy diet.

It also has several different formulas and sizes for your dog’s specific needs. There is a prescription diet available to help manage the symptoms of Cushing’s disease.

#2. Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Canine Treats

This treats is best for dog breeds with Cushing’s disease. It is made with chicken and liver. Unlike other dog foods for Cushing’s disease, it contains no corn.

It also has a reduced level of calcium and phosphorus to avoid kidney stones. This dog food is free of artificial additives, hormones, and antibiotics.

Understanding Cushing’s Disease in Dogs (Canine Hyperadrenocorticism)

Sometimes called canine hyperadrenocorticism, this is a condition that causes a dog to have an abnormally high level of adrenal hormones. This can lead to obesity, lethargy, muscle wasting, skin problems, and bone deformities. It can also cause a dog to have an abnormal amount of blood glucose levels.

It’s not uncommon for this condition to occur in older dogs, as they age their adrenal glands start to fail. This is why it’s important for your dog to have regular check ups with their veterinarian.

 Cushing’s disease can be hard to diagnose, as symptoms are similar to those of other conditions, including heart disease, kidney disease, thyroid disease, and cancer.

This disease occurs when there is too much cortisol, which is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands and the pituitary gland. It is usually a result of a tumor or a benign growth on the adrenal gland.

Is There a Difference Between Cushing’s Disease and Cushing’s Syndrome?

Cushing’s disease (CD) and Cushing’s syndrome (CS) are both very rare conditions in dogs. CD is caused by an adrenal tumor that releases too much cortisol and CS is caused by an adrenal tumor that doesn’t release enough cortisol.

Dogs with Cushing’s disease or CS will experience many of the same symptoms as people with Cushing’s disease or CS including weight gain, muscle atrophy, and weakness.

Signs of Cushing’s Disease

Cushing’s disease is a condition where your dog develops symptoms of high cortisol levels in their body. This usually happens when they eat too much. The most common signs of the disease are:

• Increased appetite.
• Weight gain.
• Fatty deposits around the belly.
• Abnormal behavior and activity patterns.
• Difficulty walking.

Diagnosis of Cushing’s Disease

There are two forms of Cushing’s disease: canine (or idiopathic) and pituitary-dependent. The idiopathic form is the most common and is seen in older dogs that have reached an end stage in their lives.

The pituitary form is caused by a tumor on the pituitary gland which is more common in younger dogs. This is more likely to occur in middle aged dogs.

The two forms of Cushing’s disease can be distinguished through blood tests. The first is measuring a blood cortisol level. If a dog’s blood cortisol level is greater than 50 nmol/L, then they have hypercortisolemia.

Conventional Treatments

As mentioned above, the most common treatment for dogs with Cushing’s disease is a low dose of prednisone. Prednisone is an anti-inflammatory and immune suppressant. It is used to help reduce the swelling, inflammation, and other side effects associated with Cushing’s disease.

The most commonly prescribed dose is 30mg/day, and a typical dosage range is 10-30mg. The average dose is 20mg per day.

Prednisone is usually given once a day, and it’s very important that the dosage is not increased or decreased during the course of treatment.

If you notice your dog’s appetite or energy is decreasing after taking the medication, your veterinarian should be notified.

If your dog’s appetite is not improving or is decreasing, your veterinarian may recommend increasing the dosage.

Vet-Recommended Diet for Canine Cushing’s Disease

Cushing’s disease is an extremely rare condition that affects dogs and is the result of a pituitary gland tumor that is secreting excessive amounts of cortisol.

The most common symptom of Cushing’s disease is a dog that appears lethargic, depressed, and more likely to have a longer than normal ‘bark’ at times of stress.

Although the condition is relatively rare, Cushing’s disease is still very treatable and can be treated with surgery.

It’s important to get a dog with this condition diagnosed early as it’s very treatable and surgery to remove the tumor can be a success.

The following is a list of diets that are recommended by your veterinarian to help manage the symptoms of Cushing’s disease.

Note: These diets are only suitable for dogs that have been diagnosed with the condition. They are not suitable for treating dogs with the condition.

Diet 1: Proteins, vegetables, fruits

This diet is suitable for all dogs with Cushing’s disease. It’s a low fat, high protein diet that includes a variety of high quality, fresh foods such as meat, fish, eggs, poultry, dairy, and a range of fresh vegetables and fruit.

Can Dietary and Nutritional Therapy Cure Cushing’s?

Cushing’s disease is a condition where a dog has an abnormally high level of cortisol in their blood.

It can be caused by a variety of things including tumors, dietary issues, and lack of nutrition.

It affects older dogs more than younger ones, so if you see any symptoms, such as depression, excessive thirst and urination, muscle weakness and difficulty walking, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Cushing’s disease is treatable, but it’s important to remember that this is a chronic illness and a long-term plan of care is required.

Dietary and nutritional therapy is one of the most effective ways to help your dog manage their condition.

Nutrients that are commonly deficient in Cushing’s disease include zinc, phosphorus, copper, magnesium, selenium, iron, and omega 3 fatty acids.

Frequently Asked Question

Should I supplement Cushing’s disease diet?

Cushing’s disease is a pituitary gland tumor that can cause severe symptoms including obesity, bone loss, muscle wasting and diarrhea. The disease can be treated with surgery or medicine. Most dogs that have Cushing’s disease get better with treatment; however, some dogs don’t improve, and they need more aggressive treatment options.

Supplements play an important role in improving the health of pets that have Cushing’s disease. A recent study suggests that using a combination of natural supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and antioxidants can help to improve joint health and reduce joint inflammation.

Supplements also help improve blood sugar levels and can help with heart problems associated with Cushing’s disease. Some studies suggest that using probiotics and prebiotics can help improve intestinal function and reduce the severity of intestinal inflammation caused by Cushing’s disease.

How can I support my dog with Cushing’s disease?

Cushing’s disease is a chronic condition that affects the pituitary gland. It causes the adrenal glands to produce too much cortisol. This excess cortisol can cause weight gain, vomiting, diarrhea, and many other problems. There is no cure for Cushing’s disease. The only treatment is to control the excess cortisol production through medication.

What should dogs with Cushing’s disease not eat?

It is important for dogs with Cushing’s disease to avoid foods that contain high levels of phosphorus, such as bone meal, oyster shell, and whole egg. Dogs with Cushing’s disease may also benefit from a diet low in carbohydrates, especially starch. Dogs with Cushing’s disease can also benefit from supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and zinc.

Is there a natural cure for canine Cushing’s disease?

Yes, there is a natural cure for canine Cushing’s disease. It is called the Cushing’s disease diet. This is an excellent diet that has been around since the early 1990s. The diet is designed to be a natural remedy for Cushing’s disease. It is made from whole foods that are easy to digest. It is also low in carbs and high in protein. This is a very healthy diet that should be used as a permanent solution for your dog.

Does melatonin help dogs with Cushing’s disease?

Melatonin is a natural hormone that is produced by the pineal gland. It is the chemical that makes people feel sleepy at night. This hormone is often prescribed for sleep disorders. But melatonin has been shown to help dogs with Cushing’s disease. It helps to reduce the amount of cortisol that is being produced in the body. Cortisol is a hormone that causes inflammation. When it is too high, it can cause severe health problems. So melatonin is a great option for dogs who have Cushing’s disease. It can also be used to treat anxiety, sleep disorders, and depression. It is safe for dogs and humans.

Is shaking a symptom of Cushing’s disease in dogs?

Dogs with Cushing’s disease are known to shake their head from side to side. This is often referred to as “shaking head syndrome.” Some dogs with Cushing’s disease may also have a stiff back or difficulty standing.

What dog breeds are prone to Cushing’s syndrome?

There are several dog breeds that are prone to Cushing’s syndrome. Among them are the German Shepherd, Pekingese, Pomeranian, and Yorkshire Terrier. The most common signs of Cushing’s syndrome are high blood pressure, diabetes, weight gain, increased appetite, and lack of coordination.

What happens if Cushing’s disease is left untreated in dogs?

If Cushing’s disease is left untreated in dogs, it can lead to other health problems such as diabetes, arthritis, kidney failure, and even blindness. It can also make your dog very aggressive and can lead to a heart attack. Untreated Cushing’s disease in dogs can also lead to other health problems such as liver failure, pancreatitis, and increased blood pressure.

What are the final stages of Cushing’s syndrome in dogs?

In dogs, the symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome usually begin with a thin, wiry coat. Then, the dog starts to lose weight. Then, the dog will become very thirsty, and he or she will have to urinate more frequently. Finally, the dog will start to develop a potbelly. These are the final stages of Cushing’s syndrome in dogs.

How much water do dogs with Cushing’s disease need?

Dogs with Cushing’s disease require a lot of water. Their thirst increases throughout the day. You should make sure that your dog has plenty of water to drink. Cushing’s disease is a condition that causes the pituitary gland to produce too much cortisol. This causes your dog to gain weight and become lethargic. Your dog may also suffer from kidney failure or diabetes. It is important to have regular check ups and to monitor your dog’s weight.