Diet for Dogs with Cushing's Disease
Updated: Aug 14
Part of caring for a dog with Cushing’s disease is feeding a healthy diet. In addition to improving overall well-being, appropriate nutrition can support organ function and go a long way toward preventing complications from the disease. This article discusses general nutritional guidelines that may benefit a dog with Cushing’s disease. As always, the content provided is for informational purposes only and does not replace the advice or diagnosis of a veterinary professional.
Fat
While dogs need fat for energy and other important functions, too much fat can be harmful, particularly for those with Cushing’s disease. Many dogs with this disease have altered fat metabolism, which means that cholesterol and triglycerides accumulate in the bloodstream, rather than being cleared from the body. As a result, they are more prone to complications such as pancreatitis, enlarged liver, and gallbladder mucocele. Gallbladder mucocele is a buildup of thick mucus in the gallbladder and can be a life-threatening emergency.
To manage blood fat levels and ease stress on the pancreas, gallbladder, and other organs, veterinarians typically recommend a lower fat diet. Unless your pet has a medical need for high fat, try to avoid dog foods that are more than 15 percent fat on a dry matter basis. To convert your pet’s food to a dry matter basis, you can use this calculator. The result will tell you the nutrient content of the food once the water has been removed.
Last, but not least, avoid feeding fatty cuts of meat, greasy foods, and other high fat treats and table scraps. High fat foods include bacon, bacon grease, turkey or chicken skin, ice cream, and butter.
Fiber
Fiber rich foods should be at the top of the grocery list for dogs with Cushing’s disease. Among other things, fiber can improve digestion and keep them feeling full for longer. A feeling of fullness is important for dogs with increased appetite due to Cushing’s disease. Further, studies show that soluble fiber helps stabilize blood sugar levels in diabetics and is effective at reducing cholesterol.
Good sources of fiber include sweet potatoes, broccoli, ground flaxseed, pumpkin, and whole grains like oatmeal. You can also increase your dog’s fiber intake with fresh fruits such as pears and apples but remember to remove the seeds and core to avoid cyanide ingestion and choking hazards.
Protein
The amount of protein that dogs should consume depends on their individual needs. Your veterinarian can help you determine the ideal protein intake for your specific pet.
For example, if your dog has proteinuria due to Cushing’s disease, you may need to reduce dietary protein. Proteinuria harms kidneys by causing increased workload, tissue damage, and inflammation. Reducing protein in the diet can ease strain on the kidneys and slow damage progression.
If your dog is experiencing muscle loss, more dietary protein may be needed to build and maintain muscles. Protein builds muscle in dogs by providing amino acids, which help to repair damaged tissue.
Probiotics
All dogs can benefit from probiotics. These are foods or supplements containing live microorganisms, usually in the form of bacteria or yeast, that support health. Probiotics are most well known for their positive effects on the gastrointestinal tract and potential to alleviate digestive issues.
More recently, it’s been found that, in addition to supporting gut health, probiotics can boost the immune system. Since about 70 percent of a dog’s immune system is contained in the gastrointestinal tract, keeping the digestive system healthy through probiotics can also improve immune function.
One of the most exciting things about probiotics is their potential benefit for urinary and kidney health. There’s evidence that some probiotic strains can reduce toxins that damage kidneys and slow the progression of chronic kidney disease. Probiotic products specifically formulated for the kidneys include Nephryodyl and Azodyl.
Purines
If you search the internet, you might find articles that tell you not to feed purines, including organ meat and seafood, to dogs with Cushing’s disease. This advice all appears to come from a single source, the third edition of Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, published in 1987. Newer editions of the book have no references to purines and there is generally no reason to restrict purines for dogs with Cushing’s disease. A low purine diet is usually only recommended for dogs with a history of uric acid stones.
Feeding schedule
Ravenous hunger is a common symptom of Cushing’s disease. If you have a dog with a bottomless appetite, try feeding smaller, more frequent meals (for example, four small meals instead of two big ones). Feeding this way can give your dog a consistent sense of fullness and reduce food-seeking behavior.
References
Hyperlipidemia, by VCA Animal Hospitals
Biliary Mucocele is a Surgical Emergency in Dogs, by Wendy Brooks, DVM
Nutritional Factors Related to Canine Gallbladder Diseases. Teixeira FA, Aicher KM, Duarte R. Vet Sci. 2024 Dec 28.
How Fiber Helps Control Blood Sugar in Diabetic Dogs, by Stevenson Village Veterinary Hospital
The Power of Probiotics, by Cornell Riney Canine Health Center
Choosing Food for Your Senior Dog, by Cornell Riney Canine Health Center