If you are giving L-Carnitine to prevent heart problems, 100-200 mg twice a day is sufficient. This means a large pit bull would be getting 4000 mg a day, which is unfortunately not inexpensive. While most of these double-blind studies involved humans, it is believed that L-Carnitine supplementation provides similar benefits when given to dogs.įree Form L-Carnitine – The therapeutic dose is 1000-2000 mg twice a day, best given on an empty stomach like all amino acid supplements. L-Carnitine – Carnitine deficiency has been linked to Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs, but even when carnitive levels are adequate, supplements have been shown to reduce symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) and increase survival times. If your pit bull has no heart problems and you are giving taurine for preventive reasons, you can cut the dose in half. Taurine is best given on an empty stomach and needs to be combined with vitamin B6–or, better yet, a B-Complex vitamin–to be assimilated effectively. Taurine Powder or Capsule – Give 500-750 mg twice a day. Moreover, some studies suggest that taurine supplementation may be beneficial in canine heart disease even when the dog is not taurine deficient. And since taurine is not considered an essential amino acid for dogs, commercial dog foods typically do not contain taurine supplements. Taurine – The connection between taurine deficiency and heart failure in cats is long established, but while dogs–unlike cats–are able to synthesize their own taurine, the ability to do so can be compromised in some dogs. There are three amino acids that are especially important for heart health. Can be combined with the pureed dandelion greens. However, more is not better when it comes to garlic due to the risk of Heinz body anemia and excessive blood thinning.įresh Garlic – One crushed clove of garlic a day (smaller cloves for smaller pit bulls, and larger cloves for larger dogs). Recent studies indicate that garlic is most effective when freshly crushed and eaten raw. Among them is the ability to improve cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure, improving circulation, and thinning the blood. Garlic – The impressive antioxidant profile and the many health benefits of garlic are well documented. Glycerine Tincture – 12-20 drops per 20 lbs of body weight twice a day. Infusion – 2 tsp per 10 lbs of body weight 2-3 times a day. Can be combined with other natural diuretics such as parsley and celery. Fresh dandelion leaves can be pureed in a food processor or juicer and added to your dog’s food.Īlternatively, an infusion can be made from dried dandelion leaf, and tinctures are also a good choice.įresh Dandelion Leaves – About 1/4 cup of dandelion leaf puree 1-2 times a day. It can also replenish the potassium that is typically lost when diuretics are given. Glycerine Tincture – 12-20 drops per 20 lbs pf body weight twice a day.ĭandelion Leaf – Dandelion is a natural diuretic that can rid the body off excess fluid, making it easier for the heart to pump and circulate blood. Infusion – 1 tbsp (3 tsp) per 20 lbs of body weight 3 times a day. Hawthorn can be given in capsules (look for a product that combines a standardized extract with whole ground berries), brewed into a medicinal tea (infusion), or purchased as a tincture (if you prefer to avoid alcoholic tinctures, Animals’ Apawthecary makes a glycerine tincture called Hawthorn Plus).Ĭapsules/Powdered Herb – About 100 mg (extract/whole herb combination) per 10 lbs of body weight given twice a day, so a 50 lb pit bull would receive 1000 mg a day. Since hawthorn can increase the effects of digitalis and similar drugs, it’s very important that you check with your vet before supplementing with hawthorn if your pit bull is taking any heart medications. In severe cases of CHF, patients taking hawthorn are often able to reduce their dosage of Digoxin. In Germany, hawthorn is officially recognized as a treatment for heart disease and is commonly prescribed in cases of mild to moderate Congestive Heart Failure. Hawthorn Berry – Hawthorn is an excellent heart tonic with dozens of studies backing up its ability to increase blood flow in the heart, enhance circulation to organs and muscles, lower blood pressure, normalize irregular heartbeats, alleviate difficult breathing, reduce fatigue, and improve exercise tolerance.

The following three are among the most effective. A number of herbs have the ability to improve heart function.

Taurine supplement for dogs