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7 Best Dog Foods for Heart Murmurs in 2026 – Top Picks & Reviews

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Using a stetoscope on a golden retriever

Chances are, if you are reading this review, your dog has recently been diagnosed with a heart murmur, and you need to put him on a proper heart-healthy diet. Well, you’ve come to the right place. Along with the suggestions from a vet, the information in this article was compiled to help you choose the right food for your dog and his heart.

Wet food, dry food, grain-free, low sodium, omega-3, high protein…where does it end, and where do you start? While you should always seek the advice of a vet, if your dog is finicky (he would rather pee on it than eat it) and your budget is tight, having other options is essential to getting your dog tasty, heart-healthy food that won’t put you in the poor house.

After carefully comparing nutritional information, ingredients and value, here are our top seven reviews of dog food for heart murmurs.

Disclaimer: The foods reviewed here were chosen because they have certain characteristics that might help with some of the causes or consequences of this medical condition. However, they are not a medical treatment or a substitute for medical treatment. Keep in mind that each medical case is different and what works for some pets may not work for others. A veterinarian is the right person to advise you on the best diet for your pet’s individual case.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2026

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Subscription The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Subscription
  • Made with human-grade meat and vegetables
  • Developed by veterinary nutritionists
  • No fillers or preservatives
  • Budget Buy
    Second place
    Earthborn Holistic Venture Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food Earthborn Holistic Venture Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
  • Greats for dogs with sensitivities
  • More affordable than prescription diet dog food
  • Contains Taurine for a healthy heart
  • Third place
    Royal Canin Adult Early Cardiac Royal Canin Adult Early Cardiac
  • Moderate sodium
  • Omega-3 fatty acids for healthy heart function
  • Contains carnitine, taurine, and arginine for heart health
  • Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Chicken Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Chicken
  • Contains high-quality fish oil
  • Antioxidant and vitamin C and E for immune system support
  • Quality protein for growth of lean muscle
  • Hill’s Prescription Diet Heart Care Hill’s Prescription Diet Heart Care
  • Pea-free with grain
  • Available in wet and dry
  • Low sodium
  • The 7 Best Dog Foods for Heart Murmurs

    1. The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Subscription – Best Overall

    The Farmer's Dog

    Main ingredients: Chicken, Brussels sprouts, chicken liver, bok choy, broccoli
    Protein content: 46%
    Fat content: 34%
    Calories: 590/lb

    The Farmer’s Dog Chicken Recipe is the best overall dog food for dogs with heart murmurs. It is made with clean, nutritious ingredients that can be eaten by humans and allows pet owners to give their pets fresh foods without all the guesswork and hassle of preparing the meals themselves. The tasty, pre-portioned meal options are personalized to your pet’s specific weight and age and are delivered right to your door. The Farmer’s Dog Chicken Recipe contains vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts and nutrients including fish oil and amino acids for a balanced diet.

    With other flavor choices available including, beef, turkey, or pork, you are sure to find one to your dog’s liking. We chose the chicken recipe since it does not contain legumes and may be a better option for dogs with heart murmurs.

    The veterinary nutritionists who developed The Farmer’s Dog ensure that the meals exceed the standards of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and are cooked in kitchens that are inspected by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

    While The Farmer’s Dog meals can be on the costly side, it may be the more affordable option when you consider that a healthier diet can reduce the number of trips to the vet and may be more affordable than a premium dog food or prescription diet for your pet’s specific health issues.

    Pros
    • Made with human-grade meat and vegetables
    • Developed by veterinary nutritionists
    • No fillers or preservatives
    • Contains vitamins and fish oil
    • Pre-portioned meals for your dog’s individual age, weight, breed, and level of activity
    Cons
    • Can be pricey, especially with larger dogs
    • Freezer or refrigerator space needed

    2. Earthborn Holistic Limited Ingredient Turkey Meal & Pumpkin Dry Dog Food – Budget Buy

    Earthborn Holistic Venture Limited Ingredient Turkey Meal & Pumpkin Grain-Free Dry Dog Food 1

    Main ingredients: Turkey meal, pumpkin, butternut squash, tapioca, sunflower oil, flaxseed
    Protein content: 25%
    Fat content: 13%
    Calories: 345/kcup

    Earthborn Holistic Venture Turkey Meal & Pumpkin limited ingredient dog food is crafted for dogs with allergies and skin sensitivities and made with high-quality turkey meal. In addition to added essential vitamins and minerals, probiotics contribute to optimal overall health. Taurine is added for heart health. Made without grain, gluten, eggs, colorants, fillers, by-products, or artificial flavors, this adult dog food recipe is everything you want, nothing you don’t.

    Pros
    • Greats for dogs with sensitivities
    • More affordable than prescription diet dog food
    • Contains Taurine for a healthy heart
    • Limited ingredients
    Cons
    • Crude protein content is low

    3. Royal Canin Early Cardiac Dry Dog Food

    Royal Canin Early Cardiac Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Brewer’s rice, chicken fat, chicken meal, soy protein
    Protein content: 21.5%
    Fat content: minimum of 13.5%
    Calories: 290/cup

    A review of Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Early Cardiac Dry Food found that it is made with high-quality animal protein for easy absorption and digestion. It contains omega-3 fatty acids to help with inflammation, low sodium to control blood pressure, and essential nutrients for heart health.

    This vet-prescribed diet is pea-free and meets AAFCO standards. This is a costly prescription diet considering it does not contain a whole-food, quality protein as the first ingredient. It also requires a prescription from your vet, so you can’t simply pop into the local pet supply store to purchase it in a pinch.

    Pros
    • Moderate sodium
    • Omega-3 fatty acids for healthy heart function
    • Contains carnitine, taurine, and arginine for heart health
    Cons
    • A bit pricey
    • Protein isn’t the first ingredient
    • Prescription-only

    4. Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Food

    Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Chicken, brown rice, whole grain oats, cracked pearled barley, chicken meal
    Protein content: 24.5%
    Fat content: 16.5% min
    Calories: 434/cup

    If you have a puppy with a heart murmur, take a look at Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Chicken Meal and Barley. This is a diet that requires a prescription from your vet. It provides the proper nutrition for puppies up to 1 year old. The chicken meal and barley recipe contain wholesome ingredients to support brain health and skeletal and eye development and is balanced to provide all the nourishment your puppy needs. The tasty recipe has natural ingredients for easy digestion and does not contain any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

    This is an excellent option for your puppy’s development, especially with a heart murmur, but keep in mind that you will need a prescription from your vet to purchase it. You also can’t simply go to the store if you’re running low.

    Pros
    • Contains high-quality fish oil
    • Antioxidants and vitamins C and E for immune system support
    • Quality protein for growth of lean muscle
    • Promotes strong teeth and bones
    Cons
    • A bit costly
    • Requires a prescription

    5. Hill’s Prescription Diet Heart Care Dry Dog Food

    Hill’s Prescription Diet Heart Care Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Whole grain corn, pork fat, soy protein, chicken by-product meal, chicken liver flavor
    Protein content: 14.5%
    Fat content: 16.5%
    Calories: 410/cup

    This is a prescription diet that is specially formulated to support heart health for your dog. Heart care with chicken canned food is a great option for older dogs with difficulty chewing the dry food or smaller dogs that find the kibble too big. The reduced sodium helps normalize blood pressure and reduce fluid retention.

    The food replaces nutrients like magnesium and potassium that may be lost from taking necessary medications. As with any health concerns, check with your vet before feeding your dog a specialized diet. Like other foods on this list, this formula requires a prescription.

    Pros
    • Pea-free with grain
    • Available in wet and dry
    • Low sodium
    • High levels of taurine and L-carnitine for heart health
    Cons
    • Kibble a bit large for some breeds
    • Requires a prescription
    • Less than 15% protein

    6. Taste of the Wild Ancient Prairie Dry Dog Food

    Taste of the Wild Ancient Prairie Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Water buffalo, pork, chicken meal, grain sorghum, millet
    Protein content: 32%
    Fat content: 18%
    Calories: 445/cup

    For cardiac support, Taste of the Wild Ancient Prairie contains high-quality nutrition for your dog. The primary proteins are bison and venison, which are lean and full of flavor. The review found that owners saw an improvement in skin and coat and their dogs enjoyed the flavor. It does not contain any wheat, corn, filler, or artificial colors or flavors, and it is preservative-free. The ingredients are easy to digest and full of antioxidants for a healthy functioning heart.

    With this food, owners praised its price and reported healthier-looking stools and a softer coat for their dogs. Some owners said that their dogs with allergies did better on this food as well. Unfortunately, others said that their dogs had bad gas from the food, and some said their dogs didn’t like the taste.

    Pros
    • Owners reported healthier-looking stool
    • Healthier looking and softer coat
    • Owners found the food to affordably priced for the quality of the food
    • Dogs experienced relief from allergy related skin issues
    Cons
    • Some owners reported their dogs had excessive gas
    • Some dogs don’t like the taste

    7. The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Dehydrated Dog Food

    The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Dehydrated Dog Food

     * Use Code 50DOGSTER to SAVE 50% On Your First Order of $30+

    Main ingredients: Dehydrated turkey, organic oats, dehydrated potatoes, organic flaxseed. Dehydrated carrots, dehydrated cabbage
    Protein content: 22%
    Fat content: 15%
    Calories: 207/cup

    The Honest Kitchen is a complete and balanced dog food that is good for all breeds and all sizes including senior dogs. The human-grade food can be served as a meal (just add hot water) or as a topper to dry food. The food is made with ingredients like organic oats, cabbage, cage-free turkey, and apples and is dehydrated for easy digestion and to retain the nutrients.

    It does not contain any fillers, by-products, preservatives, GMO ingredients, corn, soy, or wheat. It is an all-natural dog food that is made in the USA. This food may be expensive for those on a budget, however, and it takes some work to prepare.

    Pros
    • It contains kelp and flaxseed for heart health
    • Human grade
    • No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
    • No feed-grade by-products or fillers
    • No GMO ingredients
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Takes work to prepare

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    Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Dog Food for Heart Murmurs

    It is not easy to make important decisions on what food to feed your pet with a heart murmur. The information can be confusing and overwhelming.

    A heart murmur is an abnormal heart sound. The seriousness can be one (least serious) to six (most serious) and classified as physiologic (genetic) or pathologic, resulting from a pre-existing condition in the structure of the heart.

    Physiologic Heart Murmurs

    Physiologic heart murmurs are not considered a health risk when detected in puppies. Though it may not always be the case, it is not unusual for the heart murmur to disappear with age, and they don’t require treatment.

    Pathologic Heart Murmurs

    Pathologic heart murmurs, on the other hand, can indicate an underlying heart issue and a vet may run tests to diagnose and treat any conditions that may be affecting your dog’s heart. In addition to medication, a veterinarian may put your dog on a special diet to ensure heart health.

    When choosing a heart-healthy food for your dog, you should look for a diet low in sodium that contains lean meat-based protein, fatty acids from fish oil and chicken fat, fruits, and vegetables. It should contain supplements like glucosamine and foods rich in vitamin A, C and E, and contain minerals like taurine, and L-carnitine.

    Dogs with heart murmurs may have a poor appetite, so it is important to make sure they maintain a healthy weight. As we know, unhealthy foods are the most flavorful so finding a dog food that entices your dog to eat, and contains healthy ingredients, is not an easy task.

    As with anything concerning your pet’s health, you should always seek the advice of a vet.

    If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's our online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

    PangoVet_Mention-in-Content Savings V1

    Our Selection Process For Dog Foods for Heart Murmurs

    To create this buyer’s guide, our writing team and editorial staff checked customer reviews, brand reputation, and veterinary approval ratings to present the dog foods we think should be highlighted for our readers. In some cases, we conducted hands-on testing along with seeing how much our dogs liked the dog foods. All these factors were considered when selecting these listed dog foods to help you make the best purchase for your furry friends.

    Why Trust Dogster?

    Since 2004, Dogster has been a trusted brand for dog owners online, which means we have a lot of experience with dog foods. We take pride in promoting the well-being of all dogs—from toy breeds to giant canines. Our in-house veterinarians, writers, and editors examine each product on our lists, ensuring its quality and reputation. As pet owners ourselves, we only want the best for our furry companions. At Dogster, we are transparent about the products we promote. The nutritional information, overall brand reputation, and customer reviews are all considered for these lists. We inform you how we want to be informed.

    divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

    In Conclusion

    For dogs with a heart murmur, our best overall pick is The Farmer’s Dog so you can watch your dog scarf down his food as though you were not feeding him a heart-healthy diet. If prescription diets and food subscriptions are not within your budget, we have chosen Earthborn Holistic Venture Turkey Meal & Pumpkin for the best value, which has proper nutrition for heart health.

    We hope this detailed list of reviews, pros, and cons helps you find the right dog food for your family!

    Sources

    Featured Image Credit: Tatyana Vic, Shutterstock

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