They tolerate more plant-based food. However, dogs also need high quality meat protein in their diet. Carnitine, an amino acid in meat, is especially important for dogs. Carnitine controls energy production inside mitochondria, the power plants of cells. Because of this, carnitine is an important nutrient for the heart and vascular system.
Studies show that carnitine can help heart function, and enhance energy production in dogs.
Carnitine deficiency can cause triglycerides to accumulate in cells. Don't forget to boost your dog's nutrition if he or she undergoes trauma, or a bout of illness. Vitamin E is especially important for the heart and immune response. A study from the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that dogs with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy don't have enough vitamin E, and that the lower the vitamin E levels, the more severe the disease. They concluded that free radicals play a major role in this condition.