Imagine discovering that your dog’s constant thirst, potbelly, or thinning coat isn’t just “old age” — it’s a hormonal imbalance quietly reshaping their body from the inside out. That’s the reality for dogs with Cushing’s disease, a condition that demands more than just medication — it requires a complete dietary rethink. The right food can help manage cortisol levels, protect the liver, and keep energy steady — while the wrong diet can make symptoms spiral out of control. In this guide, we’ll break down what truly makes a dog food suitable for Cushing’s disease, highlight the best vet-approved options, and show you how small nutritional changes can make a life-changing difference for your dog’s comfort, energy, and longevity.
Dietary Recommendations for Dogs with Cushing’s Disease
Cushing’s disease (canine hypercortisolism) leads to metabolic issues such as obesity, muscle loss, and bone demineralization. While no commercial dog food is universally established as “best,” the latest research suggests that nutritional management should focus on supporting muscle and bone health and minimizing metabolic complications.
Dietary Feature
Rationale for Cushing’s Disease
Low sodium
Reduces risk of hypertension and fluid retention
High protein
Helps prevent muscle wasting
High calcium
Supports bone health, counteracting demineralization
Controlled calories
Aids in weight management, as obesity is common
Balanced macronutrients
Avoids excessive carbohydrates, which may worsen metabolic issues
Fiber/prebiotics
Supports gut health, which may be compromised
Table data sources:[1],[2]
Evidence and Limitations
No specific commercial dog food has been clinically proven to be superior for Cushing’s disease.[3],[4]
A very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) may improve metabolic comorbidities in hypercortisolism, but its effects in dogs with Cushing’s disease have not been directly studied and require further research.[1]
General recommendations include low-sodium, high-protein, and high-calcium diets to address muscle and bone loss.
Fiber and prebiotic supplementation are well tolerated and may support gut health, but are not specific to Cushing’s disease.
Always consult your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet. You can get personalized nutritional advice from an online registered vet nutritionist through Vetster anytime, anywhere, to ensure your dog’s diet supports hormone balance and overall health. You can also chat with an online vet to discuss symptoms like increased thirst, appetite, or weight gain and get tailored feeding advice. Additionally, an at-home dog gut health test can reveal how Cushing’s may be affecting your dog’s digestion and nutrient absorption, while an at-home dog allergy test can help identify ingredients that may cause inflammation or stress the immune system. These insights empower you to choose the right diet and care plan to help your dog manage Cushing’s disease more effectively.
Best Dog Foods for Cushing’s Disease
Here are the best dog foods for Cushing’s disease this year.
Best Overall Dog Food for Cushing’s Disease
4.9
★★★★★
The Farmer’s Dog
Who It’s For: Dog owners who want the most nutrient-rich diet that supports hormone regulation, healthy weight, and overall vitality in dogs with Cushing’s disease.
Why we recommended it:The Farmer’s Dog Chicken Recipe offers a balanced, vet-formulated blend of fresh chicken, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and chickpeas—ingredients selected to support lean muscle and healthy metabolism. The food is gently cooked at low temperatures to preserve nutrients that help stabilize cortisol levels, crucial for managing Cushing’s symptoms. We like that it’s prepared in USDA-certified kitchens and shipped frozen for freshness, ensuring nutrient integrity. Its moisture-rich formula supports hydration, while natural fiber from vegetables helps regulate digestion and blood sugar. Because it’s customized based on your dog’s age, weight, and activity level, it helps maintain optimal body condition—something dogs with endocrine disorders often struggle with. Plus, there are no artificial additives or starchy fillers that could worsen hormonal stress.
What sets it apart from competitors: The Farmer’s Dog delivers personalized, human-grade meals that arrive pre-portioned for your dog’s unique needs. Its formulation transparency—every ingredient is recognizable and traceable—builds trust and makes it one of the cleanest options available. The freshness and simplicity of its recipes make it an exceptional choice for managing chronic conditions like Cushing’s through diet.
Who It’s For: Dog owners who prefer a convenient, crunchy kibble option that delivers steady energy and supports adrenal health in dogs managing Cushing’s disease.
Why we recommended it:A Pup Above Gently Air Dried Dog Food offers features human-grade USDA beef, bone broth, and non-GMO vegetables—ingredients that help support muscle tone, hydration, and antioxidant defense, all key for dogs managing cortisol imbalance. We like that it’s tested for pathogens and made in a USDA-inspected facility, ensuring food safety. With no artificial preservatives, corn, or soy, it avoids ingredients that may contribute to inflammation. Its slow air-drying method keeps nutrients intact while producing a shelf-stable, crunchy texture dogs love. It’s also backed by a transparency promise, showing sourcing and cooking data through its “Bark Code” traceability system.
What sets it apart from competitors: The use of sous-vide cooking before air drying is a distinctive method that better preserves amino acids, micronutrients, flavor and vitamins than extrusion, which is common in kibble manufacturing.
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Who It’s For: Dog owners whose pets require a medical-grade formula designed to manage more severe Cushing Disease’s symptoms, balance cortisol levels, and support long-term health.
Why we recommended it:Hill’s Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome Digestive/Fiber Care contains Hill’s proprietary ActivBiome+ technology—a blend of prebiotics that actively nourish beneficial gut bacteria to support stool quality and nutrient absorption. We like that its high-fiber formula helps regulate digestion while maintaining healthy blood sugar balance—important for dogs with Cushing’s. The recipe includes chicken, oats, and beet pulp for digestible protein and soluble fiber, while omega-3–rich fish oil supports anti-inflammatory response. It’s clinically proven to reduce recurrence of digestive upsets in as little as 24 hours, making it one of the few diets shown to rapidly restore microbiome stability.
What sets it apart from competitors: Uses microbiome-targeted nutrition to influence gut flora directly, supporting overall immune and metabolic balance—key in Cushing’s management. The brand’s clinical testing and consistent veterinary endorsement also make it a reliable choice for chronic gastrointestinal and endocrine conditions.
Best Wet Dog Food for Cushing’s Disease
4.5
★★★★★
Forza10
Who It’s For: Ideal for dogs that need extra hydration or have dental issues, offering a soft, palatable meal that supports energy balance and gentle digestion.
Why we recommended it:The Forza10 Kidney Care Dog Food offers a vet-formulated recipe with lamb and rice as easily digestible ingredients, ideal for dogs requiring gentle nutrition. We like that it’s crafted in Italy using clean, limited ingredients and is free from artificial preservatives, GMOs, and antibiotics. The recipe contains anti-inflammatory plant extracts like cranberry, dandelion, and clover to support kidney and liver detoxification—two organs often affected by Cushing’s-related cortisol excess. Its moisture-rich wet format supports hydration, and its low phosphorus and reduced protein levels make it safer for long-term renal and endocrine health management.
What sets it apart from competitors: Forza10 emphasizes holistic, natural extracts clinically studied to support renal function. It’s also made in a European facility under pharmaceutical-grade standards, offering uncommon ingredient transparency for a therapeutic diet.
Best Dog Food for Cushing’s Disease & Obesity
4.7
★★★★★
Open Farm
Who It’s For: Dog owners seeking a weight-management formula that helps regulate cortisol, promote lean muscle, and maintain a healthy body condition.
Why we recommended it: The Open Farm Chicken & Whitefish Healthy Weight Dog Kibble offers a nutrient-dense yet calorie-conscious formula made with humanely raised chicken, wild-caught whitefish, and non-GMO vegetables. We like that it uses lentils, chickpeas, and pumpkin to provide natural fiber for satiety and blood sugar regulation—key for dogs managing cortisol imbalance. The food also includes coconut oil and salmon oil for omega-3 support, helping reduce inflammation linked to Cushing’s. Its nutrient profile supports lean muscle retention while maintaining a balanced calorie load. Additionally, every ingredient is traceable through Open Farm’s transparency program, which is rare among dry foods.
What sets it apart from competitors: Commitment to ethical sourcing—animal welfare certified meats and Ocean Wise-certified sustainable seafood. They emphasize ingredient transparency, providing detailed geographic origin and safety testing results for every ingredient batch.
Who It’s For: Great for dog owners who value raw nutrition in a shelf-stable form—easy to serve, minimally processed, and rich in antioxidants for endocrine support.
Why we recommended it:We Feed Raw Freeze-Dried Raw Recipes feature 85% grass-fed muscle and organ meats blended with 15% non-GMO fruits and vegetables, delivering complete, balanced nutrition without grains or synthetic fillers. We like that it supports endocrine balance by emphasizing whole-animal nutrition—vital for Cushing’s dogs whose hormone imbalance often leads to muscle loss and oxidative stress. The formula provides essential omega-3 fatty acids and phytonutrients for anti-inflammatory support and immune health. It’s AAFCO-formulated, made in USDA-certified facilities, and gently freeze-dried to preserve enzymes, probiotics, and nutrient bioavailability while removing pathogens.
What sets it apart from competitors: Unlike many freeze-dried diets that include high-glycemic starches or pea protein, We Feed Raw relies entirely on whole-prey ingredients and humanely raised meats. Its nutrient profile mirrors fresh raw food but stores easily, offering an excellent middle ground between fresh raw and kibble for hormone-sensitive dogs.
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Best Raw Dog Food for Cushing’s Disease
4.6
★★★★★
Maev
Who It’s For: Dog owners who want to feed biologically appropriate, fresh raw meals that enhance digestion, immunity, and overall hormonal balance naturally.
Why we recommended it:Maev Human-Grade Raw Food contains USDA-certified lean proteins such as beef, chicken, and organ meats combined with fresh vegetables, fruits, and personalized supplements to deliver complete and balanced nutrition. The freeze-frozen form preserves vitamins, minerals, and moisture, which aids digestion and hydration—important for dogs with Cushing’s who may be prone to dehydration and gastrointestinal trouble. The formula emphasizes whole-food nutrition that mirrors what dogs evolved to eat, helping reduce inflammation and maintain muscle mass. We appreciate how Maev includes functional ingredients like probiotics and superfoods, offering benefits for digestion, immunity, and coat health.
What sets it apart from competitors: Unlike most raw diets that require thawing or manual portioning, Maev’s pre-cubed frozen design is scoopable straight from the freezer. It combines human-grade transparency with clinically targeted nutrients (MaevMulti™ supplement blend) and visible, whole ingredients—offering both convenience and credibility rarely found in raw pet foods.
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Best Grain-Free Dog Food for Cushing’s Disease
4.6
★★★★★
VICTOR
Who It’s For: Ideal for dogs with grain sensitivities who need a low-carb, high-protein diet to support metabolism, adrenal function, and steady energy.
Why we recommended it: The VICTOR Grain-Free Yukon River Canine features fish-based protein sources—including menhaden fish meal and dehydrated salmon—as the primary ingredients, which brings essential omega-3s and amino acids beneficial for dogs dealing with endocrine stress and inflammation. The grain-free format makes it easier to avoid potential glycemic spikes from grains, which is ideal for dogs whose cortisol excess may impact glucose regulation. Also, the brand states the formula is fortified with the VPRO Blend — a mix of probiotics, chelated minerals and essential fatty acids — which aligns with the need for gut, immune and metabolic support in hormone-driven conditions.
What sets it apart from competitors: Keeps grains out and emphasizes fish protein and digestibility via its VPRO system. Its “all life stages” certification gives flexibility across adult, senior or large-breed dogs without needing multiple formulas. It’s crafted with ingredients sourced mainly within a day’s drive of the Texas manufacturing facility, ensuring freshness and quality control.
Best Budget-Friendly Dog Food for Cushing’s Disease
4.7
★★★★★
Hill’s
Who It’s For: Dog owners looking for affordable yet high-quality nutrition that supports hormonal health without sacrificing essential nutrients or flavor.
Why we recommended it:Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight Dry Dog Food features lean protein from chicken and balanced fiber sources like barley, brown rice, and pea fiber to promote satiety and healthy digestion. We like that it provides clinically proven weight management results—over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks in controlled trials. For dogs with Cushing’s, where managing calorie intake and supporting lean mass are key, the inclusion of L-carnitine aids fat metabolism, while antioxidants and vitamins C and E support immune resilience.
What sets it apart from competitors: Delivers clinical results backed by veterinarians. It maintains Hill’s quality standards—tested for purity, safety, and nutrient accuracy—while staying affordable compared to prescription formulas. Its balanced nutrition profile is designed for gradual, safe weight loss, making it a smart everyday option for Cushing’s dogs.
Best Dog Food for Dogs With Cushing’s Disease & Sensitive Stomachs
4.5
★★★★★
Nutro
Who It’s For: Great for dogs that need a gentle, easily digestible formula to reduce bloating, balance gut health, and ease digestive discomfort linked to Cushing’s.
Why we recommended it: The NUTRO Natural Choice Healthy Weight formula features real farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient, delivering high-quality protein essential for preserving muscle mass in Cushing’s dogs. The formula balances moderate fat content with fiber from ingredients like barley, peas, and rice bran, which contribute to healthy digestion and improved satiety, helping to manage increased hunger associated with Cushing’s. It contains non-GMO ingredients and excludes artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, aligning well with dogs that have sensitive digestive systems. Additionally, the inclusion of natural antioxidants and omega fatty acids supports immune health and skin condition, which are often compromised in dogs with hormonal imbalances. We like how it provides a balance of digestibility and nutrition, though its grain content may not suit grain-allergic dogs.
What sets it apart from competitors: The Natural Choice line’s emphasis on non-GMO ingredients and simpler sourcing offers greater transparency than many value or generic weight-control diets. Also, by focusing on digestion-friendly fiber and cleaner ingredients, it stands out when your dog’s gut is already compromised from endocrine or steroid therapy stress.
The Bottom Line
Managing Cushing’s disease isn’t just about prescriptions or regular vet visits — it’s about giving your dog the nutritional foundation to feel like themselves again. The right diet can help balance hormones, ease stress on the liver, and support a healthier weight, making every meal a step toward stability and strength. Whether you choose fresh, freeze-dried, or prescription options, what matters most is feeding with purpose — choosing ingredients that heal, not harm.
By understanding your dog’s unique needs and working closely with your vet, you can turn mealtime into medicine and help your dog live a longer, more comfortable life — one bowl at a time.
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Sources
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