What to feed a dog with Cushing's disease
Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) is a hormonal condition, usually seen in older dogs, caused by the body producing too much cortisol. There's no special diet that treats or cures it — that's a job for the medical treatment your vet prescribes — but some general feeding considerations, like managing weight and choosing food carefully around any related conditions, are worth discussing as part of your dog's overall care plan.
What Cushing's disease is, in plain terms
Cushing's disease develops when a dog's body produces too much of the hormone cortisol, most often because of a small growth on the pituitary or adrenal gland. It's most commonly seen in older dogs and tends to develop gradually, which is part of why it can take a while to be noticed and diagnosed.
Owners sometimes notice increased thirst and urination, a bigger appetite, thinning coat or a pot-bellied appearance, though these are signs that can also point to other conditions — only a vet can confirm a Cushing's diagnosis through proper testing, so these are things to raise with your vet rather than diagnose yourself.
Why diet alone doesn't manage Cushing's disease
Cushing's disease is treated medically, usually with medication that manages the excess cortisol production, prescribed and monitored by your vet. Diet doesn't treat the underlying hormonal cause, and no food on the market is marketed as a cure — anything that claims otherwise should be treated with real scepticism.
That said, dogs with Cushing's are often prone to related issues such as weight gain and, in some cases, diabetes, which is where sensible feeding choices become genuinely relevant as part of the wider treatment plan your vet sets out.
Feeding considerations worth discussing with your vet
Weight management matters more for a dog with Cushing's, since the condition itself can encourage weight gain through increased appetite and changes to how the body handles fat. A vet may suggest a weight management or moderate-fat food as part of managing your dog's overall condition.
Because some dogs with Cushing's go on to develop insulin resistance or diabetes, a consistent feeding routine, and sometimes a diet with controlled sugar and fat content, can be part of the picture — but this should be set out by your vet based on your dog's specific test results, not chosen from a label alone.
When to speak to your vet
If your dog is showing signs like increased thirst, a bigger appetite, or a change in coat or body shape, book a vet appointment for proper testing rather than guessing at a diagnosis or trying a special diet on your own.
If your dog has already been diagnosed with Cushing's, any changes to their diet are worth running past your vet first, since it's a condition where the right feeding approach depends on your individual dog's test results and any other conditions they're managing alongside it.
Foods formulated for this
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Hilife Feed Me with Turkey Chicken
A semi-moist complete food for adult dogs, softer than kibble and shelf-stable
From£7.45
HiLife Feed Me with Beef
A semi-moist complete dog food with wheat, meat meals and a little beef
From£7.45
James Wellbeloved Grain Free Senior Dry Dog Food Turkey & Veg
Grain-free turkey kibble for senior dogs, with glucosamine and chondroitin for joints
£82.35
James Wellbeloved Senior Breed Dry Dog Food Turkey Rice
Turkey and rice kibble for senior small-breed dogs, sized for smaller mouths
From£11.69
Barking Heads All Hound Golden Years Chicken
Barking Heads' senior chicken recipe for older dogs, with joint-support additions
£14.99
Bakers 7+ Senior Dog Superfood Chicken with Vegetables
A complete dry food for dogs aged 7 and over, with meaty chunks and wholegrains
£39.15
James Wellbeloved Senior Dry Dog Food Turkey & Rice
Hypoallergenic senior dog food with turkey as the single named animal protein
£69.75
James Wellbeloved Grain Free Senior Dry Dog Food Lamb Veg
Grain-free lamb kibble for senior dogs, with glucosamine and chondroitin for joints
From£12.75
Burns Adult/Senior Dog Original Lamb and Brown Rice
Single-source lamb and brown rice, formulated for adult and senior dogs with sensitivities
£35.99
Harringtons Senior Dog Chicken
Complete senior chicken dry dog food with 7.5% fat in 1.7kg and 12kg bags
From£6.49
Burns Senior Chicken Rice
Chicken and brown rice with glucosamine and chondroitin, for senior dogs slowing down
From£14.99
Common questions
- Is there a special food for dogs with Cushing's disease?
- There's no single food that treats Cushing's disease itself, since it's a hormonal condition managed with medication prescribed by your vet. Some dogs benefit from weight management or moderate-fat food as part of their overall care, but this should be discussed with your vet rather than chosen independently.
- Can diet cure a dog's Cushing's disease?
- No. Cushing's disease is caused by a hormonal imbalance and is treated medically, not through diet. Sensible feeding choices can support your dog's overall health alongside their prescribed treatment, but diet alone won't resolve the underlying condition.
- What are the signs of Cushing's disease in dogs?
- Common signs include increased thirst and urination, a bigger appetite, thinning coat and a pot-bellied appearance, though these can also point to other conditions. Only a vet can confirm a diagnosis through proper testing, so book an appointment if you notice any of these changes.
- Do dogs with Cushing's disease need to lose weight?
- Some do, since the condition can encourage weight gain, but this depends entirely on your individual dog's situation and test results. Your vet is best placed to advise on whether weight management is part of your dog's treatment plan.
- Can I just switch my dog to a senior food if they have Cushing's?
- Not without checking with your vet first. Senior foods vary widely in fat and calorie content between brands, and the right choice depends on your dog's specific test results and any other conditions they're managing, rather than the word 'senior' on the pack alone.
Related
Sources
Written against guidance published by UK veterinary and welfare organisations. Always confirm specifics with your own vet.
Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.