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There are numerous diseases that can develop in dogs such that requirements can be specific to a disease. However, majority of dogs in this category are sedentary and tend to have inadequate dietary intake, increased energy requirements, excessive nutrient losses or altered metabolism. Cachexia is a prominent wasting disease commonly seen coupled with common diseases in canines such as Cardiovascular disease in which weight loss is primarily body adipose tissue stores. The dominant concern with dogs in this category and the main goal in the formulation of this diet, is therefore, the ability to maintain an optimal weight.

There is a depletion in body mass positively correlated to reduced strength, performance, and immune competence, feeding back to an even greater reduced dietary intake. When used with caution, increased incorporation of fat into the diet is one of the most commonly used to increase energy density so a reduced quantity can meet the dog’s dietary needs. Large amounts of fiber in this diet would have adverse effects as it would impede protein and fat digestion. Palatability is an important factor in terms of efficiently increasing dietary intake, which can be achieved via flavor enhancers such as fat. It is also crucial for this diet to be higher in moisture as this will not only compensate for decreased water intake but also improve palatability.

DL-Methionine has a positive effect on feed to gain ratio as it increases both digestible and metabolizable energy per gram of dry matter intake. Small amounts can also results in a rapid fall in total urinary nitrogen, indicating a significant improvement of nitrogen retention. This, in addition, supports increased concentration and mobilization of body protein stores, thus improving the maintenance of weight and well-being.

Taurine and carnitine are synthesized endogenously under normal conditions, but is found in low concentrations in various diseased dogs. These deficiencies are due to inadequate protein intake being incorporated into the body amino acid pool. Deficiencies as such play a potential role in the development of cardiovascular disease.

Dogs deficient in carnitine tend to possess the myocardial form of deficiency where damage to the heart muscles prevent adequate storage concentrations. Carnitine play an important role in energy production via fatty acid metabolism and oxidation, therefore beneficial in increasing dietary energy. However, it is an expensive additive for dogs.

Omega 3 fatty acids have shown significant health benefits, predominantly in the form of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on anti-inflammatory effects for dogs suffering from chronic inflammatory diseases and cardiovascular disease. Fish oil is a common additive form of omega-3 fatty acids in diets for dogs. It has been found to prevent malignant arrhythmias in those with a risk for cardiovascular diseases. Its incorporation improves cachexia, through facilitating metabolism to increase efficient utilization of dietary energy for lean body tissue, which in turn, spares the animal’s own body stores. It also increases palatability via its taste and smell when incorporated into the diet, thus increasing dietary intake. Dogs with osteoarthritis or dogs with similar joint and bone degenerations which can be enhanced due to minimal activity can benefit from fish oil by improving weight bearing and lameness.