Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is the medical term used to describe a condition called "dry eye". When pets suffer from this condition, they are unable to produce enough tears to lubricate and moisten the eye. This is a very painful condition, leaving the pet with the sensation that the eyes are full of grit or sand. It hurts every time they blink. Many pets will squint, as the eyes are more sensitive to light. Thick, sticky mucoid discharge will commonly coat the eyes. This is the body's way of protecting the cornea, trying to prevent it from drying.
KCS can be a genetic problem or it can result from an immune-mediated attack against the glands that produce tears. The most common medications or eye drops used to treat the disease include cyclosporine, prednisone, and tacrolimus, all of which suppress the immune response, allowing inflammation to decrease in the eye and the tear glands. Unfortunately, for many pets, these medications must be used two to three times daily...for life. In addition to using medicated eye drops, lubricating drops need to be placed in the eye many times a day, which may be difficult to achieve for many pet owners.
If you need to use lubricating drops, I recommend looking for Genteal or Refresh gels, as these drops are water based. Most over the counter or veterinarian-prescribed ointments and gels are petroleum based. The petroleum may cause further irritation to the eyes. Gels and drops only provide relief for a short period of time, possibly no more than 15 to 30 minutes.
Pets with dry eye may show marked improvement when the diet is changed to support the problems. The liver is the ruler of the eyes, so liver support is essential. Because tears are moisture and moisture is Yin, Yin tonic foods will also help. Food ingredients that transform phlegm (the mucous produced by the eyes when tears are absent) will help moisten and improve tear flow.
Years ago I designed a dry eye diet for my little English Toy Spaniel, George. He was able to be taken off all medications and eye drops within three months of his diet change. While the response may not be as impressive in every dog, the diet may help make your pet more comfortable. All dry kibble food must be eliminated from the diet, as dry kibble promotes phlegm production and dryness.
Dry Eye Diet
Ingredients:
- 16 ounces ground beef (90% lean, 10% fat)
- 6 ounces spinach
- 1 medium pear (about 6 ounces)
- 4 ounces beef heart
- 3 ounces beef liver
- 3 ounces carrot
- 3 eggs without shell
- 2 ounces clams rinsed well to remove salt
- 2 ounces sardines canned in water, no salt
- 2.5 tablespoons (25g) finely ground almonds
- 3 teaspoons (15g) ground fresh peppermint
- 1 teaspoon wheatgrass powder
- 6 g eggshell powder (or 2.5 teaspoons Animal Essentials Sea-Cal)
- 1 scoops NOW Kelp powder (provides 450 mcg iodine per scoop)
Nutrition:
13.39% protein, 6.22% fat, 3.00% net carbs, 34.40 kcal/oz.
Makes 3.07 pounds of food.
This recipe was formulated in Animal Diet Formulator using the following criteria: FEDIAF 2021 standard, Atwater values, Adult-Less Active activity level, gently cooked cooking method.
Instructions:
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This recipe can still be fed raw if preferred. The vegetables should be steamed or finely chopped for better digestibility. Chop and mix all ingredients together.
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To bake: Finely chop and mix all ingredients except supplements together. Pour into loaf, casserole, or muffin pans. Cover to retain moisture. Bake at 325° F for 30 to 60 minutes depending on size of pan; should be lightly done, not overcooked (juicy in the center). Add supplements after food is cooled. Mix thoroughly.
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To slow cook: Add ¼ to ½ cup of water or bone broth into the slow cooker. Add all of the ingredients except supplements. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. If your dog prefers a smooth consistency, you can use a hand blender to blend everything together after cooking. Add supplements after food has cooled and mix thoroughly.
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Feeding recommendations: Start with 2-3% body weight and adjust as needed to maintain ideal body weight. Ex: Feeding 2% body weight to a 50lb dog would be 16 oz per day. Feed warmed to room temperature.
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Practice safe food handling techniques including washing of hands before and after handling raw meat. After cutting raw meats, wash all surfaces with hot, soapy water.
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We recommend pre-portioning and freezing any extra food you don't plan to feed after 72 hours. Frozen food is best stored up to 3 months after freezing for optimal nutrition.
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All nuts, seeds, grains, tablet based supplements, and produce used in this recipe should be finely chopped for better digestibility, bioavailability, and distribution. A food processor works great for this step!
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Fine powder supplements and oils should be thoroughly mixed into recipe.
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Capsule/perle ingredients may be opened for better distribution.
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Fish oils or other sources of omega 3 fatty acids should be added at the time of feeding.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose, treat, or replace consulting a primary veterinarian for individualized care.