Cardio-Plus® for Dogs by Standard Process: Heart Support, Care & Prevention

When pet parents ask me how to support their dog’s heart naturally, I always start with nutrition. The heart is a muscle. Like any muscle, it depends on specific nutrients to stay strong, coordinated, and efficient. One supplement I often use as part of a holistic plan is Cardio-Plus® by Standard Process.

This formula is designed to nourish the cardiovascular system using whole food based ingredients and targeted vitamins. It is not a medication. It is nutritional support for dogs who need extra heart, circulation, or muscle support.

Below, I will walk you through what Cardio-Plus is, how it works, when I use it, and how to give it safely.

What Is Cardio-Plus® by Standard Process?

Cardio-Plus is a whole food supplement formulated to support heart and cardiovascular health. It provides key B vitamins, antioxidants, and organ based extracts that help nourish heart muscle, support circulation, and assist normal energy metabolism.

Standard Process has been producing whole food supplements since 1929. Their approach focuses on nutrients in forms the body recognizes and can use efficiently. Cardio-Plus was originally developed for human cardiovascular support and is commonly used by veterinarians for dogs when appropriate.

How Cardio-Plus Supports Heart Health in Dogs

The cardiovascular system moves oxygen, nutrients, and energy throughout the body. When that system is stressed, dogs may show signs like reduced stamina, slower recovery after exercise, or changes in circulation.

Cardio-Plus supports this system in several important ways.

Supports Heart Muscle and Circulation

Cardio-Plus provides niacin and vitamin B6, nutrients associated with healthy muscle tone and nerve signaling. These nutrients support normal heart muscle contraction and communication between nerves and muscles.

Vitamin B6 also plays a role in homocysteine metabolism. Elevated homocysteine has been associated with cardiovascular stress, and maintaining adequate B6 helps support normal breakdown pathways.

Supports Energy Metabolism

The heart works nonstop. It requires a steady supply of energy.

Cardio-Plus is an excellent source of riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6. These B vitamins are required for converting carbohydrates, fats, and amino acids into usable energy. They support pathways like glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and mitochondrial energy production.

In simple terms, these nutrients help the heart muscle do its job without fatigue.

Provides Antioxidant Protection

Oxidative stress can affect heart tissue over time. Cardio-Plus provides antioxidant support through vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium.

Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells. Supporting healthy oxidative balance is especially important for aging dogs and dogs with cardiovascular stress.

Key Nutrients in Cardio-Plus

Each serving of two tablets provides the following nutrients:

• Vitamin C: 15 mg

• Vitamin E: 1.3 mg

• Riboflavin (B2): 1.6 mg

• Niacin (B3): 14 mg

• Vitamin B6: 0.5 mg

• Choline: 30 mg

• Selenium: 3 mcg

• Sodium: 15 mg

These nutrients work together to support heart muscle, circulation, nerve conduction, and energy production.

Whole Food and Organ Based Ingredients

Cardio-Plus also contains a proprietary blend of whole food ingredients that provide structural and nutritional support to the cardiovascular system:

• Bovine heart PMG™ extract

• Bovine liver

• Calcium lactate

• Porcine stomach

• Bovine orchic extract

• Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides)

• Defatted wheat germ

• Nutritional yeast

• Inositol

• Bovine spleen

• Ovine spleen

• Porcine brain

• Organic oat flour

• Bovine adrenal Cytosol™ extract

These ingredients provide naturally occurring proteins, minerals, and cofactors that support tissue nutrition and metabolic balance.

When I Consider Cardio-Plus for Dogs

I may include Cardio-Plus as part of a broader plan for dogs who:

• Need cardiovascular nutritional support

• Have reduced stamina or endurance

• Are aging and need heart muscle support

• Need antioxidant and energy metabolism support

• Are under physical or metabolic stress

This supplement is meant to support normal function, not replace veterinary diagnosis or medical treatment.

Dosage and How to Give Cardio-Plus to Dogs

General manufacturer dosing guidelines are based on size:

• Dogs under 20 lbs: 2 tablets daily

• Dogs 20 to 50 lbs: 4 tablets daily

• Dogs over 50 lbs: 6 tablets daily

Tablets can be given directly or crushed and mixed into food.

I often recommend starting with a lower amount for the first few days and increasing gradually to support digestive comfort.

Safety and Possible Side Effects

Cardio-Plus is generally well tolerated. Some dogs may experience mild digestive upset when starting, such as loose stool or nausea. This usually resolves as the body adjusts.

If your dog has a known medical condition or is taking prescription medications, check with your veterinarian before starting any supplement.

Cardio-Plus contains wheat.

My Perspective as a Holistic Veterinarian

Heart health is not just about one organ. It is about circulation, energy, nerve signaling, and nutrition working together. Cardio-Plus fits well into a holistic approach because it supports these systems using nutrients the body recognizes.

When used thoughtfully, it can be a valuable part of a long term wellness plan for dogs who need cardiovascular support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cardio-Plus® used for in dogs?
Cardio-Plus is used to provide nutritional support for heart health, circulation, energy metabolism, and antioxidant balance in dogs.

Can Cardio-Plus help dogs with heart conditions?
It supports normal cardiovascular function and heart muscle nutrition. It is not a treatment for heart disease and should be used alongside veterinary care.

How long does it take to see results?
Some pet parents notice changes in stamina or energy within a few weeks. Nutritional support works gradually and consistently over time.

Can Cardio-Plus be given with medications?
In most cases, yes. If your dog is on prescription medications, it is best to confirm with your veterinarian or contact us at info@journeysholisticlife.com.

Is Cardio-Plus safe for long term use?
Yes, when used as directed. Long term use is common when ongoing cardiovascular nutritional support is needed.