The best foods, ingredients, and nutrients for dogs with heart disease or a heart murmur — including what veterinary cardiologists recommend for low-sodium diets, taurine, omega-3s, and homemade options — all in plain language.
Heart disease in dogs ranges from early mitral valve disease (the most common type, especially in small breeds) to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and congestive heart failure (CHF). The ideal diet depends on your dog’s specific diagnosis, current medications, body weight, and stage of disease. VCA Animal Hospitals and Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine both emphasize that nutrition goals must be tailored individually — there is no single “best food” for every cardiac dog. This guide provides evidence-based general nutritional principles to discuss with your veterinarian, not a replacement for personalized veterinary advice.
Canine heart disease affects a significant portion of adult dogs — mitral valve disease alone accounts for approximately 75–80% of canine cardiac cases, according to the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Diet plays a meaningful supporting role in managing heart disease: the right nutrients can help reduce fluid retention, support heart muscle function, ease inflammation, and maintain healthy body weight — all critical factors in a cardiac dog’s quality of life. The following 10 key takeaways summarize what veterinary nutrition research tells us about feeding dogs with heart problems, including heart murmur, DCM, and congestive heart failure.
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What should I feed my dog with heart disease? Low-sodium diet · High-quality lean protein (chicken, turkey, fish) · Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) · Taurine-containing foods · Grain-inclusive formulas · Prescription cardiac diet if vet recommendsVeterinary therapeutic diets designed for dogs with heart disease have a nutrient profile that includes restricted dietary sodium and chloride, and enhanced nutrients that support heart function such as carnitine and taurine. High-quality protein is equally important — the heart is a muscle and requires adequate protein to maintain mass. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil (EPA and DHA) have been shown in clinical trials to support heart rhythm, help reduce inflammation, and may improve heart function and blood pressure. Grain-inclusive diets from manufacturers who employ board-certified nutritionists and conduct AAFCO feeding trials are strongly preferred over grain-free formulas, which the FDA investigated for a potential link to diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Always follow your veterinarian’s specific dietary guidance — what is appropriate varies significantly by disease stage and medications.
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What food helps a dog’s heart? Salmon and sardines (omega-3 EPA/DHA) · Lean chicken and turkey (taurine + protein) · Blueberries (antioxidants) · Carrots (fiber, beta-carotene) · Cooked brown rice (energy, grain-inclusive) · Pumpkin (fiber, potassium) · Eggs (high-quality protein)Several specific whole foods contain nutrients that directly support cardiovascular health in dogs. Fatty fish like salmon and sardines deliver EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids — nutrients that Cornell University’s Dr. Joseph Wakshlag, a nutrition specialist at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, notes have anti-inflammatory properties and may improve heart function and blood pressure based on clinical trial evidence. Lean poultry (chicken and turkey) provides taurine — an amino acid that helps boost the strength of the heart muscle. Blueberries and cranberries provide antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress on the heart. Pumpkin and sweet potato provide soluble fiber and potassium. However, adding whole foods to a cardiac dog’s diet should always be discussed with a veterinarian first — particularly to avoid unintentionally increasing sodium content.
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What is the best dog food to prevent heart disease? Feed grain-inclusive diets from manufacturers following WSAVA guidelines · Avoid grain-free diets high in legumes (peas, lentils, chickpeas) in the top ingredients · Look for taurine, L-carnitine, and omega-3 EPA/DHA in formulas · Ensure the manufacturer employs board-certified veterinary nutritionistsPrevention focuses on avoiding the dietary patterns associated with diet-related DCM, while ensuring adequate levels of key cardiac nutrients. The FDA investigated a potential link between grain-free diets high in legumes (peas, lentils, chickpeas, potatoes) and DCM in dogs — avoiding diets where multiple legumes appear in the top ten ingredients is strongly recommended by most veterinary cardiologists. Grain-inclusive diets — those containing traditional grains like rice, oats, or barley — remain the standard recommendation from organizations like the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). Choose a brand that employs at least one full-time board-certified veterinary nutritionist, publishes peer-reviewed research, and conducts AAFCO feeding trials. Major brands meeting these criteria include Hill’s Science Diet, Purina Pro Plan, and Royal Canin.
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What can I give my dog to keep his heart healthy? Fish oil supplement (omega-3 EPA/DHA) · Taurine supplement (especially for large breeds) · Low-sodium diet · Lean protein sources · Regular moderate exercise · Maintain healthy body weight · Annual cardiac screening for at-risk breedsFish oil is the most broadly recommended cardiac supplement for dogs — the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA have anti-inflammatory properties, help with heart rhythm, and may slow the progression of heart disease. Fish oil is generally preferred over flaxseed oil because the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil are already in the form of EPA and DHA, which dogs readily use, while flaxseed oil requires conversion that dogs do not do efficiently. Taurine supplementation is recommended for breeds known to be at elevated risk for DCM, including Golden Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, Newfoundlands, and Great Danes. L-carnitine may have mild benefits in dogs with DCM by helping with energy production in the heart muscle, according to Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. Maintaining a lean, healthy body weight reduces the overall workload on the heart — obesity is a significant cardiac risk factor in dogs just as it is in humans.
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What is the best homemade dog food for heart disease? Lean turkey or chicken + brown rice + carrots + fish oil + taurine supplement · Must be formulated with input from a board-certified veterinary nutritionist · Homemade diets risk nutrient imbalances without professional guidance · Use balanceIT.com or consult your vet for a complete recipeHomemade diets can be an excellent option for dogs with heart disease — allowing precise control over sodium content, protein quality, and supplement inclusion. A basic heart-supportive homemade meal combines a lean protein source (ground turkey, cooked chicken breast, or canned sardines in water) with a grain (cooked brown rice or oatmeal) and low-sodium vegetables (carrots, pumpkin, zucchini). Fish oil and a taurine supplement should always be added. However, homemade diets carry a significant risk of nutrient imbalances and deficiencies if not professionally balanced — the British Journal of Nutrition found that most homemade dog food recipes found online are nutritionally incomplete. A board-certified veterinary nutritionist can formulate a complete, balanced, low-sodium recipe tailored to your specific dog. Use BalanceIT.com (developed by a veterinary nutritionist at UC Davis) or ask your cardiologist for a referral.
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What is the best dog food for a heart murmur? For early-stage murmur: grain-inclusive diet following WSAVA guidelines is typically sufficient · For advanced murmur (Stage B2, C, or D): prescription low-sodium cardiac diet · Royal Canin Early Cardiac and Hill’s h/d Heart Care are the primary vet-recommended prescription optionsA heart murmur is a sound caused by turbulent blood flow — it is a symptom, not a disease itself, and its significance depends on the underlying cause and severity (graded 1–6). For dogs with a mild murmur and no other symptoms (Stage A or B1 mitral valve disease), a high-quality grain-inclusive diet from a reputable manufacturer is generally appropriate without specific dietary restrictions. For dogs with more significant murmurs or those showing clinical signs (coughing, exercise intolerance, fluid retention), veterinary cardiologists typically recommend a formally low-sodium cardiac diet. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Early Cardiac and Hill’s Prescription Diet h/d Heart Care are the two most commonly prescribed prescription cardiac diets in the United States. Both require a veterinary prescription. The specific diet recommendation should always come from your veterinarian or a veterinary cardiologist who has examined your dog.
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Why is sodium so important for dogs with heart disease? High sodium causes fluid retention which directly increases the heart’s workload · Low-sodium diet reduces fluid accumulation in the lungs and abdomen · Dogs in CHF especially need sodium restriction · Avoid deli meats, canned soups, table scraps, and commercial treats high in saltSodium management is one of the most important dietary principles for dogs with advanced heart disease. Just like in humans, foods with high sodium content draw more fluid into the blood vessels through osmosis — this increases the workload on the heart and the kidneys, explains Dr. Ortiz at GreatPetCare. For dogs in congestive heart failure (CHF), fluid accumulates in the lungs (pulmonary edema) or abdomen (ascites), causing the characteristic cough and breathing difficulty. Sodium restriction helps reduce this fluid burden, complementing the diuretic medications typically prescribed. However, VCA Animal Hospitals cautions that while some sodium restriction is reasonable, it is more important that dogs with CHF eat an appropriate number of calories each day — the condition called cardiac cachexia can cause life-threatening weight loss and muscle wasting in dogs with advanced heart disease. Never severely restrict calories in an attempt to restrict sodium.
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What is the best low-sodium dog food for heart failure? Prescription options: Royal Canin Early Cardiac · Hill’s Prescription Diet h/d Heart Care · Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets CardioCare · These are formulated specifically for low sodium and enhanced cardiac nutrients — all require a veterinary prescriptionThe three primary prescription low-sodium cardiac diets for dogs available in the United States are Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Early Cardiac, Hill’s Prescription Diet h/d Heart Care, and Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets CardioCare. Royal Canin Early Cardiac is formulated with long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), arginine, carnitine, and taurine to support the cardiovascular system with moderate sodium content. Hill’s h/d Heart Care uses a science-backed Cardiac Protection Blend that research suggests helps slow the progression of early-stage mitral valve disease — the most common cardiac diagnosis in dogs. Purina Pro Plan CardioCare is rich in taurine, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, with a high-protein, low-sodium formula developed by veterinarians, nutritionists, and researchers. All three require a veterinary prescription and are available through veterinary clinics and licensed online pharmacies.
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What are the best treats for dogs with heart disease? Fresh fruits (blueberries, watermelon without seeds, apple slices without seeds) · Plain cooked chicken or turkey · Baby carrots · Cucumber slices · Plain cooked sweet potato · Avoid: deli meats, cheese, commercial treats high in sodium or fatTreats for cardiac dogs must be low in sodium and free of hidden ingredients that could worsen fluid retention or weight. Excellent low-sodium treat options include fresh blueberries (packed with antioxidants), seedless watermelon pieces, apple slices without seeds or core (good source of vitamin C), baby carrots (fiber, beta-carotene), cucumber slices (very low calorie), and small pieces of plain cooked chicken or turkey breast without skin. Plain cooked sweet potato in small amounts provides potassium, which supports cardiac function. Strictly avoid: deli meats (extremely high sodium), processed cheese (high sodium and fat), commercial dog treats with more than 80–100 mg sodium per serving, fried or fatty foods, table scraps from seasoned human food, and any treats containing artificial preservatives. When giving medications, use a very small amount of peanut butter (no xylitol) or a tiny piece of plain cooked chicken to disguise pills — much lower sodium than commercial pill pockets or deli meat.
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Are grain-free diets safe for dogs with heart problems? No — grain-free diets are NOT recommended for dogs with heart problems · FDA investigated grain-free diets linked to DCM · Diets high in peas, lentils, chickpeas as top ingredients carry elevated risk · Grain-inclusive diets (brown rice, oats, barley) are the standard recommendationThe FDA issued an alert in 2018 and expanded it in subsequent years regarding a potential association between grain-free diets and diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. The FDA investigation identified that diets featuring peas, lentils, chickpeas, and potatoes as primary ingredients — particularly when multiple legumes appear in the top ten ingredients — were over-represented in DCM cases. This is especially concerning for dogs already diagnosed with any form of heart disease. Multiple studies also showed that many affected dogs improved after switching from grain-free to grain-inclusive diets, and in dogs with taurine-deficient DCM, taurine concentrations may improve with diet change and supplementation. For any dog with a cardiac diagnosis, grain-free diets should be avoided unless a veterinary cardiologist specifically recommends one for a concurrent food allergy or sensitivity. Grain-inclusive diets remain the standard of care for cardiac dogs.
Sources: vcahospitals.com (restricted sodium/chloride cardiac diet; carnitine/taurine; cardiac cachexia priority calories; omega-3 EPA/DHA anti-inflammatory; veterinary therapeutic diet definition); vet.tufts.edu Cummings School (L-carnitine DCM energy production; fish oil omega-3 cachexia; veterinary cardiologist/nutritionist consult; fish oil vs flaxseed; treats medication discussion); greatpetcare.com Dec 2025 (Dr. Wakshlag Cornell omega-3 clinical trials heart rhythm BP; sodium osmosis heart workload; taurine heart muscle strength; Royal Canin; Hill’s h/d cardiac protection blend; Purina CardioCare); bestiepaws.com Mar 2026 (grain-free DCM link; WSAVA guidelines; legumes top 10 ingredients; taurine concentrations improve diet change; Royal Canin/Hill’s/Purina prescription); kristinajohansen.com Jan 2026 (taurine 500-2000mg day; fish oil EPA/DHA preferred; high biological value proteins; AAVN member); ovrs.com Mar 2026 (sodium fluid retention cough breathing; omega-3 anti-inflammatory; taurine L-carnitine essential heart muscle; protein muscle maintenance); pawprintoxygen.com Feb 2026 (grain-free avoidance; omega-3 EPA/DHA; avoid deli meats high sodium; CHF diuretics ACE inhibitors); dogster.com Aug 2025 (Royal Canin Early Cardiac best overall prescription; moderate sodium; arginine carnitine taurine omega-3)
Sources: vcahospitals.com; greatpetcare.com Dec 2025; kristinajohansen.com Jan 2026; bestiepaws.com Mar 2026; FDA.gov grain-free DCM investigation; vet.tufts.edu
The 20 foods below are organized by their primary cardiac benefit. All are generally safe for cardiac dogs, but portion sizes, preparation methods, and appropriateness for your specific dog’s stage of disease and medications should always be confirmed with your veterinarian. Never add new foods suddenly — introduce one at a time over several days and watch for digestive changes.
Sources: vcahospitals.com (omega-3 EPA/DHA; carnitine/taurine therapeutic diet); greatpetcare.com Dec 2025 (taurine heart muscle; omega-3 clinical trials); kristinajohansen.com Jan 2026 (taurine doses; fish oil EPA/DHA preferred; high biological value proteins); ovrs.com Mar 2026 (reduced sodium; omega-3; taurine L-carnitine); vet.tufts.edu (L-carnitine DCM; fish oil; cachexia); wynwooddogfood.com (turkey/brown rice/carrot/blueberry/cranberry/fish oil/taurine/L-carnitine cardiac formula); pawprintoxygen.com Feb 2026 (avoid deli meats/table scraps; omega-3 EPA/DHA); bestiepaws.com Mar 2026 (grain-inclusive standard)
Avoiding the wrong foods is just as important as feeding the right ones. Here are the highest-risk foods for cardiac dogs:
- Deli meats and processed meats (ham, salami, bacon, hot dogs): Extremely high in sodium — a single slice of deli ham can contain 200–500 mg of sodium, which is excessive for a cardiac dog. Strictly avoid.
- Canned vegetables or soups (unless labeled “no salt added”): Standard canned vegetables can contain 300–400 mg sodium per serving. Buy only “no salt added” versions.
- Commercial dog treats without checking sodium content: Many popular commercial dog treats are surprisingly high in sodium. Look for treats with less than 80–100 mg sodium per serving and check the label.
- Table scraps from seasoned human food: Home-cooked human food is typically heavily salted and may contain onions, garlic, or other ingredients toxic to dogs.
- Cheese: High in both sodium and fat — particularly problematic for cardiac dogs. Reserve very small amounts of low-sodium cheese for medication administration only.
- Grain-free commercial dog foods: Unless specifically recommended by a veterinary cardiologist for a concurrent medical reason, grain-free diets featuring legumes as primary ingredients should be avoided for all dogs with cardiac diagnoses.
- Onions and garlic in any form: Toxic to dogs — damage red blood cells causing hemolytic anemia. Often present in baby food, broths, and table scraps. Never give these to any dog.
- Xylitol (artificial sweetener): Found in some peanut butters, sugar-free foods, and chewing gum — extremely toxic to dogs. Always check peanut butter ingredients before using it to give medications.
Switching a cardiac dog’s diet requires care — abrupt food changes can cause digestive upset, and some dogs with heart disease have decreased appetite that makes transitions more difficult. Follow these steps:
- Get your vet’s specific recommendation first. Ask your veterinarian or veterinary cardiologist which diet is appropriate for your dog’s current stage of disease and medications. The appropriate diet varies significantly between Stage B1 and Stage C/D congestive heart failure.
- Transition over 7–14 days minimum. Start by mixing 25% new food with 75% old food for the first 3–4 days. Increase to 50/50 for days 4–7, then 75% new food for days 8–10, then 100% new food. A slower transition of 2–3 weeks is even better for dogs with sensitive digestion.
- Monitor appetite carefully. Dogs with CHF may have reduced appetite — maintaining adequate caloric intake is critical. If your dog refuses the new cardiac diet, do not force it. Discuss alternative options with your vet, including palatability enhancers approved for cardiac dogs.
- Never severely restrict calories or protein. Cardiac cachexia (muscle wasting) is a life-threatening complication of advanced heart disease. VCA Animal Hospitals emphasizes that maintaining adequate caloric and protein intake is more critical than achieving perfect sodium restriction.
- Weigh your dog weekly. Weight loss in a cardiac dog can indicate worsening disease or inadequate caloric intake. Note weight at each veterinary visit and also monitor at home with a bathroom scale if possible.
This framework from veterinary nutrition guidelines provides a starting structure for home-prepared cardiac dog food. Important: this is a starting template — it must be reviewed and balanced by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist before long-term use. Contact BalanceIT.com or ask your vet for a referral.
- Protein (50% of meal): Plain cooked ground turkey or chicken breast — boiled without salt, garlic, onion, or any seasoning. Drain all fat. Ground turkey is the gold-standard cardiac protein used in veterinary formulas.
- Grain (30% of meal): Cooked plain brown rice or cooked oatmeal — provides energy, B vitamins, and grain-inclusive nutrition avoiding the DCM-associated legume pattern.
- Vegetables (15% of meal): Cooked carrots, pumpkin, zucchini, or green beans — all naturally very low in sodium and rich in potassium and antioxidants.
- Supplements (added to every meal): Fish oil (dose confirmed by vet), taurine supplement (dose confirmed by vet), and a veterinary-formulated vitamin/mineral supplement to ensure nutritional completeness (BalanceIT Canine supplement is widely used for home-prepared diets).
- What to avoid in any homemade recipe: Salt, soy sauce, bouillon, canned broth (unless no-sodium), garlic, onion, seasoning blends, canned vegetables (unless no-salt-added), dairy, or any processed ingredient.
Sources: vcahospitals.com (calories priority over sodium restriction; cardiac cachexia; transition guidance); vet.tufts.edu (BalanceIT UC Davis nutritionist; home-prepared diet balance); greatpetcare.com Dec 2025 (treats high-sodium avoidance; deli meats fried foods table scraps; medication disguise methods); pawprintoxygen.com Feb 2026 (avoid deli meats; grain-inclusive); kristinajohansen.com Jan 2026 (home-prepared components; taurine/fish oil supplement); wynwooddogfood.com (turkey/brown rice/carrot/blueberry/cranberry/fish oil cardiac formula ingredients); bestiepaws.com Mar 2026 (grain-free avoidance; xylitol warning; legumes top 10 DCM); ovrs.com Mar 2026 (protein muscle maintenance; high-quality digestible; avoid excessive restriction)
- Step 1 — Schedule a consultation with a veterinary cardiologist. A board-certified veterinary cardiologist (Diplomat ACVIM-Cardiology) can stage your dog’s disease, adjust medications, and provide dietary guidance specific to your dog’s diagnosis. Find one at acvim.org/find-a-specialist.
- Step 2 — Ask about a prescription cardiac diet. For dogs in Stage B2, C, or D heart disease, prescription cardiac diets (Royal Canin Early Cardiac, Hill’s h/d, Purina Pro Plan CardioCare) are formulated to specific sodium and nutrient standards that commercial diets cannot match. Ask your veterinarian if a prescription diet is appropriate.
- Step 3 — Add fish oil to every meal (vet-confirmed dose). Omega-3 EPA/DHA from fish oil is the most broadly supported cardiac supplement — anti-inflammatory, supports heart rhythm and function. Ask your vet for the correct dose based on your dog’s weight and condition.
- Step 4 — Remove all high-sodium items from your dog’s diet immediately. This means deli meats, processed cheese, commercial treats without sodium checks, table scraps from salted human food, and standard canned vegetables. Replace with fresh low-sodium alternatives from the 20-food list above.
- Step 5 — Monitor weight weekly and caloric intake daily. Cardiac cachexia (muscle wasting) is a serious risk in advanced heart disease. Never sacrifice caloric adequacy in pursuit of sodium restriction — work with your veterinarian to find the right balance for your dog’s specific situation.
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary medical advice. Every dog with heart disease is different — dietary recommendations must be tailored to your dog’s specific diagnosis, disease stage, body weight, concurrent medications, and overall health status by a licensed veterinarian or board-certified veterinary cardiologist. Do not change your dog’s cardiac diet or medications without veterinary guidance. Information reflects the best available veterinary nutrition literature as of 2026. The FDA’s investigation of grain-free diets and DCM is ongoing — always consult your veterinarian for the most current recommendations.
Primary sources: vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/nutrition-for-dogs-with-heart-disease (restricted sodium/chloride; carnitine/taurine; cardiac cachexia calories priority; omega-3 EPA/DHA anti-inflammatory; veterinary therapeutic diet definition; supplement prescription); vet.tufts.edu/foster-hospital/cardiology/heartsmart/heart-disease-nutrition (L-carnitine DCM energy production; fish oil cachexia; veterinary cardiologist nutritionist referral; fish oil vs flaxseed; BalanceIT mention; treats medication discussion); greatpetcare.com Dec 2025 (Dr. Wakshlag Cornell omega-3 clinical trials heart rhythm BP inflammation; sodium osmosis heart kidney workload; taurine amino acid heart muscle DCM link; Royal Canin Early Cardiac best overall; Hill’s h/d cardiac protection blend mitral valve; Purina CardioCare taurine omega-3 antioxidant high-protein low-sodium); bestiepaws.com Mar 2026 (grain-free DCM FDA investigation; WSAVA guidelines; legumes top 10 DCM; diet change taurine improvement; Royal Canin Early Cardiac Hill’s h/d Purina CardioCare all listed; as of early 2026; taurine supplementation reversal); ovrs.com Mar 2026 (reduced sodium fluid retention cough breathing; high-quality protein heart muscle; omega-3 anti-inflammatory; taurine L-carnitine essential heart muscle function); kristinajohansen.com Jan 2026 (taurine 500-2000mg per day dosing; fish oil EPA/DHA preferred over flaxseed; high biological value proteins; AAVN ESVCN member; supplement recommendations); pawprintoxygen.com Feb 2026 (grain-free avoidance; omega-3 EPA/DHA fish oil; avoid deli meats high sodium table scraps fried foods; CHF diuretics ACE inhibitors taurine); dogster.com Aug 2025 (Royal Canin best overall prescription; arginine carnitine taurine omega-3 moderate sodium; mixed tocopherols immune; Spot+Tango budget; Hill’s h/d premium); wynwooddogfood.com (USDA ground turkey brown rice long grain white rice carrot blueberry cranberry fish oil taurine L-carnitine VitaMineral cardiac formula Fresh Rx); FDA.gov animal-veterinary (grain-free DCM investigation; legumes peas lentils chickpeas potatoes; taurine; 2018 alert expanded; ongoing investigation 2022)