Do grain free diets cause DCM? FDA has received reports of non-hereditary DCM associated with both grain-free and grain-containing diets. Most of the diets associated with reports of non-hereditary DCM have non-soy legumes and pulses (e.g., peas, lentils, etc.) high in their ingredient lists.
Could grain free diets damage my dogs heart? University of California, Davis, veterinarians led a team that has found a link between some popular grain-free, legume-rich dog diets and a type of nutritional deficiency and canine heart disease known as taurine-deficient dilated cardiomyopathy.
Why do vets not recommend grain free? Grain-free dog food does not contain wheat, rice, or other types of grains. Grains are usually substituted for legumes, which could cause dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). When you cut out grains, dogs can miss out on fiber, fatty acids, and protein.
What foods are linked to DCM in dogs? In July 2018, the FDA announced that it had begun investigating reports of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs eating certain pet foods, many labeled as “grain-free,” which contained a high proportion of peas, lentils, other legume seeds (pulses), and/or potatoes in various forms (whole, flour, protein, etc.)
Do grain free diets cause DCM? – Additional Questions
Do vets recommend grain free dog food?
When it comes to the question of grain-free diets, veterinarians recommended that dogs be fed a grain-inclusive diet unless there is a reason that makes it unsuitable. One thing to always look out for when choosing a food is an adequacy statement on the label.
Is grain free dog food OK if it has taurine?
If the diet is well balanced, has adequate digestible protein, and no other factors that may affect absorption of protein (possibly high fiber or maybe certain bacteria in the gut or other causes), taurine should not be needed. It is a safe supplement, though, and can be added to the diet.
What is the best dog food to avoid DCM?
The 10 Best Dog Foods to Avoid DCM
- The Farmer’s Dog Chicken Recipe — Best Overall.
- Evanger’s Super Premium Dry Dog Food — Best Value.
- Annamaet Original Option Dry Dog Food — Premium Choice.
- Dr.
- Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Mini Breed Dry Dog Food — Vet’s Choice.
- Dr.
- Nature’s Logic Dry Dog Food.
- FirstMate Dry Dog Food.
What is the most common cause of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs?
The definitive cause of canine DCM is the subject of debate, although a number of factors including nutritional, infectious, and genetic predisposition have been implicated.
Is Sweet Potato linked to DCM in dogs?
Researchers analyzed more than 800 compounds in foods that the FDA flagged as being associated with the severe heart disease and found that peas, potatoes, and sweet potatoes were most frequently tied to canine DCM cases.
How do you prevent DCM in dogs?
Don’t fill your dog’s bowl with peas—avoid dog foods with peas, lentils and other legumes, as well as potatoes, listed as a primary ingredient. These findings are driven home by the fact that supplementing grain, meat, or taurine does not correct the disease for most cases.
Can you reverse DCM in dogs?
Unfortunately, DCM is rarely reversible and individuals that have it usually have it for life. A rare exception is taurine deficiency in a small subset of the population as discussed above. Medical therapy can help, but long-term survival is variable for each animal.
What age do dogs get DCM?
The occurrence of DCM increases with age and typically has an age of onset between 4 and 10 years. However, DCM may occur in young Portuguese water dogs as an inherited disease.
How common is DCM in dogs?
DCM is a relatively common heart disease in the dog accounting for approximately 10% of all heart disease. Large and giant breeds are most commonly affected. DCM is very rare in smaller breed dogs (< 30lb or 13.6kg) and cats.
What are the signs of DCM in dogs?
What are signs of DCM in dogs?
- Lethargy.
- Anorexia.
- Labored breathing.
- Panting.
- Coughing.
- Abdominal distension.
- Sudden collapse.
- Irregular or weak pulse.
What dog food is not linked to heart disease?
At Jacksonville Community Pet Clinics, their vets recommend Purina, Hill’s Science Diet, or Royal Canin pet foods. They believe it is safest for pet owners to avoid feeding grain-free diets until they know the specifics about what’s causing heart disease in pets.
Do dogs need grains for heart health?
There’s no scientific reason for going without grain. Heart failure is a known issue for larger breeds of dogs, such as Great Danes and German Shepherds, Gelzer said. The breeds most frequently reported to the FDA for the heart disease were golden retrievers, mixed and Labrador retrievers.
