The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently investigated more than 500 cases of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs that eat certain types of dog food that are marketed as grain-free. Sixteen brands of dog food have been identified as potentially linked to an increased risk of heart failure in dogs. In descending order, these brands are Acana, Zignature, Taste of the Wild, 4Health, Earthborn Holistic, Blue Buffalo, Nature's Domain, Fromm, Merrick, California Natural, Natural Balance, Orijen, Nature's Variety, NutriSource, Nutro and Rachael Ray Nutrish. The FDA has not suggested that owners change their pets' diets because it has not determined the nature of the possible relationship.
However, it has encouraged dog owners to work closely with their veterinarians if their pet shows possible signs of DCM or other heart conditions such as decreased energy, coughing, difficulty breathing and episodes of collapse. The average age of the affected dogs was 6.6 years and the average weight was 67.8 pounds. The manufacturers claim that their products are safe and that DCM has been known for years to be genetic in some dogs. The trade group said that the FDA “has not identified any established link between certain ingredients and cases of DCM” and that “millions of dogs eat and thrive on grain-free dog food with no signs of DCM”.
However, the adoption of exclusive dog foods which are often advertised as grain-free products made with non-meat ingredients such as peas, chickpeas, lentils, sweet potatoes and potatoes could be contributing to dogs across the country. One of the big problems with DCM is that dogs don't show symptoms of the disease until they are very sick. Therefore, it is important to check with your vet before quickly changing your dog's diet. Several of the manufacturers on the list have objected in recent days claiming that the FDA warning is premature and that only a small fraction of dogs that eat their food acquire DCM. Dr. Julie Churchill, professor of veterinary nutrition and associate medical director at the University of Minnesota School of Veterinary Medicine and a certified nutritionist by the DVM said she would tell dog owners to stop feeding boutique dogs unconventional foods immediately.
The FDA has investigated more than 500 cases of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs that eat certain types of dog food that are marketed as grain-free. It is important to note that the FDA has not suggested that owners change their pets' diets because it has not determined the nature of the possible relationship between these brands and heart failure in dogs. However, if your dog shows possible signs of DCM or other heart conditions such as decreased energy, coughing, difficulty breathing and episodes of collapse it is important to consult your veterinarian.
