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Like people, dogs are omnivores.  They require a nutritious blend of meats, vegetables, and grains in their diet for optimum health.  Yet, there are many people who feed their four-legged family members grain-free diets, citing healthier skin, coat and digestion as a result.  But in 2019, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigated the potential link between canine heart disease and grain-free dog foods, which sparked a debate among dog food manufacturers, veterinarians, and owners alike.  The FDA cited the increased potential of heart disease in dogs subsisting solely on grain-free diets, turning back to the basics of dietary needs for omnivores. 

So, who’s right and who’s wrong?  Here’s what you need to know about grain-free diets and heart disease in pets.

What is the Concern with Feeding a Grain-Free Pet Food?

As grain-free pet foods rose in popularity, vets started noticing a potential connection between dogs who were on a grain-free diet and a type of heart disease called canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

In July 2018, the FDA began working with veterinary nutritionists and veterinary cardiologists to try to determine what might be causing this problem. So far, they’ve received more than 500 reports.

What do veterinarians know so far about grain-free diets causing heart disease in dogs?

Most of the diets included in the reports are labeled “grain-free,” and affected pets have typically been eating them for several months or years.

The diets don’t contain wheat, corn, soy, rice, barley, or other grains but do contain a large amount of peas, lentils, other legumes, and/or potatoes in different forms (for instance, you may see “peas,” “pea protein,” or “potato flour” listed in the ingredients).

Another similarity is that many of the diets have been from smaller (boutique) pet food companies.

Which Diets Were Named in the Cases Reported to the FDA?

Most of the reported diets are dry “kibble-style” dog food, although some are wet, semi-moist, or raw foods. The FDA posted an update at the end of June that includes a list of the dog food brands named most often in the reports.

dog with dilated cardiomyopathy

What is Dialated Cardiomyopathy?

In dogs suffering from dilated cardiomyopathy, the heart muscle weakens, which makes it harder for the heart to pump blood throughout the body.  This increased stress on the heart can enlarge it, which can ultimately lead to congestive heart failure. 

Dilated cardiomyopathy is usually found in dogs that have a genetic predisposition to DCM or other types of cardiac disease.  Larger breeds such as Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds, Newfoundlands, and Saint Bernards are the most commonly afflicted, but Cocker Spaniels can also suffer from DCM. Normally, DCM isn’t that common in medium-sized and smaller dogs (other than Cockers). Then, enter the grain-free diet and dog breeds that were typically not prone to DCM are being diagnosed with it.  The cause, as determined by the FDA, was dietary and not genetic. 

What About Cats?  Do I Need to Worry If I’m Feeding My Cat a Grain-Free Diet?

It seems less likely. Very few cats have been diagnosed with DCM, according to the FDA study.

Should I Be Concerned About Heart Disease If I’ve Been Feeding Grain-Free Food?

There are a lot of things still unknown about DCM and its link to grain-free diets.  Experts just don’t know enough yet about what’s causing heart disease in dogs who eat a grain-free diet.

The most important thing is to not panic. Most dogs eat pet food without getting heart disease from it. A recent study showed that dogs with DCM that were consuming non-traditional dog foods were more likely to show improvements in the condition and live longer.  It’s also important to note that not all cases of heart disease are reported to the FDA, so the numbers actually may be higher than what’s reported.

What If I Still Have Questions?

To learn more, you can visit the FDA’s site here. The Clinical Nutrition Service at Tufts University is also staying on top of this investigation. Click here for a recent update.

What Pet Food Do The Veterinarians at Jacksonville Community Pet Clinics Recommend?

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. Ask for their pet food recommendation for your individual pet.

What Should I Do If I’m Feeding My Pet a Grain-Free Diet?

Call to schedule an appointment. The veterinarians at Jacksonville Community Pet Clinics can examine your pet at their Beaches or Westside locations, or at one of their mobile pet clinic stops on Saturdays and discuss your pet’s diet.