In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning regarding a potential connection between certain “grain-free” pet foods and a life-threatening heart condition in dogs. Since then, both pet owners and veterinarians have reported cases of dogs developing diet-related dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a condition where the heart enlarges and becomes weaker, hindering its ability to pump blood. Larger breeds like golden retrievers and Great Danes appear to be particularly susceptible to this ailment.
The FDA’s recent data reveals a total of 1,382 reported cases of dogs, and a smaller number of cats, with diet-related DCM. Of these cases, 255 were identified between August 1, 2020, and November 1, 2022.
In 2019, the FDA listed 16 brands of dog food that were linked to this rare form of heart disease. However, the agency did not advise owners to discontinue feeding their pets these foods, which often contain high levels of peas, lentils, and potatoes.
While the exact mechanism through which pet food might trigger heart damage remains uncertain, a 2021 study suggested that high levels of peas in certain products could be a potential factor. This notion gained further support when Canadian researchers conducted a study involving adult beagle dogs. Despite the breed’s lack of susceptibility to DCM, the study found that a diet high in peas led to “DCM-like changes” in the dogs’ hearts after 28 days.
Lynn Weber, senior author of the study and a professor at the University of Saskatchewan’s Western College of Veterinary Medicine, pointed out that the cause could be related to the amount of fiber in peas. However, more research is needed to pinpoint the specific ingredient(s) responsible for heart damage.
Dr. Aly Cohen, a veterinarian at the Riney Canine Health Center and a clinical instructor at Cornell University’s School of Veterinary Medicine, highlighted the strongest evidence for the connection between DCM and certain diets: the improvement of dogs’ hearts after switching to a traditional diet.
While the reporting of new cases has seemingly slowed down, experts caution that the problem might be more widespread than the reported numbers suggest. Dr. William Rausch, a veterinary cardiologist, noted that cases might go unnoticed as dogs can develop DCM without showing symptoms for years.
The Pet Food Institute, representing numerous pet food companies in the U.S., expressed gratitude for the FDA’s attention to the matter. They continue to conduct research to ensure high-quality and safe ingredients in dog food, aiming to promote the longevity and health of dogs.
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