No. 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.
Can a grain free diet harm a dog's 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.
What problems can grain free dog food cause?
The FDA is investigating more than 500 reports that appear to link dog foods that are marketed as “grain free” to
canine dilated cardiomyopathy
. Sixteen brands of dog food may be associated with a heightened risk of heart failure in dogs, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
What food should I feed my dog to avoid DCM?
Peas of any kind, including Green Peas, Pea Protein, Pea Fiber, Pea Flour, Pea Starch and any other form of the word Pea! Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans) Beans of any kind, including Soybeans or Soy. Lentils.
Should I stop feeding my dog grain-free food?
Leaving grains out of your dog's diet, however,
might be a far greater health risk than keeping them in
. According to a warning from the Food and Drug Administration released last week, grain-free food might be giving dogs a life-threatening heart problem called dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM.
Does the FDA recommend grain-free dog food?
To date,
the FDA hasn't recommended a recall of any grain-free products
or declared any specific pet food products unsafe. To submit a safety report to the FDA, go to the Safety Reporting Portal. Get a head start on the morning's top stories.
What are symptoms of DCM in dogs?
- Lethargy.
- Anorexia.
- Labored breathing.
- Panting.
- Coughing.
- Abdominal distension.
- Sudden collapse.
What dog food brands are linked to DCM?
Champion's two pet food brands,
Acana and Orijen
, were on a list released by the FDA in June 2019 of the 16 brands named most often in reports of DCM received by the agency. DCM is a life-threatening condition in which the heart muscle weakens and cannot pump blood efficiently.
What are the pros and cons of grain-free dog food?
- Easily Digestible. …
- It is Less Allergenic. …
- Helps Boost Health and Activity Level. …
- It's Beneficial for Dogs with Diabetes and Cancer. …
- More Expensive. …
- Not Ideal for Less Active Dogs. …
- It Can Be Challenging for Picky Eaters. …
- High in Carbohydrate.
Is grain or grain free better for dogs?
While your dog needs carbohydrates to produce energy, too many of them can contribute to obesity, the wrong bacteria in the gut and a lack of energy. So, if a dog food is labeled “grain free” but the grains are replaced with other ingredients,
it's not necessarily a healthier option for your dog
.
What are the benefits of grain free dog food?
Grain-Free Dog Food Provides Aesthetic Benefits
Grain-free dog food can help your pup with getting
less flaky skin, a shinier coat, and whiter teeth
. Also, you can enjoy less-stinky dog kisses, as grain-free dog food can improve your pup's breath.
How do you prevent DCM in dogs?
In order to prevent heart disease associated with diet,
avoid legumes, peas, seeds, and potatoes as primary ingredients
. Grain-free isn't the issue; those grain-free diets just happen to have the list of ingredients to avoid.
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 do vets say about 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.
Does grain free dog food have taurine?
Dogs require sulfur based amino acids, which come from animal protein, in order to make taurine. If a grain free diet provides the bulk of its protein from plants (pea, potato, etc) and does not have enough of the precursor amino acids to make taurine, the diet will be deficient.
How does grain-free cause DCM?
The apparent link between BEG diets and DCM may be due to
ingredients used to replace grains in grain-free diets
, such as lentils or chickpeas, but also may be due to other common ingredients commonly found in BEG diets, such as exotic meats, vegetables, and fruits.
Is grain-free dog food bad for dogs 2020?
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. Visit Insider's Health Reference library for more advice.
Do legumes cause DCM in dogs?
There is presently no conclusive data showing that legumes or grain-free diets cause DCM in dogs
. While the FDA has noted several hundred cases that don't appear to be linked to genetic predisposition, there are also millions of dogs eating grain-free diets in the U.S. without ill effects.
Can you reverse DCM in dogs?
Many cases of nutritionally induced DCM can be reversed if the nutritional deficiency is identified and treated
. Similarly, patients with tachycardia induced DCM can show full reversal of the cardiac changes once the underlying arrhythmia has been treated and controlled.
Is DCM reversible in dogs?
What is the prognosis for dogs with DCM? 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.
Do dogs need grain in their food?
Should dogs eat grains?
Whole grains such as corn provide dogs with important digestible nutrients including energy, protein, vitamin E and linoleic acid
. It is those nutrients that are crucial to a dog's overall health.
