Does Fda Say Grain Free Dog Food Is Bad?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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An ongoing theory touted by academic researchers and investigated by the FDA involving a potential link between canine heart disease, also known as dilated (DCM), and

certain grain-free pet foods have been debunked

, according to a far-reaching study recently released by a working group of veterinary …

Is grain Free bad for dogs FDA?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concluded that

there is no scientific evidence that a grain-free diet causes canine dilated cardiomyopathy

(DCM). The agency outlined the multiple potential factors that can, alone or in combination, contribute to dogs developing this rare and scientifically complex disease.

Is it true that grain free dog food is bad?

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

. The science is still preliminary, and it's based on a potential association between diet and heart disease in fewer than 600 dogs.

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 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 dogs need grain?

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.

Is grain-free dog food bad for dogs 2021?


Grain-free food is not bad for dogs if it is balanced and nutritionally complete

. When formulated by qualified animal nutritionists to contain everything an individual dog needs, then that dog should thrive on the diet in question.

Does grain-free cause DCM in dogs?


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.

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.

Which grain free dog foods are safe?

  1. Pupper Chicken Blend. …
  2. Pupper Beef Blend. …
  3. Taste Of The Wild High Prairie. …
  4. Merrick Grain-Free Dog Food. …
  5. Life's Abundance All Life Stage Grain-Free Dog Food. …
  6. Pristine By Castor and Pollux. …
  7. The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Grain-Free Turkey Recipe. …
  8. Earthborn Holistic Primitive Natural Dog Food.

What is the best dog food recommended by vets?

  1. Purina Pro Plan Savor Adult – Best Overall. …
  2. Hill's Prescription Diet Metabolic + Mobility – Best for Weight Loss. …
  3. Hill's Prescription Diet c/d – Best for Urinary Health. …
  4. Purina Pro Plan Sport – Best for Weight Gain. …
  5. Hill's Prescription Diet i/d – Best for Sensitive Stomachs.

Does grain free dog food cause congestive heart failure?

Woodall said scientific studies have shown

grain-free diets can lead to dilated cardiomyopathy

, which is a thinning of the heart wall that can lead to heart failure.

What is the number 1 dog food?

Best Dog Foods Ratings 1.

Wellness Complete Dry Dog Food

(Editor's Choice) 4.9
2. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Dry Dog Food 4.9 3. American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food 4.8 4. Nature's Logic Canine Chicken Meal Dog Food 4.8

What dog foods are killing dogs?

A pet food recall is widening after the Food and Drug Administration announced that more than two dozen dogs died after eating

Sportmix brand dry kibble

. The statement issued on Monday said that the suspect is aflatoxin, a byproduct of a corn mold Aspergillus flavus, which at high levels can kill pets.

Does grain-free dog food cause heart problems 2021?


The dogs eating grain-free diets and diets high in peas, lentils and legumes had a higher likelihood of low-level injury to cardiac muscle cells

. The authors of the study noted that the low number of dogs eating grain-free foods meant one or two abnormal readings would skew the results significantly.

Do large breed dogs need grain in their diet?

As mentioned earlier,

large breed dogs typically should not be fed a grain-free diet unless prescribed by their veterinarian

, says Dr. Navratik, since many grain-free diets have been linked to cardiomyopathy or heart disease specifically in larger breeds.

Who funded the grain-free dog food study?

This work was funded in part by

United States Department of Agriculture project number 8050-51000-107-00D

, and this entity had no part in the design of the experiments, in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data, nor in composing the manuscript.”

Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.