Does grain-free dog food really cause heart problems?

Researchers found dogs eating some of these “boutique” diets are not making or maintaining enough taurine, an amino acid important for heart health. Taurine deficiency has been known for many years to lead to dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, a heart muscle disorder that can lead to congestive heart failure and death. Manufacturers of grain-free dog foods promote the benefits of pure animal-based protein and alternative meats, such as wild game. But in 2019, a study by the University of California, Davis concluded that grain-free, as well as certain boutique foods, are linked to a heart condition affecting dogs. As you can see, saying that “grain-free foods cause heart disease” is too simplistic. Many factors are involved in this issue, from a diet’s quality, ingredients and processing to the health of the dog’s microbiome. In other words, feeding your dog a grain-free diet doesn’t mean he’s definitely going to develop heart disease!The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has identified more than a dozen brands of pet food it says are most frequently connected to a spike in reported cases of heart disease in dogs. The FDA is continuing to investigate more than 500 reports of dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, in dogs eating certain types of pet food.Golden Retrievers need grain in their diet; grain-free dog food that contains legume seeds, lentils, potatoes, or peas as main ingredients contributes to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs, according to an FDA study in 2019. The majority of dogs with heart disease are found to be on a grain-free diet.As a result, the dogs being fed grain-free kibble diets are getting less taurine, which is leading to dilated cardiomyopathy. If you'd like to learn more, read the detailed FDA report that lists brands/food that do not have enough taurine.

Does grain free dog food cause heart problems 2021?

“Lentils, things that in the old days we didn't put in dog food.” 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. If the problem is caught early enough, the vet said the problem can be resolved.22 июл. 2021 г.

Why do vets not recommend grain free dog food?

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.

Is it really healthier for a dog to eat grain free?

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 ingredients in grain free dog food causes heart disease?

“The FDA is investigating a potential dietary link between canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and dogs eating certain grain-free dog foods. The foods of concern are those containing legumes such as peas or lentils, other legume seeds, or potatoes listed as primary ingredients.

Do grain-free diets cause heart disease in dogs?

So far, the FDA report’s biggest finding is that nearly all dogs with DCM were fed grain-free diets. This suggests a strong link between grain-free foods and heart disease in these pets. The FDA hasn’t yet determined the exact mechanism for how the disease forms.

Is there a link between dog food and heart disease?

FDA Finds a Link Between Grain-Free Dog Foods and Heart Disease in Dogs In 2018, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) released a statement regarding a heart condition called canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

Can a golden retriever with heart disease eat grain-free food?

One study found that 24 Golden Retrievers with DCM had low taurine, and most of the dogs were fed grain-free diets prior to diagnosis. Fortunately, the heart disease resolved for nearly all of the dogs after they received cardiac medications and taurine supplements and switched to a grain-inclusive diet.

Does grain-free Kibble cause dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs?

Stern is investigating the possible reasons specific “grain-free” dry kibble foods have been implicated in cases of canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). Alarmed from media reports, clients feeding grain-free foods to their pets may have serious questions. Let’s get to the heart of the matter and examine the issue more closely.