Is there a link between DCM and grain-free pet foods?

This may be a shocker to some, but the truth is, there is not a direct cause-and-effect link between canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and grain-free pet foods. 17 авг. 2021 г. The link between DCM and grain-free diets may be due to ingredients used to replace grains. These include peas, lentils, chickpeas and potatoes. Beet pulp in foods has also been known to decrease taurine in dogs in some cases. Of the dogs that developed DCM, the FDA found that 91% were eating a grain-free diet. And 93% of the grain-free diets contained peas and/or lentils. Why is this significant?To date, no causative link has been established between DCM and a grain-free diet in dogs. The FDA further stated that DCM in dogs is a multifaceted issue and likely has many contributing factors including genetics, environment, taurine levels and nutritional deficiencies.So far, the FDA’s investigation has linked DCM and dogs on a grain-free dog food diet. A grain-free dog food diet is often low in high-quality meat and relies heavily on peas, legumes, and lentils for protein. A balanced, fresh food diet with meats, veggies, and starches provides a balanced serving of heart healthy nutrients for your dog.Therefore, these stats pose the question, could grain-free cause DCM, or is it the specific ingredients like lentils, potatoes, and other legumes, that are the culprits? In reality, there is no actual proof to clearly state that grain-free diets cause dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure in dogs.

Is DCM linked to grain free dog food?

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.

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.

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.

What dog foods have been linked to DCM?

In all, four diet ingredients distinguished the two diet groups: peas, lentils, chicken or turkey, and rice. But of the four, peas showed the greatest association with higher concentrations of compounds in DCM-associated diets. As of September 2020, more than 1,100 dogs with DCM had been reported to the FDA.10 авг. 2021 г.

How common is DCM in dogs on grain free diets?

From July 2018 through 2019, over 500 dogs have been affected by DCM. And the FDA has concluded most of those dogs were eating a grain-free diet. DCM is a life threatening heart disease called dilated cardiomyopathy. Dogs with DCM develop an enlarged heart with weakening of the muscles.

Is there a link between DCM and dog food quality?

In the new study, Freeman and her team compared nine dog foods that the FDA had previously associated with DCM to nine traditional dog foods, looking at more than 800 compounds. They used an approach called foodomics to compare biochemical compounds in traditional dog foods with those that previous FDA research suggested might be linked to DCM.

What is the best diet for dogs with DCM?

Of the dogs that developed DCM, the FDA found that 91% were eating a grain-free diet. And 93% of the grain-free diets contained peas and/or lentils. Why is this significant? Grain-free diets don’t contain the cereal grains we like to avoid (like corn, rice and barley) … but they contain large amounts of peas, potatoes, lentils and legumes.

Can a grain-free diet cause dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs?

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs is largely an inherited disease and not the result of a grain-free or legume-rich diet.