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.
What are the 16 dog foods linked to heart disease?
In descending order of most incidents of heart disease, the brands are Acana, Zignature, Taste of the Wild, 4Health, Earthborn Holistic, Blue Buffalo, Nature's Domain, Fromm, Merrick, California Natural, Natural Balance, Orijen, Nature's Variety, NutriSource, Nutro and Rachael Ray Nutrish.
What ingredients are linked to DCM in dogs?
FDA is investigating a potential dietary link between canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and dogs eating certain pet foods containing legumes like peas or lentils, other legume seeds (pulses), or potatoes as main ingredients.
Does a grain free diet cause heart problems in dogs?
As grain-free pet foods rose in popularity, vets started noticing a potential connection between dogs who were on a grain-free diet and a type of heart disease called canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
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.
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