The FDA is currently investigating a possible connection between diet and canine heart disease, specifically focusing on grain-free dog food. For pet owners, especially those feeding their dogs grain-free diets, this news can be concerning. This article breaks down the ongoing investigation, explains canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and provides guidance on what you need to know about grain-free dog food and your dog’s health.
What Sparked the FDA’s Grain-Free Dog Food Investigation?
Alarm bells started ringing when the FDA noticed an increase in reports of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs, particularly in breeds not typically predisposed to this heart condition. These reports indicated a potential link to certain diets, most notably grain-free dog food. Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer of the AKC, explains, “The FDA is exploring a dietary link between canine DCM and dogs consuming specific grain-free dog foods. The concern centers around foods where legumes like peas or lentils, other legume seeds, or potatoes are listed as primary ingredients.” This investigation began after the FDA received reports of DCM in dogs who had been on these diets for months or even years. While DCM isn’t uncommon in dogs, the unusual aspect was its occurrence in breeds not genetically prone to the disease, raising suspicion about dietary factors, particularly grain-free dog food formulations.
Image alt text: A concerned dog owner carefully examines the ingredient label of a bag of grain-free dog food, highlighting the importance of understanding pet food contents in relation to the FDA investigation.
From January 1, 2014, to April 30, 2019, the FDA documented 524 DCM cases (515 dogs and 9 cats), with the majority reported after the FDA’s initial public alert in July 2018. The actual number of affected pets is likely higher as some reports involved multiple pets within the same household.
Understanding Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a serious heart condition in dogs where the heart muscle weakens and enlarges. This weakening reduces the heart’s ability to effectively pump blood, often leading to congestive heart failure. Certain dog breeds are genetically predisposed to DCM, especially large and giant breeds like Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, Newfoundlands, Irish Wolfhounds, and Saint Bernards. While less frequent in smaller breeds, English and American Cocker Spaniels are also known to be at higher risk.
However, the DCM cases reported to the FDA involved a wider variety of breeds, including many without a known genetic predisposition to heart disease. Veterinary cardiologists observed atypical DCM cases in breeds such as Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Whippets, Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus. A common thread among these cases was a consistent dietary history of consuming grain-free dog food or diets high in grain alternatives. This pattern prompted the FDA to delve deeper into the potential link between grain-free dog food and DCM.
Image alt text: A veterinarian uses a heart model to explain canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) to a concerned pet owner, illustrating the physical effects of the disease on a dog’s heart.
Grain-Free Dog Food and the FDA’s Findings
In their July 2019 update, the FDA analyzed the labels of dog food products reported in DCM cases. They focused on whether these foods were “grain-free” (defined as excluding corn, soy, wheat, rice, barley, and other grains) and if they contained peas, lentils, chickpeas, beans, or potatoes (including sweet potatoes). The findings were notable: over 90% of the reported foods were grain-free, 93% contained peas and/or lentils, and 42% included potatoes or sweet potatoes.
Dr. Klein emphasizes, “Currently, there is no definitive proof that these ingredients directly cause DCM in a broader dog population. However, dog owners should heed this alert from the FDA.” The FDA is continuing its collaboration with veterinary cardiologists and nutritionists to gain a clearer understanding of any potential effects of grain-free diets on dogs.
The FDA’s July 2019 report also listed dog food brands that appeared in reports ten or more times through April 30, 2019. The majority of reports were for dry grain-free dog food, but raw, semi-moist, and wet foods were also represented. The brands listed include:
- Acana (67 reports)
- Zignature (64 reports)
- Taste of the Wild (53 reports)
- 4Health (32 reports)
- Earthborn Holistic (32 reports)
- Blue Buffalo (31 reports)
- Nature’s Domain (29 reports)
- Fromm (24 reports)
- Merrick (16 reports)
- California Natural (15 reports)
- Natural Balance (15 reports)
- Orijen (12 reports)
- Nature’s Variety (10 reports)
- Nutrisource (10 reports)
- Nutro (10 reports)
- Rachael Ray Nutrish (10 reports)
It’s important to note that this list reflects brands most frequently named in reports submitted to the FDA and does not represent a ranking of risk or definitive proof of causation.
Beyond Grain-Free: The BEG Diet Concept
Further insights into the issue come from Lisa M. Freeman, DVM, Ph.D., DACVN, in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Freeman suggests that the focus should broaden beyond just grain-free dog food to what she terms “BEG” diets – Boutique companies, Exotic ingredients, or Grain-free diets.
According to Freeman, “The apparent link between BEG diets and DCM may stem from ingredients used to replace grains in grain-free dog food, such as lentils or chickpeas. However, it could also be due to other common ingredients in BEG diets, like exotic meats, vegetables, and fruits.” This perspective suggests that the issue might not be solely about the absence of grains but potentially about the presence or absence of other nutrients, or the way these ingredients interact in certain formulations of grain-free dog food and BEG diets.
Freeman stresses that while an association exists between DCM and BEG diets, a causal relationship is not yet established, and other contributing factors may be equally or even more significant. The investigation is ongoing, and the exact mechanisms behind the potential link are still under scrutiny.
What Should You Do Regarding Grain-Free Dog Food?
The FDA encourages pet owners to report any suspected cases of diet-related DCM in dogs and cats through the Safety Reporting Portal. Your reports can contribute valuable data to the ongoing investigation.
More importantly, the best course of action for your dog’s diet is to consult with your veterinarian. Together, you can discuss the pros and cons of your dog’s current diet, determine if grain-free dog food or grain-inclusive options are more suitable, and monitor your dog for any signs of DCM or other health concerns. Veterinarians can provide tailored advice based on your dog’s breed, age, health status, and individual needs.
Choosing the right dog food is a crucial aspect of pet care. Staying informed about ongoing research and working closely with your veterinarian ensures you are making the best dietary choices for your dog’s long-term health and well-being, especially when considering options like grain-free dog food.
