All of us want to make sure that our pets are healthy and that we’re doing the best job we can to keep them that way. This includes buying them food we know is good for them.
Even if it’s pricier than the less healthy stuff.
A recent growing trend is feeding your pet a “grain-free” diet. Grain-free dog foods don’t contain grains (obviously) including things like rice, corn, wheat or barley.
Some grain free dogs foods substitute grain for meats and fish or things like peas, broccoli, carrots, lentils or potatoes.
“Many pet owners choose to mimic their own food choices when choosing a food for their pet. With the increase in the number of people choosing to consume a grain-free or gluten-free diet, pet food manufacturers have recognized that similar pet diets are attractive to pet owners,” PetMed writes. “The popularity of these diets has led to an increase in the number of grain free and gluten free diets available for pets.”
But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is now warning pet owners against feeding their dog grain-free diets.
Their investigation revealed that dogs are developing enlarged hearts due to what is believed to be a nutritional deficiency caused by the diet.
Their findings show breeds who aren’t susceptible to canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) developing the condition after consistently being fed a grain-free diet.
There isn’t a specific brand of grain-free dog food that is causing the heart condition but rather the ingredients in the brands.
The dogs who were studied appear to have been fed certain types of pet foods, NBC News reports.
“We are concerned about reports of canine heart disease, known as dilated cardiomyopathy, in dogs that ate certain pet foods containing peas, lentils other legumes or potatoes as their main ingredients,” the FDA’s Dr. Martine Hartogensis said in a statement.
The FDA is currently investigating the potential link between canine DCM and grain-free diets and is encouraging pet owners and veterinarians to report canine DCM cases in dogs who aren’t predisposed to the disease.
Canine DCM is a disease of the dog’s heart muscle which results in an enlarged heart.
As the heart becomes dilated, it gets harder for the heart to pump. Valves may leak causing fluid build up in the chest or abdomen and it often leads to congestive heart failure which can be fatal.
Heart function can improve if the case isn’t linked to genetics with veterinarian intervention and treatment if caught early. Canine DCM is typically known as a genetic disease typical in certain breeds.
These breeds include Great Danes, Boxers, Newfoundlands, Irish Wolfhounds, American and English Cocker Spaniels, Saint Bernards and Doberman Pinschers.
But the FDA’s study has shown canine DCM in all different kinds of breeds. Dogs with DCM were found to have consistently been fed grain-free foods as their primary source of nutrition for months or years.
Symptoms of canine DCM include lethargy, weight loss, difficulty breathing, collapsing, and coughing.
The FDA says that any diet changes, especially for dogs with DCM, should be made in consultation with a veterinarian.
“At first glance, it might seem like a grain-free diet would be a good match for your dog, considering his carnivorous nature and the importance of protein in a dog’s diet. But focusing exclusively on meat and excluding grain isn’t a sure-fire way to establish effective and balanced nutrition for your dog,” Petco’s website states. “Instead, focus on the bigger picture, which involves selecting food that contains ingredients of the highest quality and ingredients in the right proportion. It is also important to note that food allergies in dogs are most commonly protein sources such as beef, fish and poultry.”
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