Martina Cook, Peak to Peak. As dog owners, we always do all we can to care and protect our companions, sometimes better than ourselves. We research, we compare, look at reviews, and get influence from commercials. We feel knowledgeable and informed that we are doing the best for our dogs.

Recently, the word Grain-Free has come into our culture. As we try to be healthy we desire the same for our pets. So we relate back to our quest for the right food choice for our dogs and we decide on reputable companies to feel secure in that choice. But, we still need to be pro-active in our pets needs and continue to know what we are feeding our pets. Grain-Free in pet food is mostly combined of lentins, legumes, and potato. While this sounds harmless and a choice that is in the best interest of your knowledge and your pet’s needs. There are some concerns that need to be shared with my community, so they can seek the right answers for their furry babies.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is investigating potential connection between diet and cases of canine heart disease. They are alerting pet owners and veterinary professionals about reports of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs eating certain pet foods containing peas, lentils, and other legume seeds, or potatoes as the main ingredients. These reports are unusual because DCM is occurring in breeds not typically genetically prone to the disease.

Canine DCM is a disease of a dog’s heart muscle and results in an enlarged heart. As the heart and its chambers become dilated, it becomes harder for the heart to pump, and valves may leak, leading to a buildup of fluids in the chest and abdomen. DCM often result in congestive heart failure. The underlying cause of DCM is not truly known, but is thought to have a genetic component. Breeds that are typically more frequently affected by DCM include large or giant breed dogs, such as Great Danes, Saint Bernards and Doberman Pinschers. It is less common in small and medium breeds dogs, except American and English Cocker Spaniels. However, the cases that have been reported to the FDA have included Golden and Labrador Retrievers, Whippets, a Shih Tzu, a Bulldog and Miniature Schnauzers, as well as mixed breeds.

Diets in cases reported to the FDA frequently list potatoes or multiple legumes such as peas, lentils, other “pulses”(seeds of legumes),and their protein, starch and fiber derivatives early in the ingredient list, indicating that they are the main ingredients. High levels of legumes or potatoes appear to be more common in diets labeled as “grain-free”, but it is not yet known how these ingredients are linked to cases of DCM. The FDA continues to work with board certified veterinary cardiologists and veterinary nutritionists to better understand the clinical presentation of these dogs. The agency has also been in contact with pet food manufacturers to discuss these reports and to help further the investigation. 

It is time for us to do more research, ask questions, read information or talk to your veterinarian. It is hard to feel the extra steps we take to provide for our dogs, in some cases could harm them. Please check your dog food bags, look at the main ingredients and make an informed decision of your pets health and diet. 

The FDA encourages pet owners to report cases of DCM on dogs suspected of having a link to diet to www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov

Any questions and additional information www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/cvm-updates.

The numbers represent the number of complaints the FDA has received. 

 Acana – 67

Zignature – 64

Taste of the Wild – 53

4Health – 32

Earthborn Holistic – 32

Blue Buffalo – 31

Nature’s Domain – 29

Fromm – 24

Merrick – 16

California Natural – 15

Natural Balance – 15

Orijen – 12

Nature’s Variety – 11

NutriSource – 10

Nutro – 10

Rachael Ray Nutrish - 10