This is an update to a post we did in 2019 about dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and grain-free dog foods.
Back in 2018 the FDA began investigating the potential relationship between grain-free dog foods and a fatal heart disease in dogs, DCM. Now, many years later, the FDA has found "no firm link between diet and DCM." It appears that industry funding and interests had influenced the study.
In our July 2019 post, we referenced The Whole Dog Journal who posted a blog about the topic. The key takeaways were:
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Regardless of what your dog eats, if he/she exhibits low energy, trouble breathing, or coughing, get to your vet. It could be DCM, so do not waste any time.
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Potential biased reporting - The top dogs affected are the most popular breeds. If Labs are the most numerous purebred dog in the US, is it a surprise that we would see higher representation? This is only 1 example of a bias - there are many others.
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Grain-free should only be given if there is an intolerance or allergy to grains.
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Avoid foods that have peas, chickpeas and lentils high up on the ingredient list - before position 6. Switch foods if the food has more than one of these ingredients.