Is There A Link Between Grain-Free Dog Food and Heart Disease?
October 27, 2019
Grain-free dog food containing ingredients like peas, lentils, and other legumes, has come under attack recently by the FDA as a possible cause of heart disease in dogs.
Increasing reports of canine dilated cardiomyopathy in dog breeds where this disease is rare has sparked an inquiry into a possible cause. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine and the Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network, a collaboration of government and veterinary diagnostic laboratories, are investigating. One common thread the FDA has found so far is that the dogs in the reports were all fed grain-free kibble diets.
What is canine dilated cardiomyopathy?
Canine dilated cardiomyopathy or DCM is a condition that results in a thickening of the outer tissues of the heart muscle. As a result, the heart loses its ability to effectively pump blood out of the heart into the body where it’s needed. In addition, blood can flow back into the heart leading to all sorts of complications like infection and blood clotting. In tests, DCM can read as a heart murmur or irregular heart beat. Over time, this condition will cause congestive heart failure.
DCM is not uncommon in large breed dogs like Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds, Saint Bernards, Newfoundlands, Doberman Pinschers, Boxers. Sadly, Cocker Spaniels are also on this list. However, the reported cases of DCM that have alerted the FDA are among a different group of dogs: Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Miniature Schnauzers, Whippets, Golden Retrievers and Labradors. This is not the norm.
But what does DCM have to do with grain-free kibble?
Using the dog’s diets as a common thread, the scientists were able to speculate as to why kibble free of grain but sound in nutrition could be so harmful. The answer lies in the ingredients used to substitute grain, namely: peas, lentils, and other legumes like garbanzo beans, and even potatoes.
It’s too early to tell why grain-free kibble might be a cause, but the reasons have to do with how these staples are produced. Chemical residues leftover from processing, fertilizer and pesticide residue from harvesting, and harmful molds from feed-grade ingredients are all potential reasons. More research is needed to determine the root cause.
The problem is, many of these same issues also affect grains like rice, corn and wheat. So switching back to a grain kibble is not the solution. Try to stick to 100% organic options, avoid GMO products, and select high-grade dog food from reputable brands and even smaller companies who produce their own healthy options. Feel free to reach out to these brands and ask them questions about the sourcing of their ingredients and what chemicals are used in processing and manufacturing their kibble.
In the meantime, stay tuned for more updates as the story unfolds and more research is completed on grain-free kibble and DCM.
Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration, July 12, 2018.