Going Grain-Free?

dog

The Food and Drug Administration, along with independent researchers, have discovered a possible link between grain-free, “legume-rich” pet foods and a potentially life-threatening heart disease called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Deficiency of the amino acid taurine may be another significant factor.

Specific categories of diets have been linked to heart disease. A group of Newfoundlands, who were fed a lamb and rice diet, have developed reversible DCM linked to taurine deficiency. Golden retrievers, American cocker spaniels, and Dalmatians also appear to be vulnerable. Vegan and vegetarian diets have been implicated but limited ingredient foods manufactured by Hills and Royal Canin have not caused this problem.

An FDA announcement pointed out that, “The potential association between diet and DCM and dogs is a complex scientific issue that may involve multiple factors.” Of dogs who ate only one type of food – a grain-free diet – 90% developed DCM. Of the 9 diets studied, 8 were marketed as grain-free. This is sobering news.

A paper by veterinary cardiologist Dr. Sarah Cavanaugh explained how some of these ingredients ended up in dog foods. “When grains are excluded from pet foods some manufacturers increase the amount of legumes in an attempt to offset nutrient and density loses.” Beware the law of unintended consequences.

The connection between diet and DCM is only in its early stages of investigation. So far it is believed that legume-rich diets and taurine deficiency are related to DCM. And while golden retrievers have been studied it’s possible that this breed and a few others may be genetically predisposed to taurine deficiency.

It’s complicated. We can’t simply say that foods that are labeled as grain-free are the sole cause of DCM in dogs. There are likely to be other factors but it has been established that diet is a component in some canine heart disease.

Early diagnosis, of course, matters; DCM doesn’t have to be fatal. Many dogs have improved with diet change, supplemental taurine, and medication. If your dog has eaten an exclusively grain-free diet be on the lookout for coughing, labored breathing, weakness, or lethargy. A distended abdomen and fainting are particularly bad signs. Don’t waste time getting treatment started. A veterinary cardiologist could be mighty helpful.

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Dr. Jeff Nichol is a residency-trained veterinary behaviorist in Albuquerque. He provides consultations by Zoom group and individually/in-person. Sign up for his weekly blog or post questions (drjeffnichol.com) or by US Post to 4000 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Albuq, NM 87109.