Milly Gaines
The veterinary community is currently investigating the link between grain-free diets and heart disease in dogs. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a common heart disease in dogs, has been observed in dogs that eat grain-free diets or boutique diets with unusual, legume-rich ingredients. While the specific connection is not yet fully understood, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received reports of at least 1,382 cases of possible diet-related heart damage in dogs. Researchers have also linked DCM to diets with peas, lentils, and potatoes, and some cases of DCM-related CHF are associated with taurine deficiency. The FDA continues to encourage further research and collaboration to understand the relationship between dog diets and heart disease.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Heart disease in dogs | Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) |
| DCM causes | Genetics, poisoning, infections, nutritional deficiencies, diet |
| Diet types | Grain-free, boutique, exotic, legume-rich |
| Diet ingredients | Peas, lentils, potatoes |
| FDA investigation | Began in July 2018 |
| DCM diagnosis | Echocardiogram, ultrasound of the heart |
| DCM treatment | Veterinary therapeutic diets, medication, supplements, oxygen therapy, fluid therapy, weight management, exercise |
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What You'll Learn
Grain-free diets and heart disease in dogs
In recent years, there has been an increase in reported cases of diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. This rise has coincided with the growing popularity of grain-free diets, sparking debates and misinformation about a potential link between the two. While the exact causal relationship is yet to be established, the veterinary community is actively investigating this complex issue.
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a serious heart disease that affects the muscle function of the heart, decreasing its ability to pump blood effectively. The condition causes the heart's chambers to expand and the cardiac walls to thin, resulting in heartbeat abnormalities, impaired cardiac function, and potentially, congestive heart failure. While DCM can occur due to various factors such as genetics, poisoning, infections, and nutritional deficiencies, the recent surge in cases among dogs without a known genetic predisposition has raised questions about the role of diet.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced an investigation in July 2018 into the potential link between certain diets and DCM in dogs. Many of the affected dogs were from breeds not typically associated with a hereditary risk of DCM. The investigation focused on pet foods labeled as "grain-free" that contained significant amounts of peas, lentils, other legume seeds (pulses), and/or potatoes as primary ingredients.
While the investigation is ongoing, some researchers have found a link between certain grain-free diets and a nutritional deficiency called taurine deficiency, which is often associated with DCM. It is important to note that not all grain-free diets cause DCM, and not all cases of DCM are linked to diet. The development of DCM in dogs is likely influenced by multiple factors, including genetics and environmental factors.
If you are concerned about your dog's diet, it is recommended to choose a diet with more typical ingredients produced by a reputable company with a strong track record of quality. It is also advisable to consult a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist before making any significant dietary changes, especially if your dog has special medical considerations.
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Diets with peas, lentils, and potatoes
In 2018, veterinarians noticed an increasing number of dogs showing signs of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a condition that occurs when the heart muscles weaken and can't pump blood effectively. These dogs did not belong to breeds known to be at-risk for DCM, but they did have one thing in common—they were eating either grain-free diets or ""boutique" diets, often with unusual, grain-free, or legume-rich ingredient lists.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been investigating the potential link between certain diets and DCM in dogs since 2018. The investigation focuses on diets containing a high proportion of legumes, including peas, lentils, and possibly potatoes, as the main ingredients. These diets are often labelled as grain-free and have been associated with a higher rate of cardiac abnormalities.
However, it is important to note that the correlation between grain-free diets and heart disease does not establish a causal relationship. The specific connection between certain diets and DCM is complicated and requires further exploration. The veterinary community is still working to understand how grain-free diets and heart disease might be connected, if at all.
Recent research from the University of Guelph has found that ingredients such as lentils, beans, and field peas, typically used in grain-free dog foods, are safe for healthy dogs. The study fed dogs diets containing up to 45% whole pulse ingredients and no grains over 20 weeks, and the dogs showed no indications of heart issues.
While peas, lentils, and potatoes can be nutritious ingredients in pet food, they should not be the main components of a dog's diet. It is recommended to limit legume seeds to no more than 20% of the formula and ensure sufficient methionine and other essential nutrients are included.
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The role of supplements
Supplements can play a crucial role in managing and preventing heart disease in dogs. While a balanced and appropriate diet is essential, supplements can help ensure dogs with heart conditions receive all the nutrients they need to support their cardiac health.
Veterinary therapeutic diets for dogs with heart disease typically include restricted sodium and chloride, as well as enhanced nutrients like carnitine and taurine, which are known to support heart function. Carnitine and taurine supplements are often recommended for dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and related congestive heart failure (CHF). Taurine deficiency, in particular, has been linked to some cases of DCM, especially in breeds like Dobermans and Cocker Spaniels.
Omega-3 fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are also known for their anti-inflammatory properties and ability to support heart function. These fatty acids can be added to some commercial cardiac diets or prescribed as supplements by a veterinarian.
In addition to supplements, weight management is crucial for dogs with heart disease. Obesity can exacerbate heart issues, so a nutrient profile that promotes weight loss and maintains muscle condition is often recommended. This typically includes restricted calories and higher dietary protein levels. A gradual transition to a new diet is essential, and a veterinarian can provide specific recommendations based on current scientific evidence.
Supplements and dietary changes are just one aspect of managing heart disease in dogs. Other treatments may include medications, oxygen therapy, fluid therapy, and regular exercise. It is important to work closely with a veterinarian to determine the best course of treatment for an individual dog's needs.
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Veterinary therapeutic diets
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Omega-3 fatty acids, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are sometimes added to commercial veterinary diets or prescribed as supplements by veterinarians. These fatty acids have been shown to play an important role in reducing inflammation associated with various disease conditions.
Weight Management
Maintaining an optimal body weight is crucial for dogs with heart disease. Being too thin or overweight can exacerbate the condition. Overweight dogs may experience breathing difficulties due to the extra burden on their hearts. Veterinary therapeutic diets for weight management often involve a nutrient profile that promotes weight loss while maintaining muscle condition, including restricted calories and higher dietary protein levels. Regular weight monitoring and consultation with a veterinarian are essential to determine the ideal weight range for a dog with heart disease.
Reversing Heart Disease through Diet
In certain forms of heart disease, such as diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy, dietary interventions can even help reverse the condition. Researchers have linked this form of heart disease to diets containing peas, lentils, and possibly potatoes, often found in grain-free diets. While the specific connection between grain-free diets and heart disease is still being investigated, the veterinary community encourages a balanced and well-established diet that meets all the World Small Animal Veterinary Association's guidelines.
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The effect of diet on breeds without a genetic predisposition to heart disease
Golden Retrievers, for example, are not considered an at-risk breed for DCM, but they are at risk for taurine deficiency, which is often associated with DCM. In 2018, a 3-and-a-half-year-old Golden Retriever named Oliver was diagnosed with DCM and taurine deficiency. He was placed on a mainstream diet containing grain and given taurine supplements and heart medication. Unfortunately, he suffered a fatal arrhythmia just six months after his diagnosis.
Siberian Huskies were also chosen for studies because they are not a breed known for hereditary DCM, so any occurrence of the disease could more likely be attributed to diet. The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) is funding research into this issue, with studies ongoing at several institutions.
The link between diet and DCM is not yet fully understood, and the veterinary community is still working to determine how grain-free feeding and heart disease are connected. The best evidence of a connection is the improvement seen in dogs' hearts once they are switched to a traditional diet. However, it is important to note that not all dogs with DCM eat grain-free pet foods, and there are likely multiple factors contributing to the development of the disease.
Veterinary therapeutic diets designed for dogs with heart disease have a nutrient profile that includes restricted dietary sodium and chloride, and enhanced nutrients that support heart function, such as carnitine and taurine. Omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA, can also help reduce inflammation and support heart function and may be added to some commercial veterinary diets or prescribed as supplements by a veterinarian.
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Frequently asked questions
DCM stands for dilated cardiomyopathy, a common heart disease in dogs that results in weakened heart muscles and can ultimately lead to death.
DCM occurs for a number of reasons, including genetics, poisoning, infections, and nutritional deficiencies. In recent years, grain-free diets have been suspected to cause DCM, but the veterinary community is still working to understand the connection.
Dogs with DCM are often placed on a traditional diet containing grain. They may also receive supplements and heart medications.
