Milly Gaines
Diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a serious heart disease in dogs that has been the subject of recent research. DCM causes the heart to enlarge and pump weakly, leading to coughing, difficulty breathing, collapse, or even sudden death. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first issued an alert about a potential connection between diet and DCM in 2018, and since then, 16 peer-reviewed research articles have been published. While the specific cause is not yet known, scientific evidence supports an association between non-traditional diets and DCM. These diets are typically grain-free commercial dry diets containing peas, lentils, or potatoes/sweet potatoes. DCM-associated diets have been found to have lower volumes of B vitamins and higher concentrations of certain amino acids and plant-derived compounds, which may contribute to deficiencies in molecules essential for heart function. Nutritional deficiencies, such as thiamine, carnitine, or vitamin E, can cause DCM, and diet plays a role in the development of secondary DCM in dogs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet associated with DCM | Grain-free commercial dry diets with peas, lentils, potatoes, or sweet potatoes |
| DCM-associated diets | Lower volumes of B vitamins, higher concentrations of amino acids, amino acid derivatives, and plant-derived compounds |
| DCM-associated diets ingredients | Peas, lentils, rice, chicken or turkey meat |
| Biochemical compounds | Higher in 3P/FDA diets than non-3P/FDA diets |
| Dietary causes of DCM | Nutritional deficiencies (e.g. thiamine, carnitine, vitamin E, or vitamin B1), high levels of certain nutrients (e.g. heavy metal toxicity) |
| DCM | A severe disease of the heart muscle causing the heart to enlarge and pump weakly |
| DCM occurrence | Second most common heart disease affecting dogs, occurring primarily in certain large or giant breeds |
| DCM symptoms | Coughing, difficulty breathing, collapse, or sudden death |
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What You'll Learn
- Nutritional deficiencies, such as taurine or vitamin B1 deficiency, can cause DCM
- Peas, lentils, and potatoes are common in diets associated with DCM
- DCM is a severe heart disease affecting dogs and other species
- The FDA has been investigating a potential link between diet and DCM since 2018
- DCM-associated diets have higher concentrations of amino acids and plant-derived compounds
Nutritional deficiencies, such as taurine or vitamin B1 deficiency, can cause DCM
Diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a severe disease of the heart muscle that affects dogs (and other species, including cats, humans, and even whales). DCM causes the heart to enlarge and pump weakly, which can result in coughing, difficulty breathing, collapse, or even sudden death.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published an alert in 2018 that it was investigating a potential connection between diet and DCM. The FDA's data and research evidence support an association between non-traditional diets and DCM, but the specific cause is not yet known.
In addition to nutritional deficiencies, levels of nutrients or other dietary compounds that are too high (such as heavy metal toxicity) can also cause DCM. Home-prepared diets are nearly always nutritionally unbalanced and can put animals at risk for secondary DCM unless the recipe was formulated by a Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionist.
It is important to work with a veterinarian to determine the best medical and nutritional treatment for pets with DCM.
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Peas, lentils, and potatoes are common in diets associated with DCM
Diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a severe disease of the heart muscle that affects dogs (and other species, including cats, humans, and even whales). It causes the heart to enlarge and pump weakly, potentially resulting in coughing, difficulty breathing, collapse, or even sudden death. DCM is the second most common heart disease in dogs, and until recently, it was usually discussed in the context of primary (hereditary) DCM, which is prevalent in specific large or giant breeds.
In 2018, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an alert regarding a potential link between diet and DCM. The FDA had received numerous reports of DCM in dogs, including breeds not typically associated with hereditary DCM. The diets fed to these dogs often consisted of grain-free commercial dry food containing peas, lentils, or potatoes/sweet potatoes. This category of diet is often referred to as "non-traditional."
Research has found that diets associated with DCM tend to have lower levels of B vitamins, which are crucial for cardiac metabolism. Additionally, these diets have higher concentrations of amino acids, amino acid derivatives, and plant-derived compounds, which may contribute to deficiencies in molecules essential for proper heart function. Peas, in particular, appear to be the main source of elevated concentrations of certain biochemical compounds in DCM-associated diets.
While the specific cause of diet-associated DCM is yet to be determined, the scientific community has made significant progress. It is now understood that diet-associated DCM is not solely caused by grain-free diets, as some grain-free diets do not exhibit any adverse effects. Instead, the focus has shifted to commercial grain-free diets containing pulses, including peas, lentils, chickpeas, and dry beans. Potatoes and sweet potatoes may also play a role, although they were present in fewer of the evaluated grain-free diets.
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DCM is a severe heart disease affecting dogs and other species
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a severe heart disease affecting dogs and, in rare cases, other species. DCM causes the heart to enlarge, and the muscle cannot contract or pump blood adequately throughout the body. Clinical signs in dogs include an increased heart rate, coughing, difficulty breathing, weakness, and fainting. Arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, or sudden death are also possible.
DCM has been linked to diet, specifically grain-free diets, since 2018. However, the exact cause remains unknown, and the association is yet to be proven. The FDA is still gathering information to understand the role of taurine metabolism in these cases of DCM. Taurine is a unique amino acid that plays a role in heart health and bile acid activation in the liver. While dogs can synthesize taurine from cysteine and methionine, it is believed that certain diets may lead to low taurine levels.
Several studies have implicated diets containing peas, lentils, and possibly potatoes as a potential cause of DCM. These ingredients are commonly found in grain-free diets as substitutes for grains. Peas were found to be a leading possible ingredient associated with DCM, with lentils also playing a role. However, one study found no indications of DCM-like heart issues in Siberian Huskies fed diets with whole pulse ingredients and no grains. Additionally, some dogs with DCM on grain-free diets showed normal blood taurine levels.
Other possible contributing factors include vitamin B deficiencies, compounds with direct toxic effects on the myocardium, and unnamed compounds in 3P/FDA diets. The relationship between diet and DCM is likely complex, and further research is needed to understand the specific dietary links and contributing factors.
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The FDA has been investigating a potential link between diet and DCM since 2018
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been investigating a potential link between diet and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) since 2018. DCM is a severe disease of the heart muscle that causes the heart to enlarge and pump weakly, which can result in coughing, difficulty breathing, collapse, or even sudden death. It is the second most common heart disease in dogs, primarily affecting certain large or giant breeds. However, diet-associated DCM seems to affect any breed of dog and can improve significantly when the diet is changed.
The FDA's investigation was prompted by reports of DCM in dogs eating certain pet foods, particularly grain-free diets containing a high proportion of peas, lentils, other legume seeds (pulses), and/or potatoes. As of July 2020, the FDA had received more than 1,100 reports of dogs with DCM, with 91% of cases involving grain-free diets. The FDA has been collaborating with various groups within the animal health sector to collect and analyze information about DCM cases and the diets of affected dogs. They have also been working with the Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (Vet-LIRN) to test blood, serum, and tissues from affected animals and interviewing pet owners to document dietary histories and explore other potential factors, such as heavy metal exposure or poisonous plant ingestion.
While the specific cause of diet-associated DCM is not yet known, research has provided valuable insights. For example, taurine deficiency may play a secondary role, especially in certain breeds. Additionally, recent studies have identified several compounds unique to or more common in diets associated with DCM, suggesting potential mechanisms that warrant further investigation. The FDA's efforts to address and study this issue have been instrumental in protecting the health of dogs and other affected animals.
The FDA continues to gather information and provide updates to the public as their investigation progresses. They encourage pet owners and veterinary professionals to report symptomatic and asymptomatic cases of suspected diet-related DCM. Despite some challenges and disinformation surrounding the topic, the FDA remains committed to collaborating with scientists, industry, and trade organizations to advance research and optimize the nutrition and health of pets.
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DCM-associated diets have higher concentrations of amino acids and plant-derived compounds
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a severe disease of the heart muscle that affects dogs, cats, humans, and even whales. It is the second most common heart disease in dogs, causing the heart to enlarge and pump blood less effectively, which can result in coughing, difficulty breathing, collapse, or even sudden death.
While the specific cause of diet-associated DCM is not yet known, scientific evidence has been published on this disease since the FDA's first alert in July 2018. Researchers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Tufts University identified nine canine diets associated with DCM, which included three pulse ingredients such as peas and lentils, potatoes, or sweet potatoes, and each was identified by the FDA as among the diet brands most frequently associated with DCM cases.
DCM-associated diets have been found to have higher concentrations of amino acids, amino acid derivatives, and plant-derived compounds. These compounds may contribute to deficiencies in molecules essential to heart function, such as influencing carnitine metabolism. Peas, in particular, have been found to contribute to higher concentrations of these biochemical compounds. Additionally, DCM-associated diets were found to have lower volumes of B vitamins, which are co-factors in reactions related to cardiac metabolism, such as carnitine and taurine synthesis.
While taurine deficiency does not appear to play a primary role in diet-associated DCM, it could still have a secondary role, especially in certain breeds. Nutritional deficiencies, such as taurine or vitamin B1 deficiency, can lead to secondary DCM, which can affect any dog breed and is not limited to those with hereditary DCM.
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Frequently asked questions
DCM stands for dilated cardiomyopathy, a severe disease of the heart muscle that causes the heart to enlarge and pump weakly, which can result in coughing, difficulty breathing, collapse, or even sudden death.
While the specific cause of diet-associated DCM is not yet known, nutritional deficiencies such as thiamine, carnitine, or vitamin E, could be the reason. Diets associated with DCM have lower volumes of B vitamins, which are co-factors in reactions related to cardiac metabolism.
Symptoms of DCM include coughing, difficulty breathing, collapse, or even sudden death.
It is recommended to avoid grain-free commercial dry diets that often contain peas, lentils, or potatoes/sweet potatoes. Researchers have identified peas, lentils, rice, and chicken or turkey meat as ingredients that appear to contribute to the biochemical differences among the diets.
