Brenda Khan
Diet-related dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs has been an emerging concern since 2018, with the FDA investigating a potential link between certain pet foods and this life-threatening disease. DCM is a condition where the heart becomes enlarged and weakened, and it has traditionally been associated with a genetic predisposition in certain dog breeds. However, in recent years, veterinarians have observed a rise in DCM cases in breeds not previously known to be at risk, with diet being a suspected factor. While the exact link between diet and DCM remains elusive, certain ingredients, such as peas, lentils, legumes, and potatoes, have been identified in many of the diets of dogs with DCM. The role of taurine, an amino acid, in DCM is also being explored, as taurine deficiency has been linked to the disease in cats. While the relationship between diet and DCM in dogs is complex and not yet fully understood, ongoing research and collaboration between experts aim to shed light on this issue and provide guidance to pet owners concerned about their dogs' health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of FDA investigation | July 2018 |
| Diets associated with DCM | "Grain-free", "exotic ingredients", peas, lentils, other legume seeds, pulses, potatoes, sweet potatoes, lamb-based, limited-ingredient, low in protein |
| Breeds associated with DCM | Doberman Pinschers, Golden Retrievers, Whippets, Miniature Schnauzers, Boston terriers, Yorkshire terriers, Pomeranians, Irish wolfhounds, Great Danes |
| Clinical signs | Increased heart rate, coughing, difficulty breathing, weakness, fainting, arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, sudden death |
| Treatment | Medication to support heart function and remove excess fluid from the lungs; taurine supplementation |
| Status of investigation | Ongoing, no clear cause established |
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What You'll Learn
- Diets with low protein levels and those that rely on plant proteins are a known risk factor for DCM
- The FDA found that 93% of reported products contained peas and/or lentils
- The FDA is investigating the link between diet and DCM, but a clear cause has not been found
- Clinical signs of DCM include increased heart rate, coughing, difficulty breathing, weakness, and fainting
- The disease is rarely reversible except in a small number of cases that respond to supplementation with the amino acid taurine
Diets with low protein levels and those that rely on plant proteins are a known risk factor for DCM
While it is unclear how many dogs have acquired diet-related DCM, dietary factors are believed to play a role in the development of this disease. Diets with low protein levels or those that rely on plant proteins are a known risk factor for DCM. This is particularly true for diets that contain peas, lentils, and other legume seeds as their primary ingredients. The FDA found that 93% of the reported products contained peas and/or lentils, indicating a possible link between these ingredients and the development of DCM.
It is hypothesized that the impact of these plant-based proteins on the availability of taurine or its precursors in the body could be a contributing factor. Taurine is an essential amino acid for heart cell function, and insufficient levels can lead to DCM. The plant proteins may be incomplete and less bioavailable than animal proteins, or the fiber content may be blocking the absorption of nutrients. Additionally, other anti-nutritional factors in these plant-based proteins may also play a role, but further research is needed to fully understand the mechanism.
Some studies have also investigated the role of dietary beet pulp in decreasing taurine status in dogs fed low-protein diets. The results suggest that beet pulp may contribute to reduced taurine levels, but more research is required to confirm this relationship.
It is important to note that not all plant-based proteins are considered equal in terms of risk. For example, potatoes and sweet potatoes have been used in pet food for a long time, and there is currently insufficient evidence to conclude that they contribute to diet-related DCM. However, the use of incomplete plant proteins, such as potato protein, as a replacement for animal protein is concerning.
Furthermore, the type of diet, whether grain-free or grain-inclusive, is also being examined in relation to DCM. Investigators are comparing the heart health of dogs consuming different types of diets to determine if dietary choices have an impact on the development of DCM. While the association between diet and DCM is not yet proven, the recent spike in DCM cases and the inclusion of breeds not previously known to have a genetic predisposition have raised concerns among veterinary cardiologists.
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The FDA found that 93% of reported products contained peas and/or lentils
The FDA has been investigating the potential link between canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and certain pet foods. DCM is a severe and often fatal disease in dogs where the heart becomes enlarged and the muscle cannot contract or pump blood adequately. In July 2018, the FDA alerted pet owners and veterinarians about the increased reports of DCM in dogs that were not predisposed to the disease genetically. Many of the reported cases involved dogs eating "`grain-free`" food with a high proportion of legumes such as peas, lentils, and other seeds (pulses) as main ingredients.
The FDA's investigation found that 93% of the reported products contained peas and/or lentils. Peas, in particular, showed a strong association with higher concentrations of compounds in diets linked to DCM. The FDA believes that something about peas and lentils is impacting the availability of taurine or its precursors in the body. Taurine is an amino acid found in animal protein, and a deficiency of this compound can cause DCM. One theory is that incomplete plant proteins in peas and lentils are replacing animal proteins, thus reducing taurine levels. Another theory is that fiber from these legumes may be blocking the absorption of nutrients.
While the exact mechanism is not yet clear, the link between certain diets and DCM has been established. The FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) and the Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (Vet-LIRN) are continuing to investigate the potential association. The FDA encourages collaboration with academia, veterinarians, and industry experts to further examine this issue and help determine the contributing factors to the heart condition.
It is important for pet owners to be cautious and consult their veterinarians before making any changes to their dog's diet. Large and giant breed dogs are more susceptible to DCM, but smaller dogs may also be at risk, especially those that eat less than expected for their size or consume the same food for extended periods.
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The FDA is investigating the link between diet and DCM, but a clear cause has not been found
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating the link between diet and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. DCM is a serious heart disease that causes the heart to beat weakly and enlarge, impairing its ability to pump blood adequately around the body. The FDA's interest in this matter was piqued in July 2018, when it received increased reports of DCM in dogs without a genetic predisposition to the disease. Many of these dogs were reportedly consuming "grain-free" food with high amounts of legumes, such as peas and lentils, as well as potatoes, as main ingredients.
While the FDA's data and research evidence support an association between non-traditional diets and DCM, a clear and specific cause has not been identified. The relationship is likely complex, influenced by multiple factors. The FDA believes that high levels of peas and lentils in the diet are the strongest predictor for the development of DCM. However, the specific compounds and mechanisms by which these ingredients contribute to DCM are still under investigation. One hypothesis suggests that these compounds may have toxic effects on the heart.
Taurine deficiency has long been suspected as a cause of DCM, especially in Golden Retrievers. However, recent studies have found that taurine deficiency is not present in most dogs with diet-associated DCM, indicating that blood levels of taurine may not be an accurate indicator of taurine status. Other nutritional deficiencies, such as thiamine, carnitine, or vitamin E, have also been considered, but these deficiencies have not been identified in published studies. Investigations into common toxins and excessive levels of nutrients associated with DCM have also come up short.
The FDA continues to encourage research and collaboration among academia, veterinarians, and industry to better understand the link between diet and DCM. The agency is grateful to pet owners who have agreed to be interviewed and provided medical records and samples for analysis. This information will help the FDA comprehend the specific changes occurring in the cardiovascular system and how they relate to diet. The FDA does not plan to release further public updates until meaningful new scientific information is available.
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Clinical signs of DCM include increased heart rate, coughing, difficulty breathing, weakness, and fainting
Diet-related dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs has been an active area of investigation since 2018. The FDA and veterinary professionals are investigating the issue, but a clear cause for the apparent increase in diet-related DCM has not yet been determined.
Clinical signs of DCM in dogs include an increased heart rate, coughing, difficulty breathing, weakness, and fainting. These symptoms may indicate that the dog is experiencing heart failure. Other signs of heart failure include a blue tongue, excessive drooling, or collapse. In some cases, dogs may develop severe congestive heart failure (CHF) in only a few hours.
The clinical signs of DCM can be subtle and slowly developing, or they may have a sudden onset. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian are important, as this can lead to a diagnosis of heart problems before clinical signs are present. This is the best time to diagnose a problem.
DCM is a serious and potentially fatal disease that must be accurately diagnosed and aggressively treated. Treatment for DCM involves the use of medications to support heart function and remove excess fluid from the lungs. Unfortunately, the disease is rarely reversible, except in a small number of cases that respond to supplementation with the amino acid taurine.
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The disease is rarely reversible except in a small number of cases that respond to supplementation with the amino acid taurine
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a disease where the heart becomes enlarged and the muscle cannot contract or pump blood adequately throughout the body. It is a severe and often fatal disease that can lead to congestive heart failure or sudden death.
DCM has historically been linked to a genetic predisposition in certain dog breeds, but emerging science suggests that non-hereditary forms of DCM may be influenced by a combination of factors, including genetics, underlying medical conditions, and diet. In July 2018, the FDA reported an increase in DCM cases in dogs without a genetic predisposition to the disease. These dogs were often found to be eating "`grain-free`" diets with peas, lentils, legume seeds (pulses), potatoes, and/or sweet potatoes as main ingredients.
While the exact cause of diet-related DCM remains elusive, one theory suggests that these ingredients may impact the availability of the amino acid taurine or its precursors in the body. Taurine is essential for heart cell function, and a deficiency can lead to DCM. However, the role of taurine in DCM in dogs is less clear and requires further research.
Treatment for DCM involves medications to support heart function and remove excess fluid from the lungs. Unfortunately, the disease is rarely reversible. However, a small number of cases have shown improvement with supplementation of the amino acid taurine. This is supported by research in cats, where taurine deficiency causes DCM that is reversible with taurine supplementation.
Pet owners are advised to be cautious, especially with large and giant breed dogs, which are more susceptible to DCM. It is recommended to consult a veterinarian before making any changes to a dog's diet.
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Frequently asked questions
The FDA has not released any statistics on the background rate of non-hereditary DCM in dogs. Reports to the FDA are voluntary and may not reflect the true incidence of the disease in the dog population.
Clinical signs in dogs with DCM include increased heart rate, coughing, difficulty breathing, weakness, and fainting. Arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, or sudden death are also possible.
Diets associated with DCM in dogs are often marketed as ""grain-free"" and may contain peas, lentils, other legume seeds (pulses), potatoes, sweet potatoes, and/or exotic ingredients.
Dr. Ryan Fries recommends talking to your veterinarian about switching to another diet and scheduling your dog for a heart evaluation.
