Brenda Khan
BEG is an acronym for boutique companies, exotic ingredients, and grain-free diets. It was coined by board-certified veterinary nutrition specialist Dr. Lisa Freeman in 2018. The acronym refers to a type of dog food that has been linked to an increased risk of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a form of heart disease. DCM is a serious condition that can lead to heart failure and even sudden death in dogs. While the exact cause of DCM is still unknown, it is believed that nutrient deficiencies, particularly taurine, may play a role. As such, dogs diagnosed with DCM are often advised to switch to diets that meet AAFCO standards and include taurine supplementation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What does BEG stand for? | Boutique, exotic ingredient, and grain-free diets |
| What is the potential risk of BEG diets? | Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a type of heart disease in which the heart becomes enlarged, the heart muscle becomes flabby, and it does not beat or contract effectively |
| What are the early signs of DCM? | Weakness, coughing, slowing down, and fainting |
| What are some examples of exotic ingredients? | Kangaroo, lentils, duck, pea, fava bean, buffalo, tapioca, salmon, lamb, barley, bison, venison, chickpeas, alligator, wild boar, ostrich |
| What should dog owners do if they are currently feeding their dogs BEG diets? | Transition to a grain-inclusive diet that meets AAFCO standards, seek advice from a veterinarian, and consider taurine supplementation |
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What You'll Learn
- BEG diets are linked to an increased risk of heart disease in dogs
- The FDA is investigating the link between BEG diets and canine heart disease
- Taurine deficiency may be a factor in the development of DCM in dogs
- Dogs with DCM may benefit from taurine supplementation and a diet change
- The majority of BEG diets contain peas and lentils and are grain-free
BEG diets are linked to an increased risk of heart disease in dogs
The acronym BEG stands for boutique companies, exotic ingredients, and grain-free diets. The term was coined by board-certified veterinary nutrition specialist Dr. Lisa Freeman in 2018.
Veterinary cardiologists have observed a sharp increase in a serious heart condition in dogs over the past few years. This condition, called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), seems to be linked to diets that are considered boutique, exotic, or grain-free—the so-called BEG diets. DCM is a type of heart disease in which the heart becomes enlarged, the heart muscle becomes flabby, and it does not beat or contract effectively. DCM can lead to heart failure and even sudden death.
While the exact cause of this link is still unknown, some researchers believe it may be related to nutrient deficiencies in BEG diets, such as low levels of dietary fiber, soluble fiber, resistant starch, cysteine, methionine, and taurine. For example, beet pulp, which is commonly found in grain-based dog foods, decreases taurine status and protein digestibility in dogs. Taurine is an amino acid that is critical for heart health, and dogs with DCM have been found to have low levels of taurine. Supplementation with taurine has been shown to improve heart function in these dogs.
In light of this evidence, it is recommended that dogs currently on a BEG diet be transitioned to a grain-inclusive diet that meets the standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Commercial diets with standard ingredients like chicken, beef, rice, wheat, and corn are recommended for healthy dogs. Additionally, pet owners should seek professional advice and guidance from veterinarians about their dogs' diets.
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The FDA is investigating the link between BEG diets and canine heart disease
The acronym BEG in the context of dog diets stands for boutique, exotic ingredient, and grain-free diets. In July 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced an investigation into the link between BEG diets and canine heart disease, specifically dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). DCM is a type of heart disease where the heart becomes enlarged, the heart muscle becomes flabby, and it does not beat or contract effectively, potentially leading to heart failure.
Veterinary cardiologists have observed an alarming increase in DCM cases over the past decade, particularly in certain dog breeds such as Golden Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, Newfoundlands, Irish Wolfhounds, and Saint Bernards. The rise in DCM cases coincides with the popularity of grain-free diets, which have been marketed as beneficial due to the belief that grains are fillers or that all dogs have food allergies. However, it is important to note that food allergies are rare in dogs, and grains provide essential nutrients.
The FDA's investigation into the link between BEG diets and DCM has involved gathering information on reported cases, including breed, age, sex, foods consumed, diagnosis, and protein sources. The investigation has also considered the role of specific nutrients, such as taurine, which is known to be linked to heart disease in cats. While some dogs with DCM have been found to have low taurine levels, the majority do not, and the focus has expanded to include other potential nutritional factors.
As the investigation progresses, veterinary specialists recommend that dog owners seek professional advice from veterinarians about their dogs' diets. It is suggested that dogs be transitioned to grain-inclusive diets that meet standards set by organizations like the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). It is crucial to work with veterinary professionals to ensure the nutritional requirements of dogs are met and their health is prioritized.
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Taurine deficiency may be a factor in the development of DCM in dogs
Taurine is an amino acid found almost exclusively in meat, eggs, and dairy products. It is considered an essential nutrient for cats, but not for dogs, because dogs can synthesize it in their bodies from other amino acids, such as cystine and methionine, which are present in a high-quality, rotational diet. However, some dog breeds appear to be predisposed to taurine deficiency due to low-taurine diets or diets low in taurine precursors.
Taurine deficiency has been linked to the development of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. DCM is a type of heart disease in which the heart becomes enlarged, the heart muscle becomes flabby, and it does not beat or contract effectively, leading to congestive heart failure. Early signs of DCM may include lethargy, a persistent cough, difficulty breathing, weakness, or loss of appetite.
While the exact underlying cause is not known, certain breeds, such as the American Cocker Spaniel, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, and English Setter, have been found to have a higher prevalence of taurine-deficiency DCM. It is theorized that this may be due to a naturally occurring higher requirement for taurine or a metabolic abnormality that affects their taurine synthesis or utilization. Additionally, large and giant breed dogs have been found to have lower rates of taurine production compared to small dogs.
In recent years, there has been an increase in reported cases of DCM in dogs, with some studies suggesting a link between grain-free or BEG (boutique, exotic, grain-free) diets and the development of DCM. However, the research is still ongoing, and there is currently no conclusive data showing a direct causal relationship between these diets and DCM. While taurine deficiency may be a factor in the development of DCM in dogs, it is important to consider other dietary, metabolic, and genetic factors that may also contribute to this complex condition.
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Dogs with DCM may benefit from taurine supplementation and a diet change
BEG is an acronym for boutique, exotic, and grain-free pet food. In July 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released an alert regarding reports of an increased number of dogs developing a heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). This condition causes the heart muscles to weaken, reducing the heart's ability to pump blood through the dog's body. As the condition progresses, it can lead to congestive heart failure, resulting in the sudden death of the dog.
Veterinary cardiologists have noticed a sharp increase in DCM cases over the past few years, and some studies have found a link between BEG diets and the development of DCM in dogs. While grains provide a wholesome source of essential nutrients for dogs, grain-free diets have become increasingly popular. However, it is important to note that grain allergies are very rare in dogs, and there is no proof that grain-free diets are better for them.
Taurine is an amino acid found almost exclusively in meat. While taurine is not considered an essential nutrient for dogs, some dogs can develop taurine deficiency, which has been linked to DCM. Dogs with DCM have been found to have reduced levels of circulating taurine in their blood, and taurine supplementation has been shown to improve or even resolve clinical signs of DCM. In some cases, dogs with DCM responded positively to diet change alone, without the need for taurine supplementation.
If you are concerned about heart disease in your dog, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with a veterinarian as soon as possible. While DCM can only be definitively diagnosed through an echocardiogram, x-rays may also suggest the presence of this condition. To reduce the risk of DCM, it is advised to avoid grain-free and BEG diets and choose a standard maintenance diet for your dog's life stage. Royal Canin, Purina, Hill's Science Diet, and Eukanuba are some of the brands that have been deemed safe and have stood up to laboratory testing.
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The majority of BEG diets contain peas and lentils and are grain-free
The acronym BEG in dogs' BEG diet stands for boutique, exotic, and grain-free. The majority of these diets contain peas and lentils and are grain-free.
BEG diets have been associated with an alarming increase in dogs suffering from a heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). In simple terms, this means that the heart gets big and flabby and does not beat or contract effectively. DCM can be a silent killer, resulting in the sudden death of a dog that appears normal. Early signs of heart failure include weakness, coughing, slowing down, and fainting.
Veterinary cardiologists have noticed a sharp increase in DCM cases over the past five years. In July 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced they were investigating a connection between diet and canine heart disease, specifically looking into the link between BEG diets and DCM. The investigation found that 93% of the foods implicated contain peas and lentils, and 91% are grain-free.
While the exact cause of diet-associated DCM is still unknown, it is believed that ingredient factors like fiber type, carbohydrate and protein sources, cooking methods, and individual dog characteristics may play a role. Some researchers suggest that nutrient deficiencies, particularly in taurine, could be a contributing factor. Dogs with DCM who were tested and found to have low levels of taurine were able to restore their heart function close to normal with taurine supplementation. However, most dogs with DCM did not test low for taurine but still responded positively to supplementation and diet change.
Until more is known about the link between BEG diets and DCM, pet owners are advised to seek professional advice from veterinarians about their dogs' diets. It is recommended that dogs be transitioned to a grain-inclusive diet that meets the standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
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Frequently asked questions
BEG stands for boutique companies, exotic ingredients, and grain-free diets.
Exotic ingredients can include kangaroo, lentils, duck, peas, fava beans, buffalo, tapioca, salmon, lamb, barley, bison, and chickpeas.
BEG diets have been linked to an increased risk of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a type of heart disease in dogs. DCM is characterized by an enlarged heart and decreased cardiac function, and it can lead to heart failure, arrhythmias, syncope, and sudden death.
It is recommended to transition your dog to a grain-inclusive diet with standard ingredients that meet AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards. Some recommended brands include Royal Canin, Purina, Hill's Pet Nutrition, and Eukanuba.
