dcm in dogs food list: What Dog Owners Need to Know

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Dcm in dogs food list can be a daunting topic for dog owners. Some dog foods contain a high amount of beef, which has been linked to the development of DCM.

Certain breeds, such as Great Danes and Doberman Pinschers, are more susceptible to DCM. A study found that these breeds have a genetic predisposition to the condition.

Research has shown that a diet high in taurine can help prevent DCM in dogs. Taurine is an essential amino acid found in animal-based ingredients.

Feeding your dog a balanced diet with a mix of protein sources can help reduce the risk of DCM.

Here's an interesting read: Dog Food for High Energy Dogs

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a serious heart condition that can affect dogs. It's a condition where the heart muscle becomes weak and can't pump blood effectively.

The FDA has received reports of over 560 cases of DCM in dogs, with more than 100 deaths. Most of these cases were in dogs eating grain-free diets.

Credit: youtube.com, Dog Food and DCM UPDATE

DCM is not a rare condition in dogs, but the reports of it occurring in breeds not typically prone to the disease are unusual. Between January 1, 2014 and April 30, 2019, the FDA received 524 reports of DCM.

Some of the breeds affected include Goldens, mixed-breed dogs, Labrador Retrievers, and Great Danes. The FDA found 16 dog food companies with 10 or more cases of DCM associated with their food.

Grain-free diets are not the only factor, but they are a significant one. Over 90% of the diets reported in DCM cases were grain-free. 93% of these diets contained peas or lentils, and 42% contained potatoes or sweet potatoes.

Here are some of the dog food brands that have been linked to DCM:

  • Acana (67 reports)
  • Zignature (64 reports)
  • Taste of the Wild (53 reports)
  • 4Health (32 reports)
  • Earthborn Holistic (32 reports)
  • Blue Buffalo (31 reports)
  • Nature’s Domain (29 reports)
  • Fromm (24 reports)
  • Merrick (16 reports)
  • California Natural (15 reports)
  • Natural Balance (15 reports)
  • Orijen (12 reports)
  • Nature’s Variety (10 reports)
  • Nutrisource (10 reports)
  • Nutro (10 reports)
  • Rachael Ray Nutrish (10 reports)

The exact cause of DCM is still unknown, but research suggests it may be related to abnormal absorption or metabolism of the amino acid taurine.

Federal Investigation and Studies

Credit: youtube.com, Federal dog food investigation

The FDA investigation into dog heart disease and diet has uncovered some disturbing trends. Between January 1, 2014 and April 30, 2019, the FDA received 524 reports of DCM (515 dogs, 9 cats).

The foods of concern are those containing legumes such as peas or lentils, other legume seeds, or potatoes listed as primary ingredients. These diets were consistently reported to be the primary source of nutrition for affected dogs for months to years.

The FDA found 16 dog food companies that had ten or more cases of DCM associated with their food. More than 90% of the diets were grain-free.

Medical records for four atypical DCM cases show that these dogs had low whole blood levels of the amino acid taurine. Taurine deficiency is documented as potentially leading to DCM.

Between January 2018 and April 2019, the FDA received reports of 553 dogs with DCM, a significant increase from previous years. This includes 95 Golden Retrievers, 62 mixed-breed dogs, and 47 Labrador Retrievers.

Protecting Your Dog

Credit: youtube.com, Grain-Free Dog Food Possibly Causing DCM Heart Condition in Dogs Important Info to Know

Discuss your dog's diet with your vet, as they can help you identify potential risks of DCM.

Avoid diets where pulses are among the first 10 ingredients listed, or that contain multiple pulses.

Make sure the dog food label states it meets the AAFCO requirements and is a "Complete and Balanced" diet.

If your dog develops DCM, consult with your veterinarian or veterinary cardiologist about changing their diet.

Report any DCM cases to the FDA to aid in their ongoing investigation.

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Nutritional and Health Aspects

The FDA has issued several health alerts regarding a potential link between grain-free dog foods and a serious heart condition called Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). As of April 30, 2019, there have been over 560 reported cases of DCM, with more than 100 reported deaths.

The majority of cases, around 90%, have been in dogs eating grain-free diets. These diets often contain peas, chickpeas, beans, potatoes, or sweet potatoes as primary ingredients.

Credit: youtube.com, Is there a link between Grain Free Pet food and Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Young, healthy dogs that are not typically prone to DCM are being affected, and some have even recovered after switching to a different diet. This suggests that diet may be a contributing factor to the development of DCM.

Research is ongoing to determine the exact cause of DCM in dogs eating grain-free diets, but one theory is that it may be related to a formulation problem that causes abnormal absorption or metabolism of the amino acid taurine. Taurine deficiency is known to cause DCM, and some ingredients in grain-free diets, such as lentils and potatoes, may be interfering with taurine metabolism.

Here is a list of some grain-free dog food brands that have been implicated in DCM cases:

  • Acana
  • Zignature
  • Taste of the Wild
  • 4Health
  • Earthborn Holistic
  • Blue Buffalo
  • Nature’s Domain
  • Fromm
  • Merrick
  • California Naturals
  • Natural Balance
  • Origen
  • Nature’s Variety
  • Nutrisource
  • Nutro
  • Rachel Ray Nutrish
  • Kirkland (Costco)
  • Wellness Core
  • Nutriscience
  • Canidae
  • Solid Gold
  • Primal (Raw)

If your dog has been eating one of these diets, it's essential to consider having them tested for DCM and switching to a non-grain-free diet from a reputable brand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What dog food is not linked to heart disease?

Pulses, such as lentils, beans, and peas, in grain-free dog foods are not linked to heart problems in healthy dogs. Research published in The Journal of Nutrition confirms this finding, providing reassurance for pet owners.

What is a high risk dog food?

Dogs are at risk of DCM if fed diets with legumes like peas, lentils, or potatoes as primary ingredients, which can lead to serious health issues

What dog food brands are named most frequently in DCM cases reported to the FDA?

The FDA has identified Acana and Zignature as the dog food brands most frequently linked to DCM cases, with 67 and 64 cases reported respectively. These brands are among those marketed as "grain free" and have been associated with a higher risk of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs.

Shawna Welch

Writer

Shawna Welch is a versatile and engaging writer with a passion for exploring complex topics in an approachable way. With a keen interest in animal behavior, Shawna has developed a niche expertise in canine behavioral issues, shedding light on common problems and offering actionable advice for pet owners. Her writing style is characterized by clarity, empathy, and a commitment to accuracy, making her a trusted voice in the field.

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