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The FDA has, of late, been investigating the link between grain-free dog food and canine heart disease. Why? Because the FDA knows the importance of our diet, on our wellbeing. It suspects that there is a relation between canine dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM) and a grain-free dog diet.
The
food items under investigation are legumes such as lentils and peas, legume
seeds, potatoes. These food items are common in dogs reported with DCM. While
DCM is not rare in dogs, the dog breeds reported with having this condition are
not usually the ones at risk. Hence, the FDA thought it wise to examine what
the co-relation could have been.
Can a grain-free diet really harm your dog’s heart?
The
FDA thinks so. Dilated cardiomyopathy can weaken your dog's heart muscle and lead
to cardiac failure.
When
the FDA investigated the diet being consumed by the diseased dogs, it realized
that 90% of the food examined was grain-free ie. devoid of wheat, rice, barley,
grains, soy. These diets also contained peas, lentils, and potatoes. No protein
sources were found to be problematic.
The
FDA also listed 16 brands of dog food that it believed had connections with the
development of DCM. It hasn't stated anything definitive though, and
investigations are continuing on the subject.
The
FDA received 515 reports of DCM in dogs between 2014-2019.
Should you be concerned?
As
a pet parent, you will naturally worry if the FDA suddenly comes out with a
statement linking the food you've been feeding your dog with cardiac
difficulties. Remember that the FDA is still speculating. If you're worried the
diet you've been feeding your dog is harmful to it, consult your vet.
Manufactured
dog food also contains exotic fruits, meats, and vegetables. These ingredients
could also be the culprit – one doesn't know yet. Other factors may also be
involved.
For
now, the FDA has requested pet parents to report to them, if their pet develops
DCM and they believe it could be as a result of their diet.
When
you seek your vet’s counsel, you can both monitor your dog together for
symptoms of DCM. The vet will be able to tailor a diet plan according to your
dog’s individual growth and developmental needs.
One
hundred nineteen dogs, out of those reported with DCM, have died. It's a cause
for concern.
Research is still underway,
and hopefully, we'll have the answers we seek very soon. Until then, we need to
be cautious of what we are feeding our dogs. Nothing matters more to a pet
parent than their pet's health, and no pet parent will want to jeopardize their
pet's health at any cost.