You have probably hear the buzz about certain dog foods and dilated cardiomyopathy, DCM. There is a lot that we don’t know but here is some information regarding about what we think is going on. In the summer of 2018, the FDA announced that it is investigating the possible link between certain diets and DCM.
First let’s talk about dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and what it is .
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a type of heart disease that affects the heart muscle in dogs. Dogs with DCM have a reduced ability to pump blood, which often results in congestive heart failure. The definitive cause is not known but it is believed to have multiple causes, including breed (which leads us to believe that there may be a genetic component) and nutrition. DCM tends to affect large and giant breed dogs. Some clinical signs associated with DCM include a decreased energy, coughing, difficulty breathing and episodes of collapse. If these signs are seen then you should take your dog to their primary care veterinarian for a full evaluation. A cardiac work up may include full lad work (such as CBC, serum chemistry and urinalysis), radiographs (x-rays) of the chest, and an echocardiogram. (ultrasound of the heart).
Some breeds are predisposed to getting DCM, below is a list of some of the more common breeds that can get DCM.
- Doberman Pinscher
- Boxer
- St. Bernard
- Great Dane
- Newfoundland
- Golden and Labrador Retrievers
- English and American Cocker Spaniel (although less common in small and medium breeds)
The foods that were associated with DCM were foods that were labeled as grain-free” These grain free diets contained a high proportion of certain ingredients including peas, lentils, other legume seeds (pulses), as well as potatoes. These foods were main ingredients (listed within the first 10 ingredients in the ingredient list of the dog food). Foods with exotic meats, certain fruits and vegetables were also listed. Most of the foods associated with DCM were eating dry dog food, but raw food, semi-moist food, and wet foods were also represented. Taurine levels (an amino acid) were not always low in the dogs affected (when checked with a blood test).
List of some dog foods that have been reported, in order of most reports. These brands are not inferior by any means, they have just been reported as foods that dogs with confirmed DCM were eating.
- Acana
- Zignature
- Taste of the Wild
- 4Health
- Earthborn Holistic
- Blue Buffalo
- Nature’s Domain
- Fromm
- Merrick
- California Natural
- Natural Balance
- Orijen
- Nature’s Variety
- Nutrisource nNutro
- Rachael Ray Nutrish
The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association recently published an article about DCM and nutrition. Unfortunately, for many of these dogs, we still do not know what is causing DCM. Ask your veterinarian if your dog should have their taurine levels checked or if they think that your dog needs a cardiac workup.
