Discerning dog parents know that the corn, wheat and grain fillers used in many commercial dog foods provide little nutritional value to their pups.
In fact, many cheap, unnecessary additives contribute to food sensitivities, allergies, obesity, and digestive problems.
Grain-free diets offer an alternative more closely resembling what a wild canine might eat – high animal protein, low carbohydrates, and an array of nutrients. The reasoning behind going grain-free is fairly straight forward, and over the past decade, the number of these diets on the market have skyrocketed.
However, in a statement released last week, the United States Food & Drug Administration warned that foods containing potatoes, peas, or lentils (or other legumes) as the main ingredients could lead to enlargement of the heart and congestive heart failure in some dogs.
The FDA did not name specific dog food brands, but noted that certain breeds have a higher risk for the specific heart condition known as canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). They recommend owners of large and giant breed dogs like Great Danes, Boxers, Newfoundlands, Irish Wolfhounds, Saint Bernards, and Doberman Pinschers use caution with diets labeled “grain-free.”
The organization stated it is working with board certified veterinary cardiologists and veterinary nutritionists to “better understand the clinical presentation of these dogs.” As of yet, they do not know how or why high levels of potatoes and legumes are linked to cases of DCM.
Symptoms of heart disease in dogs may include decreased energy, coughing, difficulty breathing, and episodes of collapse. Owners of dogs with DCM they suspect may be linked to diet are urged to use the Safety Reporting Portal or call their state’s FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators.
H/T to FoxNews
