Grain-Free Dog Food and Heart Disease in Your Fur Baby

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If you’re a dog owner, you’ve seen news stories and countless social media posts regarding the recently discovered link between grain-free diets and heart disease in dogs. You’ve also probably wondered what you should believe and if this is something that could affect your own dogs. To help give us all some clarity on this subject, and on dog food in general, I reached out to my friend Sarah Garver, DVM. Here’s what she had to say.

grain free dog food and cardiac disease from Albuquerque Moms Blog

What are the most important things people need to know about grain-free diets and heart disease?

A little over  year ago, published research was released which correlated grain-free diets with early heart disease in dogs. The specific disease is called dilated cardiomyopathy-DCM for short. DCM leads to enlargement of the heart and its chambers as well as thinning of the walls. Over time the heart is not able to properly contract, leading to decreased blood flow to the body, and eventual heart failure.

Within the past few months the FDA has released a statement with known grain-free diets that have correlated with early heart disease in dogs.

The reason for the correlation is still being studied. It was originally though that these diets had a deficiency in an essential amino acid called Taurine. Taurine helps the heart contract. However, Taurine levels in these diets were found to be within normal limits. Research is ongoing. 

What are the symptoms of heart disease?

Dogs can have heart disease long before any clinical signs are appreciated. This is one of the reasons why it’s important to take your dog to their regular veterinarian at least once a year. Some clinical signs to look for are coughing (sometimes more obvious at night or when the dog is lying down), exercise intolerance, an increased respiratory rate while resting, or blue/purple gums and/or tongue. 

Is there treatment for heart disease? What’s the prognosis?

There is no way to reverse heart disease. Depending on the type and severity there are several medications that can help keep the dog comfortable and prolong their life. Prognosis also depends on the type of disease. 

What should an owner do if they suspect heart disease?

If you suspect your dog has heart disease, you should make an appointment with your regular veterinarian. Not all heart related issues can be detected on physical exam. However, there are several things your veterinarian may be able to pick up on that may suggest an abnormality with the heart. 

What should owners do who are currently feeding a grain-free diet?

There is a common misconception that dogs with food allergies should be on a grain-free diet. Research has shown that a dog with an allergy to food is almost ALWAYS reactive to the protein, not grain. The most common proteins that dogs react to are beef and chicken, two of the most common proteins in dog food.

I am currently recommending that any of my patients on a grain-free diet are switched. If you just bought a new bag of food, don’t worry! You do not need to switch immediately, but it’s time to look for other options. I recommend finding another food (with grain) that has the same type of protein that is in your current food (chicken, beef, lamb, fish, etc.). Be sure to transition to the new food slowly over the course of a week to minimize GI upset. 

Are certain breeds more likely to be affected than others?

The study was done specifically on Golden Retrievers, but any breed is at risk. It is suspected that cats are also at risk.

What should pet owners look for in a food?

Dogs come in many shapes and sizes, and there are many great brands on the market. Look for a diet with grain that best suits your pets needs. Important things to keep in mind are factors like age and lifestyle.

Where can pet owners find reputable information as things develop?

For more information on this study and associated dog food brands, visit the FDA’s website at www.FDA.gov