When veterinary cardiologists started seeing higher numbers of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) diagnoses among large dog breeds in 2017, it prompted an investigation from the Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine (FDA-CVM) and researchers from the University of California and Tufts University. Grain-free dog food was cited as a potential reason for the disease affecting large breeds such as golden retrievers, Great Danes, and Saint Bernards. Here, learn about the connection between the illness and the food veterinarians are warning against.

Why Grain-Free Food is Not the Best For Your Dog

What Is Grain-Free Pet Food?

Grain-free dog food, also called gluten-free, features ingredients such as lentils, sweet potatoes, and peas. The food is designed to mimic ancestral canine diets because lentils and similar complex carbohydrates are more “natural” than grain. Since dog digestive systems experience difficulties digesting wheat, corn, and other grains, gluten-free food provides the alternative that protects canine stomach linings to avoid leaky guts, food allergies, and weight gain. Purebred dogs are at a higher risk for food allergies, including retrievers, boxers, and terriers. Grain-free food also supports coat and skin health, as well as high energy levels and efficient digestion.

How It Can Harm Your Canine

If grain-free options remove problematic corn and wheat additives that add bulk to mass-produced food, why is the FDA warning against gluten-free diets? The agency’s investigation followed 500 reports connecting grain-free food and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), which lowers the amount of blood a dog’s heart can pump at a time. The disease results in congestive heart failure, and affects large, and giant dog breeds the most. Medium dog breeds such as Cocker Spaniels are also at risk for DCM.

While the agency and scientists are still researching the link between grain-free food and DCM, the FDA issued a warning about 16 food brands named in the reports. Veterinarians and pet owners who believe their dogs have DCM because of grain-free food can fill out the FDA’s safety reporting portal form to add more information to this ongoing investigation.

If you feed your dog grain-free food or have any other health concerns, contact the veterinarians at Buffalo Trace Veterinary Service in Versailles, KY. The local, family-owned veterinary clinic provides preventive and diagnostic care as well as surgical procedures. Call (859) 879-3582 today to schedule an appointment or visit the veterinarians online for a list of their services. Get more pet care tips on Facebook.